If you would like to work for FEMA, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a specific set of skills before you will be considered a good candidate. There are a number of different titles that you can hold with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but one popular option is to work in the call center as a customer service specialist. In order to get noticed as an applicant for open call center positions, you will need to have a detailed resume that highlights your education, applicable professional experience, and the skill that you have attained over time. Read on, and learn more about the skill set trainees and qualified individuals need to possess.
Skill Set You Need to Work in Call Centers
Working in a call center can be much more challenging than you might think. One of the reasons why public agencies pay high salaries to call center employees is because the job can be extremely stressful. You must be prepared to cope with the stress of working a position in emergency management, if you want to succeed long term. You also need to possess a skill set that is applicable to all types of call centers. Some qualities that should be in your skill set or on your resume for a call center opening should include:
- Ability to stay calm and to keep your composure
- An energetic attitude
- Patience when dealing with the public
- Quick thinking
- Great listening ability
- Professionalism
- An ability to multi-task as you listen
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Technologically savvy with computer and software
- Punctual and responsible
Skills Needed to Work Specifically for the Federal Emergency Management Agency
New call centers have recently been opened to deal with the flood of calls to register for National Flood Insurance or to discuss what to do in the event of an emergency. Since agents at the call center are Federal employees who are placed at the front lines to deal with customer issues, they need to be able to represent the agency the best way possible.
You will need to be able to deal with people in a state of emergency and who have survived disaster is a compassionate manner. You also need to be a problem-solver, recognizing the sensitivity of the situation when you are filing claims or directing the customer to the right party. You will play an important role in how a claim is handled and the agency takes this seriously.
How to Apply for Openings with the Agency
If you would like to apply for a job with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, you must start by searching the openings through the Federal job post. After you find openings, you can submit your resume along with your application so that you can fill the vacancy. Make sure that you submit all of the required documentation before the due date or you will be disqualified. Once the information is reviewed, your information may be forwarded to a hiring official. At this time, you may receive an interview date where you can discuss your skill level.
Landing a Federal job can be extremely difficult because there is so much competition. If you want to attract attention to yourself, you should complete a formal degree program. Once you complete a program that is relevant, you should have all of the skills that officials with FEMA are looking for.