onfused by common BPO jargon like Voice/ Non-voice?

Wondering what skills you need to get a foothold in this industry?

As the BPO sector booms in the job market today, you could also get a sizable piece of the pie.

BPO training expert Nasha Fitter spoke to Get Ahead readers on some common queries on the BPO industry.

• 3 golden rules for effective communication

asgharhussaink : How does one enter a BPO company?

Nasha Fitter : One way is to go through a recruitment company. Another is to pinpoint which BPOs you would like to target(voice/ non-voice), and then apply. Also scour newspapers and web sites like www.naukri.com for BPO jobs.

expert : What skills do I need to improve my communication skills? I am a call centre customer care executive.

Nasha Fitter : Improve your pronunciation, diction and intonation. They are important. Read a lot, watch news shows and practise speaking in front of a mirror. Good luck!

Honey : What do you think of the BPO industry? Do you think the industry will slow down, and there will be fewer job opputunities?

Nasha Fitter : No, I don't. Even now, only a small percent of US companies outsource. The scope still remains large.

Nagaraj : What are the minimum qualifications required to work in a BPO?

Nasha Fitter : It depends on the BPO. Some require a graduation degree, others let you work from your first year in college, which means you can enter after your Class XII.

JULIOCULIO : Are there any particular courses a rural student should take to brush up on communication skills prior to entering the call centre business?

Nasha Fitter : Communication skills can are improved either through education and exposure or both. For students coming from a rural background, I have noticed that indepth communication training is required. There are private institutes that offer these trainings. Many universities in the rural areas are starting professional communication training as well.

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Do you have a question for Nasha? Write to us!

Nasha Fitter operates Fitter Solutions, a communication and training organisation with expertise in public and interpersonal communication.