Fresh graduates: Write an effective CV for a BPO job

Writing an effective CV is a tricky job for fresh graduates, especially because all of them pass out with same academic qualifications. We list down some small things which candidates can include in their CVs to make that big difference.

In the last article we discussed about writing an effective CV for the IT industry. This article is an attempt to give you an insight into writing an effective CV for a BPO job.

The high attrition rates in the BPO industry call for a need to recruit the suitable candidates. An effective CV for any industry would provide the recruiter maximum information about the suitability of the candidates. This means that in addition to the educational qualifications, you need to analyse the qualities required to work in that industry and focus your CV on them.

Here is a list of certain traits for BPO industry around which you should draft your CV to make it stand out from other fresh graduates:

The author is the co-founder of www.CareerRide.com, a website that provides questions you can expect during an IT Interview with their answers. Also, practice the technical and non-technical tests you can expect at an interview. 

1. Any background in hospitality industry

The call centre business is about offering a good service to customers. While many graduates from other streams also apply for the jobs in BPO industry, if you have undergone training or project in the hospitality industry, you would have an edge over others. Mention this at a prime place in your CV.

2. Resourcefulness

A call centre agent is required to understand customer's problem and offer a satisfactory solution in minimum time. So, this business needs people who understand things quickly and remember the products features.

If you have ever participated in case studies, this example can be very useful both in your CV as well as during the interviews.

3. Languages

While working in a call centre in India you might have to deal with English or Hindi speaking customers. At times you may also have to deal with customers speaking a regional language. So, you should demonstrate your proficiency in English and Hindi. Proficiency in a local language will be an added advantage.

4. Sense of responsibility

Call centre agents are on the front line of a company while dealing with customers and their irresponsible attitude can lead to loss of some important customers. So, you should demonstrate your sense of responsibility in your CV.

If you are a member of a NGO or discharge other social responsibilities by teaching poor kids, donating blood etc, these examples can help you in making your CV more interesting.

5. Good listening skills

A customer would not call you up at a call centre to say 'thank you'. They would call up when they have a problem. This needs you to have a great deal of patience and good listening skills. Providing proper place to your listening skills in your CV will help you in getting it short-listed.

6. Positive attitude

The success of a company depends on the positive and problem-solving attitude of its employees. These traits are more important in the front line employees of a call centre as they are the ones facing the customer.

7. Presence of mind

Not always will you be able to answer a customer's questions based on the training imparted. Being a call centre executive, you need to have a lot of presence of mind to answer un-expected questions from the customers.

So, if you think you can have ready answers to some tricky questions, let this quality find a place in your CV.

People who understand their responsibilities being a call centre agent do very well in the business. So, if you have the above qualities, provide ample place to them in your CV to make it stand out.