In a Call Center, Freelancers Should Look Professional, Too

In tough economies, people are finding it increasingly necessary to work as freelancers.  One of the largest available job pools for freelancers can be found at call centers.  A position often open to freelancers in such businesses is Call Center Order Taking. 

You may find this type of position more attractive than making cold calls since customers are not only familiar with the goods/services the company provides, but are ready to place an order.  This can result in feeling increasingly reinforced as you close more deals.  

Professionalism and Upward Mobility as a Freelancer

In larger call centers, there are other opportunities, many involving virtual networks where interactions are provided in real time via email, chats, customer-initiated calls either to or from the customer or providing quotes. 

However, as freelancers are not permanent employees they are infrequently considered for these types of positions.  To be considered a serious candidate, you have to convince management you can quickly learn new skills, are willing to go beyond what’s expected of you, and possess a reputation for always having a positive attitude and being a “go to” person for solving problems.

What is a crucial component to convincing management you are the right person for a higher-level position?  You have to look and act the part.

Professionalism When the Customer Never Sees You

Even in call center order taking, it’s important for you to act and look professional at all times.  Dressing in a smart manner immediately creates a professional mindset and will increase your confidence and motivation which will come across to co-workers and customers.  Managers will be more likely to view you as a competent professional as opposed to someone just biding their time until something better comes along.  This may cause them to keep you in mind when a higher-level position opens.

All Freelancers Need to Appear Professional

Whether you’re working in call center order taking or another type of freelance position where you might not have frequent direct face-to-face customer contact, professionalism is critical for success.  As the saying goes, you only get to make a first impression once.  When showing up to meet a potential client or interview for a job it’s always better to dress on the more formal side then to dress down if appropriate at the second meeting.

You have to act and perform your job professionally as well.  As a freelancer it’s your name on the line.  It’s up to you to keep clients or employers happy.  Even if the position is only temporary, clients who are impressed with you will be happy to recommend you to their other contacts. This is how freelancers stay employed.  Always appearing and behaving professionally will go a long way to establishing a positive reputation, convincing clients/employer you can achieve the job for which you were hired.

Citations:

• Photo Credit: title="State Farm Call Center" by State Farm, on Flickr
• Photo Credit: title="call center" by vlima.com, on Flickr

Attached Images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source 
•  License: Creative Commons image source 

Helen Hoefele is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow her at: @For_You_To_Know.