Agent Spartans

Jackie Pretty

2009-08-31T03:03:00.000-07:00

Jackie is very smart and down to earth. She has one of the highest scores during our training exams. She's very independent and reliable. I had the opportunity to listen to her call during the time when I had problems with my online access and was unable to take calls yet. She is very pretty not only with her smile but also with her attitude which makes me wonder why she is still single. She's not just any woman but also a lady. Don't be afraid to say hi when you see her around.

The Final Shift

2009-08-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

You've given your best and invested a lot in your work. It sometimes happens that things don't always work out. You may not be getting properly compensated for your work. Maybe you just don't see yourself in the company. Whatever the case may be, it would be better that you leave gracefully.

Before you decide to submit that resignation letter, you must first think about the options that you have available. Do you have new employment available? Have you saved enough to get you through a transition of jobs? Have you exhausted all actions to work things out in the office? Once you've considered all of this you'll at least be empowered with options.

Now just because you're leaving the company it doesn't mean that you can go bad mouthing people and leave without notice. It is not professional and reflects badly on you as a person. Do the right thing and submit your resignation letter and serve any remaining work days before the effective date of your resignation. Try to reconcile any differences you have if possible. Taking these steps will ensure that you'll not only have a better reference for your next job but also leave you with an option to return.

Process your exit papers and do all that is required as soon as possible. Delaying action would only restrict your movements.

When you've had your final shift. Take what you have learned and move forward.

Don't mess with her or Shie will mess with you.

2009-03-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

Shie is one tough cookie if I ever saw one. She brushes of pressure and works effortlessly with her customers even when they act tough. She also tells the funniest jokes that has our team leader rolling.

I wish I could have spoken to her more as I only realize now that she is a person with a lot of sense and insight.

She's always cool, calm and collected. I'm glad she's there to watch our back.

Perception Management

2009-01-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

Perception management is about building up your image that would create a positive response from other people. In the corporate setting, it is used to set a person up for better career opportunities and good working relationships. This is not about sucking up to your boss because it doesn't always work and could potentially backfire. It's about putting your best foot forward and being a the person that the company can rely on.

You should not try to pretend to be someone you're not in order to maintain good perception management. The following are practices I've observed from others and try to incorporate.

Listen when they say "Cleanliness is next to godliness." This does not only pertain to your work station but your personal hygiene as well. You don't want people talking behind your back about how you smell. It creates a more pleasant impression and shows that you can take care of yourself. This is also needed for a healthy lifestyle.
Observe courtesy and proper language in the business place. Even if you have a close relationship with your peers, it would be prudent to use language appropriate for work. This would allow others to take you seriously when you need to talk about important matters.
Give a little more than what is expected of you. If they need people to do overtime or there's a project that needs work, volunteer if you can afford to. This shows that your concern for the company and your future in it. Don't take work that you can't handle though. Doing an excellent job in task assigned to you can also give amazing results.

You don't need to make drastic changes to your persona. You just need to be yourself and let your best characteristics shine.

The Trainer

2009-01-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

I owe a lot to Dimples. She was our trainer for culture training. She corrected a lot of slips and mistakes in my speech and accent. I still have a lot of room for improvement but I'm now able to minimize my mistakes. Dimples is strict in her class and takes her work seriously. This actually works to the advantage of her students. I've known her before I entered the same company and she still takes me by surprise when I see her. She's a very compassionate person with virtues matched only by her beauty.

Lord Of The Land

2008-08-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

Putchie was meditating his fate during his stay in Baguio. The failure of the aeronautics program made him realize that maybe his fortune lies elsewhere. While sitting lazily on the fields, he was inspired to enter the agriculture industry. He started out as a farm hand doing menial jobs like tilling the soil, planting crops, taking care of farm animals etc. At first, he was getting a sense of accomplishment being able to do things he has not done before. This did not last very long though. He was the breadwinner of the family and he was not making enough money to support them. He also found that he needed excitement which he could not find in agriculture.

Augusto Ortega

2008-08-12T01:21:00.000-07:00

Augusto Ortega could possibly be the best agent out there but unfortunately his frail health makes him vulnerable to sickness and injury. This condition has accosted him his attendance. There are times when he would have to stay home for weeks. He is forced to fight boredom playing Cabal during these miserable times. He would sometimes confess that he is sometimes embarrassed that he couldn't attend work and is worried of how this may affect the team. He is however indispensable as his knowledge of the system is extraordinary and has even won an award for his performance. His pursuit for excellence and diligent work is inspirational throughout the floor. I wish you good health my friend.

