What was your first job?
I had a paper-round when I was very young – does that count?
Between the ages of 12 – 16, I'd do the morning round before
school. I am the youngest of 5 siblings, and rather than pocket
money we all earned our own money this way.
What is it you like best about what you do?
I really enjoy meeting people, and get a lot of satisfaction of knowing that I am helping people to find employment, especially with a company I believe in that is moving in the right direction.
What don't you enjoy?
My work life is all good! Generally I'm very accepting but I
do like people to be well mannered in all walks of life. Acknowledging
someone for an act of kindness (be it someone letting your
car in front of theirs or holding a door open) is a small courtesy
and doesn’t cost anything. I also don’t understand why some
people think its okay to misuse parent and disabled car parking
spaces in supermarkets.
What preconceptions did you have about contact centre
work (and were they true)?
I honestly did not have any preconceptions when I joined British Gas. I saw them as a well established, secure company and a place where I could build a career. I’ve been here over 13 years now and still enjoy coming to work, which is important.
Briefly describe a typical day?
It's difficult to describe a typical day, as the role is so diverse. I could be at a job fair explaining about a vacancy, or visiting a careers advice or training centre talking about the application process. A lot of my time is taken up administering the recruitment process, ensuring new employees are looked after and conducting analysis to ensure the process is the best it can be.
What skills have you brought to your new job?
A positive attitude, approachable nature, plenty of commitment and a desire to give the very best of myself in everything I do.
Why would you recommend working in a contact centre
to friends/relations?
If you like helping people this is an excellent way to progress. You can make people happy, save people money, and if you want to further your career there are lots of options open to you. A lot of people with retail backgrounds find that this is the next step in their career progression.
If you take one thing with you on a desert island
what would it be?
My family. Is that cheating!? If they're not allowed, probably a guitar, or a radio… or maybe a rowing boat – I'd miss too many things.
What's your guilty pleasure?
My games console! Complete waste of time I know, but an hour or so every now and then is my way to completely unwind. It used to be my music, but I can get a little bit loud and would wake my 2 year old son if I did that now!
If you were an animal, what would you be?
I would have to say a Labrador, after having one as part of the family – they have such wonderful personalities and a beautiful temperament.
