The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector is a major industry. It provides a lot of jobs and makes a lot of money.
In 2018, it made over $24 billion and offered more than 1.3 million jobs. This industry is also causing a big increase in property prices and people buying things. It attracts a lot of skilled workers too. In 2019, there were 396 special areas where businesses can operate in the country.
70% of these areas are for BPO companies and 167 are in metro Manila. This shows how important the BPO sector is. Many young people are interested in working in this sector. They like the good pay, the chance to learn on the job and other benefits.
What Are BPO Jobs?
BPO employment is available in companies that offer outsourcing services to businesses. For example, say a company’s sales department employs an IT firm to assist its staff with potential computer problems. In this situation, the IT process is outsourced to a third-party vendor.
Types Of BPO Jobs
If you want to enter the BPO industry, there are two types of jobs:
Voice-based outsourcing
Employees in voice-based or back-office outsourcing either troubleshoot problems for customers or offer services and products to them. Most occupations are offshore and involve customer service, finance, billing, accounting, and data processing. It comprises two parts:
- Inbound process: Staff answer all incoming calls and troubleshoot any issues that arise. These staff attempt to handle problems over the phone by creating a relevant ticket or complaint regarding the situation.
- Outbound process: Employees in the outbound process must call clients to pitch and sell a company’s services or products. For example, BPO staff working for a bank will phone customers to market credit cards or insurance plans. As a result, it is critical to explain the company’s products and services in a customer-friendly manner.
Non-voice based process
Employees in non-voice-based or front-office outsourced jobs are not required to attend meetings or make phone calls. Employees in a non-voice approach work through chats and emails to resolve consumer issues. As a result, this profession demands a candidate to have exceptional writing and typing skills.
Advantages Of A BPO Job
Here are some benefits of working in this industry:
- Demand: BPO positions are always in demand since businesses in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, technology, business management, manufacturing, and education, can outsource a portion of their operations.
- Faster growth: you can choose from a variety of career options. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to service both domestic and foreign clients. It helps you improve your skillset and grow your profession faster.
- Workplace flexibility: If you value flexibility, a position in BPO offers tremendous flexibility in terms of working hours and continuing education.
- Higher salary: Entry-level positions pay more than other industries that employ people with only a higher secondary degree.
Also Read: 4 steps to a fulfilling career in BPO
Skills Required for BPO Job
This job role requires special expertise. Employers prefer candidates with strong communication skills because they will be interacting with clients. The work also requires fluency in speaking and a pleasant voice. The ability to navigate the internet, decent typing abilities, the capacity to send and receive emails, and knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets will help you be employed faster. Furthermore, many BPO jobs demand a candidate to communicate directly with consumers, which requires patience when receiving calls and responding to inquiries.
Steps to get a BPO Job as Entry-Level
1. Polish your English, a BPO job is all about communication skills
Company representatives must have, both, a clear understanding of the industry and a good command of the English language when working with the BPO sector. Since the job is more about efficient communication skills, you need to make sure that aspects like correct pronunciation and diction are in order.
Keep in mind that being courteous and understanding are very important traits as well when aspiring for a job in the BPO sector.
2. Master the answer to ‘Tell me about yourself’
‘Tell me about yourself’ is a general question that candidates are asked irrespective of the industry. It remains one of the most critical tools for an interviewer to gauge how confident you are. Take your time, visualise your answer and reply in the most concise manner possible. This will help you gather your thoughts and shrug off any feeling of nervousness.
If required, practice answering this question at home multiple times so that you don’t make any mistakes during the interview.
3. Remain calm and answer questions confidently
As stated above, practising with mock interviews at home will decrease the chances of you making mistakes on the day of the interview. Also, doing so will make you more confident to face all kinds of questions calmly.
4. Present yourself properly and follow proper etiquette
Generally, a BPO job doesn’t require you to wear a suit and tie, but this doesn’t mean that you should turn up for the interview looking grumpy and unkempt. Making a great first impression starts with a good appearance and that is only possible if your choice of clothes is appropriate for an interview.
