How to Prepare for a Telemarketing Job

Most people dread telemarketing jobs. They remember how rude they are to telemarketers and are scared to get the same kind of treatment. They are also scared that friends and family will be upset with them. However, with a little determination, a different mindset and some practice, you can prepare yourself for the job.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Someone to role-play with

Get in the Mindset

1. Realize that people will be angry with you and may be rude to you.

2. Understand that they realistically know it is not your fault, but you are a representative for the company and likely the highest up they will get. Know your company's policies for transferring the call to your manager.

3. Remember that this is just a part of your job. Don't take it personally. It happens to every telemarketer.

4. Listen to other telemarketers and copy the things that they do that are successful.

5. Ask them what they do that works and what they do that doesn't.

Brush Up Skills

6. Know the company's rules. Customers used to always be right, but sometimes they aren't now.

7. Practice staying calm with a grumpy family member or irritating sales clerk. If these aren't available, practice on anyone who annoys you.

8. Role-play with a friend.

Update Your Resume

9. Include any job where you performed customer service. Unless you were hidden and never talked to a customer, this is any job. Fast food, sales, retail and babysitting all count as customer service. Also include any job where you had to answer phones or perform direct sales.

10. Highlight special tasks you performed. Managing a retail store or assisting in your boss' absence give you that extra something employers are looking for.

11. Ask former co-workers, clients and supervisors for positive references.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that when you go to work, you may be unable to take frequent bathroom or food breaks.
• Prepare for this by training your body to go 2 to 4 hours without needing a bathroom.
• Drink more water and less tea or pop. Drink cranberry juice. This will help your bladder.
• When you begin the job, bring snacks if allowed to do so.
• Bring water with you. Any time you are on the phone for hours without a break, your throat will get dry.
• Never yell at or threaten a customer. This is the fastest way to lose your job as well as invite criminal charges and a lawsuit.

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