Telephone Systems - Equipment Needed for Telephone Jobs

You have decided to pursue a career as an over the phone interpreter or agent working from home, but are wondering what equipment you will need to actually get the job. In this hub I will discuss the telephone systems and equipment needed to becoming a call center agent. There are a few basic things that you need for this job:

• Computer
• A corded phone
• Landline service
• Headsets
• Steno pads or loose leaf paper
• Pens/pencils
• Shredder

Your computer should be a reliable workstation or laptop that is properly protected from viruses and spyware. Most companies work with Windows operating system rather than Apple, since it has been more widely used. But if you do own a Mac, don't worry you can still work with it without breaking the bank. I work with a Mac, and what I have done to make it more compatible is I have downloaded Firefox to it as the web browser. I also purchased Microsoft Office for Mac so that I am still able to view training materials and documents. It is also possible to install Windows in a Mac through Boot Camp, but I only recommend this if it is absolutely necessary that you have Windows. I want to be able to work with the computer I have while saving my money for the telephone systems and headsets needed. 

Sensitive information is constantly being exchanged between the agent and the clients, and part of an agent's job is to protect all information. For this reason it is preferable that you have a corded phone for this position, since cordless phones' frequencies can be intercepted posing an issue with privacy. The phones go for as low as $30, like the Vodavi Starplus 2801 1-Line phone. It is also a requirement that the service be a landline, again due to privacy issues. 

It is best to have a corded headset that attaches to a corded amplifier. The options are endless with headset and you can easily get distracted into purchasing something expensive. But it is best to stick to the necessary while maintaining quality. I recommend the Jabra GN 2025 NC, it is a corded headset with dual headphones and noise canceling. The amplifier I purchased is a Jabra GN 8000 MPA, again this is a standard amplifier but it gets the job done. These can be purchased together as a bundle for under $200.

Some companies will provide reimbursement up to a determined amount for the installation of new telephone service and headset equipment, as well as a stipend for monthly telephone service costs. You should check with the company first however, to make sure that they do provide costs coverage. 

Lastly your basic office supplies include a steno pad for taking down notes, pens and pencils, and a shredder. Taking notes is essential for an interpreter since there is tons of information being exchanged and you may not remember it all. For an over the phone agent it is not so much required because most of the time the information received is being typed into a web based platform. Purchase pens and/or pencils that you are comfortable working with, I recommend getting felted or gel tip pens because they glide smoothly on the paper. A shredder is needed to destroy all notes taken during a shift. It is extremely important to destroy all notes and a simple shredder makes the task easy.