By Todd G. Dickson, Las Cruces Bulletin
When Cathy Holloway heard on the news that Convergys in Las Cruces was hiring 300 new workers, she grabbed her résumé and collected her letters of references to apply Tuesday, March 26. She moved here from Seattle a couple of weeks ago, but unlike many of the other applicants, she brings 20 years of experience as a call center representative.
After completing computer testing that afternoon, Holloway said she was optimistic – and confident – that she would be offered a job. “This is the kind of work I’ve been doing for a long time now,” she said during a break before her interview.
The expansion was welcome news for Holloway, who knows the job market is tight. Prior to the Convergys announcement, she was considering applying at call centers in El Paso. Holloway was attending one of two open houses held at the Convergys call center on Del Rey Boulevard for jobseekers to apply and be tested for the openings. Training for new hires will begin in April until the 300 full-time positions for service and sales representatives are filled.
Brooke Beiting with Convergys media relations said the call center’s client – the name of which is confidential – was pleased with the Las Cruces center’s work and will give it more work, resulting in the need for hiring more representatives. The Las Cruces center opened in 2008, she said, and currently has 210 workers, but the building was designed for potential expansion.
New employees will be charged with providing superior service and sales support to customers of a leading telecommunications company, she said.
“We are looking for highly motivated individuals who can work from our contact center, providing great customer service and promoting our clients’ products and services,” said James Crossland, site leader for the Convergys contact center in Las Cruces. “We are reaching out into our community to fill these openings, because these are not only terrific positions, they are great stepping stones to a career in operations, recruitment or training.”
Minimal requirements for candidates include having strong computer and keyboarding skills and a high school diploma or GED. They must be able to work 40 hours per week, primarily in the evenings. Employment with Convergys also is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.
Qualities for getting hired, however, include good communication skills and being able to listen attentively to customer needs and concerns, while also being comfortable offering new products and services. Convergys is looking for employees who are motivated and have good work ethics. Previous experience in retail, hospitality and sales will help an applicant stand out.
Employment with Convergys also is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. After being hired, the workers will go through intensive training before they begin taking calls, Beiting said. The workers are paid for the training. They will also have good support from team management, she said. Convergys offers competitive wages and performance incentives and benefits including tuition reimbursement, medical, dental and 401(k).
With 70 call centers around the globe, Convergys is enjoying company growth despite the lethargic economy, Beiting said. “That’s what makes my job so great,” Beiting said. “Every week we’re putting an announcement somewhere that we’re hiring more people.”
In Las Cruces, Crossland said Convergys encourages community involvement with its employees, including participation in the Springfest, United Way and the Colonias Development Center, as well as membership in the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce.
According to the Convergys announcement, the complete company has nearly 75,000 employees who “help our clients balance the demands of increasing revenue, improving customer satisfaction and reducing overall cost using an optimal mix of agent, technology and analytics solutions.”
Beiting said the company’s employees range from college students to experienced workers like Holloway. Included in the company’s benefits are tuition reimbursement, employee discounts and career advancement opportunities.
Besides going to the Convergys call center at 4201 Del Rey Blvd., candidates may also apply online at www.convergys.com/southwest. To make an appointment, call 382-4717.
