There were two stages, the initial interview which took place at the contact centre and the 2-3 weeks of training. The interview itself was fine, they seated the applicants in the on-site restaurant and basically all they want to check is if you are computer literate. There were two red flags that I noticed - number one, the interview was very vague when I asked what exactly what the job was (I was referred through the local job centre without much notice). They bend over backwards not to use the words 'call centre'. Second red flag, they hired me on the spot at the end of the interview.
I did realise it was going to be call centre work but was willing to give it a chance, my only concern was that I have a few minor learning difficulties in which it could prove difficult for me to communicate for an extended time with people over the phone etc (I would like to add that this has never hindered me from working, I just normally have to find little ways of coping where I struggle.) I asked prior to accepting the job if certain support was available in circumstances like mine and I was told that there was, I would not have accepted the job otherwise.
The next stage was to undergo training, which I'm afraid was a terrible experience. I was happy to learn the software needed in order to perform the job and found the tutor to be very nice and patient, but I'm afraid I was in a mass class of people who simply didn't want to be there. It was like being in school again, but this time full of rowdy, disinterested adults who were quite rude to the tutor, who was trying his best. It didn't help him that the material he had been given to work with (software tutorials, powerpoint presentations etc) had not been updated since 2008! At least the training was paid.
I also attempted the subject of additional help for people with certain difficulties with the tutor and several staff, to which I was either brushed off or given a confused look. It was getting a bit exhausting having to explain my disability over and over again (was it not documented when I filled the forms in?)
Finally, we finished training and moved to the main building in town where we were assigned a headset, phone, and computer. I was quite uncomfortable, feeling a bit rushed through the training without any additional help that I was told I would receive. Needless to say, I struggled and quit the job after two days.
I'm sure there are plenty of happy employees with this company, but I'm afraid my experience was not good and I will be forever suspicious of companies who hire instantly and are vague about their job descriptions.