Pros
Great first-time job, especially for students (Part-time work only), so it gives them the flexibility they might need while in school (unless they need a guaranteed amt of hours/money - that doesn't happen, as, you must call in each day after 3:00pm to know if you are working later that day... so, no guarantee of any work, no fixed schedule or guarantee of income). If you speak French (and, have just graduated High School), you will make MORE than someone who's been there for years! (so keep up/brush up on your linguistic skills, students!!)..
Cons
When I first went to EKOS Research Associates, Ottawa ON, I really enjoyed the surveys we did, and, the members of the public we would talk to, as well as the people I worked with. RECENTLY, the newly appointed Call Centre Supervisors 'took over' - OMG! Sadly, they don't have a clue about managing people, they've never supervised before (they were hired as former telephone Interviewers). They lack any people skills, lack supervisory training & skills, and, make up their own different/new rules on a daily basis - it became just too frustrating, demeaning, and, hard to take. You try to keep your head down & stay off their radar, but, the constant, non-stop, negative "nit-picking" at everything Interviewers (including myself) would do, honestly, just got to be too much... (Overheard one new Supervisor telling a group of new-hires that the new Supervisors would be "going after" and "TARGETING" the "veteran" interview staff.... "because they should know THE RULES"..). You are now timed on UNPAID comfort breaks (e.g. bathroom), UNPAID coffee breaks, etc... even if you must run down the street to pick up a coffee or something to eat. If you are even 2>3 mins later than your "allowed" 10 minutes, you WILL be raked-over & most likely 'written up". There is no lee-way, no excuse, no common-sense or compassion shown for anyone - doesn't matter who you are... Those are the new Superv's rules... And, they do love to enforce them! Now, to be fair and honest, I fully realize these supervisors must deal with multiple personalities, with all levels of work experience and from all walks of life. And, yes, I have also witnessed the odd immature, non-conforming young, rebellious Interviewer. BUT, does that mean we ALL require the same type of treatment & the need to be whipped into shape? I think not, yet, one can NEVER do anything right with these shiny new Supervisors.. almost each & every shift you receive some sort of negative/disciplinary comment.. (thinking back I have NEVER heard one POSITIVE comment come out of their collective mouths... NEVER!). These Supervisors don't seem to realize yet, (or, maybe don't care) that, when you go after someone at the beginning of -or- during a shift, the way they do, that it has an effect on people, and, can seriously impact and put a damper on that interviewer's psyche & their productivity. (I have witnessed one Interviewer who was really happy as they had completed a good number of surveys... All of a sudden - WHAM!! - along comes Super-Supervisor, makes some sort of critical remark, knocking this once happy & motivated Interviewer right off their perch, and, THUD, down went the Interviewer's mood and productivity for the rest of the shift.... Supv's should be more careful, more supportive and more positive... Honestly they are just Way, WAY too strict, unreasonable, and inexperienced. These Supervisors have a passion for their "new world order", are on some sort of 'power trip', with no people skills. They treat ALL call centre staff like mindless morons and a group of children. They will actually stand behind an Interviewer so as to listen, watch & wait to TRY and catch someone doing something they don't seem to like - so they can "correct or reform" them (and, if you try to question or protest - YOU will "get written up")... How insulting to those of us who have 10 >15 years of previous work experience, and ourselves have been a target of their inexperience. (e.g. an acceptable technique I've used at EKOS for years, or, even the way I might grab something to eat (for years)... is NO LONGER acceptable to the NEW Supervisors - thus - I was "ordered" by the New Supv's that NOW things must be done THEIR WAY, or, be written up!!??? EKOS Mgmt - plse, PLSE take notice of the way your new Supv's are treating the majority of the Interview staff!!!!