13th JUNE - 18th JUNE

Myths & Realities about BPO’s

Myth: BPO industry is short-lived Reality: BPOs are here to stay. The industry is well established with strong infrastructure, technology, and workforce.

Myth: Jobs in BPOs are at risk Reality: BPOs have deep roots in the western world. It is very unlikely that the jobs in BPOs in India would dry up. Myth: Chinese and Russian BPO industries will soon overtake Indian BPO industry. Reality: English Language is a major barrier that China and Russia have to overcome along with various other barriers to overtake Indian BPO industry. A large pool of talented individuals, today, is one of India's biggest strengths and advantages. So there is a very small possibility of China and Russia overtaking the Indian BPO industry in the coming years. Myth: Many big players are withdrawing their businesses due to quality and security issues in India. Reality: A few companies may have withdrawn their businesses from India, but such cases are not appearing very frequently. Initially these companies may have withdrawn their businesses from India, but many of them have sent much more work to India later on. Myth: Attrition (reduction of work force) in Indian BPOs is high due to job frustration and odd shifts. Reality: Most youngsters are jumping from one job to another because they are getting tremendous job opportunities. And they have no problems working in night shifts too. Attrition is more in Indian BPOs because BPO competitors are offering more salaries or better designations and not because they are frustrated. Myth: The only work that employees have to do in BPOs is taking calls. The roles are limited to customer support officers, technical support officers, and team leaders. Reality: There are many job roles other than taking calls in BPOs like Quality, Human Resource, Finance, IT, Project Management, Training, Facilities Management, etc. Taking calls is not the only thing that has to be done there. The job profile depends upon the skills and qualifications of the employee. Myth: Working in BPOs results in monotony and health-related problems due to long sitting hours and continuous speaking. Reality: BPOs provide proper health care facilities, work environment, and recreational activities for the employees. Many BPOs provide indoor games such as balls, carom boards, chess, etc. to their employees on the floor to remove the monotony of the job.

“Five” Creative Tips for Finding a Retail Job When Unemployment is High

If you're looking for a job, but you're limiting your job search to the obvious sources like newspaper ads, job websites, then you are lacking behind others. If you don't want to get lost in the growing job search crowd, you'll need to find a way to outsmart your job-seeking competition. Use these tips to find job openings, beat the recession, and get off the unemployment line fast.

1. Socialize

It’s time to get all those friendsters, buddies, and cyber contacts you’ve been collecting working for you. Get as many locals as you can on your buddy list and then send out a note asking them who’s hiring. Surely somebody will know somebody who’s looking for somebody.

2. Think Small If you're looking for a Retail Sales position, focus on companies that receive less foot traffic. Less traffic and fewer applicants mean less competition for you!

3. Keep your eyes open Don’t conclude that a company isn’t hiring just because there’s no ad in the newspaper and no sign in the window. Unless there is an urgent need, many companies will only advertise job openings on their own websites. Visit the company’s website and look for links like “Careers” or “About Us” or “Company Info.” Click around these pages until you find the listing of available positions in the

company.

4. Expand your search If you're looking for a part-time, entry-level, hourly, or seasonal position, there are several websites that are specifically promoting jobs that pay an hourly wage. Since many hourly wage jobs are in the retail industry, a search of these hourly-pay sites will reveal positions that are not even listed on other job portals.

5. Dare to make the Jump If you want to work in the Retail industry, but it doesn't have anything to offer you right now, don't be afraid to make the hop (jump) into another industry. It's important to remember that you take your experience with you wherever you go. You can learn, grow, and achieve in any industry. By hopping into a completely new job, and gaining new knowledge and skills, you will be even more valuable when the Retail industry rebounds and starts hiring talent like you again.

Importance of “English” Language

English is one of the most important languages in the world. It can even be said to be the single most important language. Yes, other languages are important too, but not for the same reasons as English is. English is important because it is, maybe, the only language that truly links the whole world together.

English can be used as a language in any part of the world. This is because at least a few people in each locality would know the language. Though these people might not have the same accent as others, the language at least will be understandable. There are various reasons for the importance of English language. They are listed below: 1. Universal Language: When a person travels to another part of the world either for the sake of business or even as a tourist, the languages may differ. In these conditions, English is the language that helps people to deal with the situation. It is like a universal language. 2. Same country: In countries like India, where the land is so vast with people of various cultures live, the languages of each part of the country also differ. Under the circumstances, English can be the only link as people in each place will not be able to learn all the other languages to communicate with the people. English bridges this gap and connects the people. 3. Education / Studies: The presence of English as a universal language assumes importance in the fact that more and more people leave their countries not only for the sake of business and pleasure, but also for studying. Education has increased the role of English. People who go to another country to study can only have English as their medium of study. This is because the individual will not be able to learn a subject in the local language of the country. This again reinforces the fact that English language is very important. 4. Correspondence: All conversations between offices in different countries and also between political leaders of various countries are in English. This linking factor also tells of the importance of English language. 5. Internet: In spite of the growth of Internet in various languages, English is the mainstay of the Internet users. This is the language in which most of the information and websites are available. It is very difficult to translate each and every relevant webpage into the language of various countries. With Internet becoming very important in E-commerce and also in education, English language is bound to grow. Thus the importance of English as a language is emphasized.

Career Opportunities in BPO’s

BPO is a sector that provides high paying jobs to new graduates. The most common and well-known BPO operation is "The Call Centers". BPOs usually pay higher salaries than other industries. This is why job seekers are opting BPOs over other sectors.

Entry-level jobs in BPOs:

1. Voice based services (Telephonic interactions- Inbound or Outbound)

2. Non-Voice based services (Email, Chat, Transaction Processing, Telemarketing, Web-based technical support or analyzing of customer specific data, claims processing and processing of finance & accounting transactions).

Qualification - Good command over English (oral and written).

3. Team Leader: Minimum 2 years of experience at starting level, domain knowledge, and management and team leading traits are required.

Salaries in BPOs: The average salaries of BPO employees can be:

Designations Salaries

Customer Care Representatives [CSRs] Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000 per month

Team Leaders Rs. 17,000 to Rs. 26,000 per month

Trainers Rs. 2 lacs to Rs. 5 lacs per annum

Managers Rs. 3 lacs to Rs. 5.5 lacs per annum

Training Heads Rs. 8 lacs to Rs. 12 lacs per annum

Training Managers Rs. 5 lacs to Rs. 8 lacs per annum

Experienced professionals or professionals with BE, B.Tech, C.A., MBA degrees are paid higher salaries depending upon the expertise, work profile, and experience. Apart from salaries, incentives are also given for attendance, target completion, performance, etc.