Queen Of The Night

2008-08-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

Gui, our team leader, likes to work hard and party harder. When I look at her, I see a woman who has been through a lot but still manages to smile. It takes a special kind of person to lead a group as energetic and intense as ours and she is more than qualified for the task. The Agent Spartans are not easy to handle. We have very strong personalities that intimidate even our seniors. What I admire from her is the respect she gives to people no matter what their place may be. A person who respects others demands respect as well. In her examples we strive to work hard and party harder.

Reach For The Sky

2008-08-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Getting the job is only the beginning of an employee's career. Once you get hired, you should consider the options you have available. Do you want to be a team leader, a trainer or a quality specialist in the future? If there is a position you want, you should plan ahead and take concrete steps towards that end. You should look for the shortest route towards your goal and try to get it as soon as possible because the longer it takes, the more difficult it would be for you to move forward. Here are some a few steps that may be helpful for those seeking a better position in the company.

Get information. Find out what qualifications are required for your desired position. When is the soonest opportunity you could apply? Is there a special skill or training needed? What is the level of performance needed to qualify. Once you have finished with your research, you can take concrete actions that would lead you closer to your goal.
Exceed expectations. Aim higher than what is required of you. If you're work performance is just average, you're chances of getting a promotion is slim. It takes hard work to succeed. They wont give you the position you desire if your mediocre.
Be proactive. Make your intentions to apply for another position be known. You could even ask your immediate superior for help if you have their trust. Take the initiative and make things happen. No one else will help you if you don't help yourself.

There are other factors that may affect your chances of getting a promotion but working on the things the you can control can make a big difference. The possibilities are endless for those who dare to follow their dreams.

Ace Up Your Sleeve

2008-08-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

There are times when I would search for people whom I can lean on when life deals me a heavy blow. I would consider Ace among those people. He is a good friend who would stand by my side and is not afraid to voice out his concern when I lose my way. We would often talk about little things like riding the bike on the way to work or rumors in the office. I consider this time well spent. He carries his respect for people in his calls and would make an excellent senior customer service representative in the near future.

Agent Spartans is now registered with Technorati. Here's a link to my profile.

2008-08-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

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Bon's Birthday Celebration

2008-08-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to be invited to Bon's birthday party yesterday. I wanted to go there in style so I brought the Rex Mobile with me and picked up a few of the Agent Spartans on the way there. The music just started when we arrived and were only so happy to see the buffet composed of lechon, liempo, palabok and sisig. We played a few rounds of frog tag and had a good time with the karaoke machine while having our share of Red Horse beer for the rest of the evening. I only wish that the rest of the gang could attend. Get well soon Glenn. It's unfortunate but you missed one hell of a party.

Señor, A Legend Is Born

2008-07-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

Our featured agent asked us to keep his true identity secret for fear of public scrutiny. We are therefore hiding him under the name of Putchie. Putchie is a tall giant of a man raised from the streets of Mindoro. His talents and charismatic appeal can only be surpassed by his love for carnal pleasure. During the term of former president Estrada, he was among the few assigned to the Philippine aeronautics program. They were supposed to design commercially affordable planes that could service the Filipino people for public transport. Unfortunately the program ended prematurely when the former president was ousted. Putchie was devastated. He attempted to pilot their experimental plane to prove its success but he crash landed in Baguio where he chose to stay for a long period of time. The epic adventures of Jonathan Putchie cannot be covered under a single profile. We are therefore dedicating an entire section to him entitled "The Putchie Chronicles".

Ingrid Samson

2008-07-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

When we were still in training, I would often see her get her coffee fix at Starbucks before going to work. She carries herself well and her humor is always in good taste. I've never seen anyone so prim and proper. She is a psychology major with a talent for magic and a decent singer who can carry her own in a karaoke bar. We helped each other when we were still new in our account. I admire her professionalism and grace under pressure. To the enchantress, may the magic never end.

Ace's Birthday Bash

2008-07-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the birthday of Ace yesterday filled booze and non-stop movie fun. The celebration, I was informed, started earlier in the morning. I arrived at five just in time to see the sun setting over the horizon from the penthouse suite Ace rented for the event. The guest were treated a generous serving of dinugoan, pancit, pinapaitan, and tuna. All that food topped with Red Horse was truly a feast for kings. Guest from the Agent Spartans include yours truly, Augie, Bon, Glen, and Putchie. It was a very memorable night that we wish others could have attended.

Improving Your Communication Skills

2008-07-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

A significant number of call centers in the Philippines require potential agents to have mastery of the English language. During the interview they would already gauge your potential based on how you communicate. Although companies usually provide language training for new employees, it would still be prudent to work on your English during your own free time. There are several things you can do to polish your English.

