Best Call Center Jobs For Seniors

A “call center” job used to mean just what it said – a job at a desk inside a physical call center room within an office building. In recent times, a call center job can be located at your desk in your home, where you are part of a “virtual call center” network – hooked up via the internet.

With the advancement of internet technologies and with the restrictions and health concerns caused by the COVID epidemic, the popularity of virtual call centers has steadily grown. Companies also can save money by people working from home, rather than in expensive office building space, further increasing these types of jobs.

This situation is very helpful for seniors looking for work, as many of them have no desire to commute or be stuck in a crowded physical call center for hours at a time. There are many different kinds of virtual call center jobs, as discussed below.

Sales - Inbound and Outbound

This type of job is more commonly referred to as telemarketing. There are two basic types of these jobs – Inbound, where people call and message you; and Outbound, where you call or message people. The communication is done via voice, text and email – either one or a combination of these methods. Some of these positions involve contact with sales leads or “cold calling”, also known as prospecting.

These jobs are usually high volume, especially if inbound. These are good jobs for people who like action and are communicators, both verbally and in writing. Also, you will need a fast and reliable internet connection, modern computer, headset with microphone and a quiet place to work.

Customer Care and Success

These jobs are also sometimes labeled as customer service, customer support and technical support. Most of the time this job is inbound in nature, but you will often be responding to a message or request that was made by the customer. There are many types of this job, such as: handling inquiries and complaints about an order placed, how to use the company’s website, how to use a product the customer bought, billing and payment inquiries, etc.

While not typically as high volume as sales positions, there will be more importance placed on each call, because it could mean keeping or losing a customer. Therefore, you will need to be customer focused, positive, a good communicator and problem solver. Basic knowledge and skill in using customer service computer applications is also usually required, but many companies will train you.

Reservation and Appointment Agent

Although these jobs are similar to sales, they are more specialized. Instead of a product being sold, here you are “selling” a reservation or an appointment. Many Reservation Agents work within a virtual call center and take reservations for airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour companies and the like.

Appointment Agents or Setters work with all sorts of companies to arrange an appointment for one of their sale reps. Also, many service types of companies use these workers, such as: medical businesses, auto repair centers, plumbing and electrician companies, cable and internet companies, etc.

Typical Job Requirements

– Proficient phone and computer skills

– Fast and accurate typing ability

– Friendly, patient and helpful demeanor

– High problem solving ability

– Quiet work space, modern computer and fast and reliable internet connection

Job Opportunities

Banks, airlines, hotels, and cruise lines are all good potential employers for call center jobs. All major employment sites, such as Monster and Indeed will have these types of jobs under the listing of call center, customer service and phone sales. Also, check the job listings on the AARP website and on your local newspaper’s website.

Some the best call center jobs are offered by the following companies:

– Progressive Insurance

– American Express

– Liveops Call Centers

– Kelly Services

– Capital One Bank