5. Trust your instincts and capabilities
Just because a BPO job appears to be easy, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. The following questions may seem generic, but your candidature depends on how smartly and aptly you answer them. These include:
• What is a BPO and how does it work?
• Are you comfortable with night shifts?
• What is offshore outsourcing?
• What is the difference between in-bound and out-bound call centres?
• Why do you think BPO is the right career choice for you?
• Will you be comfortable handling customers on the phone?
• Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Work on these key tips and you will be able to land a BPO job in no time. Explore the internet to widen your understanding of BPO jobs, and start applying for opportunities online.
How To Prepare For A BPO Interview?
Follow these steps to prepare for your upcoming BPO interview:
1. Learn about the position
Before attending an interview, you should prepare for some often asked BPO interview questions, such as “Why do you want to work in a BPO?” or “What attracts you towards a BPO?” Learn about the responsibilities and obligations of the position you’re applying for. Begin by reflecting on why you are applying for a certain employment role and why you believe you are a good fit for the position. Learning about the position will allow you to confidently answer questions during the interview.
2. Consider the skills necessary for the job
Read the job description to learn about the basic abilities required to complete routine duties. This could include improving your communication, patience, and listening abilities. To carry out their obligations, BPO staff must also have basic computer abilities. The availability of these fundamental skills will make you a strong contender for any BPO position.
3. Practise for the interview
During a BPO interview, you may be asked detailed and behavioural questions about your experience to see whether you are a suitable match for the team. Questions such as “What is the difference between outbound and inbound processes?” or “What do you mean by LPO and KPO?” or “What are the different types of BPO?” necessitate extensive training.
4. Learn about the company
Employers frequently prefer candidates who have examined their company’s mission statement, long-term goals, and workplace culture. Also, investigate the company’s impact on the industry and what distinguishes it from the competition. If you have this information, you can ask specific and appropriate questions of your prospective employer.
5. Show eagerness to learn
Many BPO jobs necessitate training for new processes. To succeed at work, you must constantly learn new skills. Thus, it is critical to demonstrate openness and eagerness to learn during an interview. Reflect on this mindset in your responses if you want to be hired for a desirable job.
6. Dress appropriately
Deciding what to dress for a BPO interview is just as important as answering correctly during the interview. Employers typically favour business casuals. Collared shirts, dress pants, dark shoes and professional tops are just a few dresses that can help you show yourself professionally to potential employers.
Also Read: How to get a BPO Job as a Fresher
FAQ on Tips to Get BPO Job as a Fresher
Q:1 What qualifications or skills are required to get a BPO job as a fresher?
A: While specific requirements may vary depending on the company, common qualifications for BPO jobs as a fresher typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, good communication skills in English, basic computer knowledge, and the ability to work in a team.
Q:2 How can I find BPO job vacancies for freshers?
A: There are several ways to find BPO job vacancies as a fresher. You can search online job portals, visit career websites of BPO companies, attend job fairs, network with professionals in the industry, or seek assistance from recruitment agencies specializing in BPO placements.
Q:3 What steps should I take to increase my chances of getting a BPO job as a fresher?
A: To enhance your chances of securing a BPO job as a fresher, it is advisable to focus on improving your English language skills, both spoken and written. Additionally, gaining basic knowledge of commonly used computer applications and showcasing a positive attitude, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills during interviews can significantly boost your prospects.
Q:4 Are there any training certifications that can help me prepare for a BPO job as a fresher?
A: Yes, there are training programs and certifications available that can help you prepare for a BPO job as a fresher. Look for courses that focus on English communication skills, customer service, and basic computer applications. These programs can provide you with valuable knowledge and skills relevant to the BPO industry.
Q:5 What should I expect during the interview process for a BPO job as a fresher?
A: The interview process for a BPO job as a fresher usually involves multiple stages. It may include a preliminary screening, aptitude tests, group discussions, and a final interview. Prepare for the interview by researching the company, practising common interview questions, and showcasing your enthusiasm, teamwork abilities, and willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic work environment.