For starters, you could practice speaking in English during casual conversations. You just need to get used to speaking in English normally without having to resort to transliteration. Practice builds confidence and competence so you could speak the language naturally.
You could also watch American shows or news channels like CNN or BCC so you can observe how they use terms and mimic their pronunciation.
You could also go back to the basics and read your old text books. I suggest getting a copy of "Elements of Style" by Strunk and White. It is actually more a guide for writing than speaking but it would still give you helpful tips in correcting your subject verb agreement, how to use articles, and how to construct sentences.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Speaking is your bread and butter so always strive for continuous improvement.

Isko Percil

2008-07-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

Isko is humble, approachable, and down to earth. He is a very diligent worker. He is always present and on time. I know for a fact that he is among the few agents who would do overtime when it is offered. He may seem under the radar but you'll appreciate his dedication to work and efforts to help the team. You can just approach his station if you need help or just want to have a chat. Look for Isko among the Agent Spartans.

Glenn, Anak ng Mais

2008-07-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

This is the only decent picture I could find of Glenn. When they say that the call center office is full of sex, drugs and alcohol, just look at this picture and you'll wonder. This bad boy is not a beacon of the unholy, nor is he a servant of chaos. Glenn is simply living rock and roll. He is an excellent guitarist with rhythm in his heart and music in his soul. His lifestyle however does not get in the way of his work. You ask and he will deliver. Our only wish is that he will show up at work with clothes on. Keep on rocking dude.

The Job Interview

2008-07-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Job interviews can be nerve racking if you are not prepared. I've attended a few job interview during my search for employment. Some of them were successful while others were not. Here are a few things I've learned which may be helpful.

Gather information about the position you're applying for. This would make you more knowledgable about the responsibilities you may be given. Having the background of the company would also enable you to see the options you have available in the future.
Imagine the possible questions and practice your answers. This will enable you to build confidence during your interview.
Look your best for an interview. I would suggest wearing something formal since it creates the impression that you are serious with your application. You don't really need to wear designer clothes or something flashy. You just need to look clean and decent so the interviewer will take you seriously.
Be courteous and polite. A little courtesy goes a long way in earning the respect of others.
Come on time. I would suggest coming at least fifteen minutes ahead of time so you can get yourself settled and prepared.

There are many more things that you could do to create a good first impression. Just relax take and take a deep breath. Your chances will always be better if you have success in your mind.

Meet Joe Black

2008-07-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Pira, better known as Joe, doesn't resemble Brad Pitt in any way. What they do have in common is a great personality and a lot of depth. His approach to customer service is very direct and no nonsense. I heard he once told a customer "Mam, are you going to cry or are you going to pay?" and "If you want to have service, you have to make sacrifices." People may sometimes mistake his attitude as being mean but he is just being assertive. He probably has the highest quality score in our batch and consistently performs. When he isn't taking calls, you will find that Joe is mild mannered, religious, and a gentleman. He talks about his commitment to God and relationships with passion and intensity. A man of complexity and excellence, he will always be among the best.

Bon, James Bon

2008-06-30T01:15:00.000-07:00

Bonnier Lunaria is a man of action and adventure. Whenever he's not at work, he enjoys his time playing air soft, slaying monsters of Cabal, cooking and making people rock. Friendly and unassuming he's always willing to help fellow agents in need. He also brings his drive at work which also energizes people around him. To agent 007, we drink to your health.

Anne "The Warrior Princess" Brecio

2008-06-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

Although she is smart, sexy and cool, Anne is actually very down to earth. The reason she is called warrior princess is because she kicks like a mule. Just kidding. It's actually because she's one of the boys. She is a capable CSR, physical therapist and fitness trainer. A month ago, her performance at work made her the top ten agent on the floor. She is a very dependable person and has a good moral character. These outstanding feature make us proud to welcome her among the Agent Spartans.

Building a Competitive Resume

2008-06-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

Every job application begins with a properly written resume. You may be qualified for the job but if it doesn't stand out, you may lose your edge from the other applicants. Take the time to review it and get a second opinion. Remember the following when writing your resume.

A resume should be written purposefully. It should show what you could do and how you standout from other applicants.
Keep it short and simple. Try not to overwhelm your prospective employer with information that are not relevant to your application.
Don't lie in your resume.

For more tips and sample resumes you may check out "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume" by Susan Ireland.

Wet and Wild!

2008-06-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

We went to Pansol last May for a summer escapade. Attendees include Ace, Anne, Augie, Bon, Glenn, Gui, Francis, Joe, the Putchero family, Ryan and yours truly. We enjoyed a number of activities which includes swimming, karaoke, water basketball among others. What I enjoyed most was the karaoke which livened up the night while we drank and shared stories. I hope we can do it again when we get our schedules organized.