How to be better suited to work for NFO

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mennes
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How to be better suited to work for NFO

Post by mennes »

Hello! So I had tried applying for the open Customer Support Agent job opening, and I know i didn't have much to show for. So i was wondering, what certifications/education does NFO look for? I had thought about going to college, but honestly I just don't know what i want to do and I would hate to stick a bunch of money into classes that i wont use. I am assuming previous customer service experience is a big one (so like any retail/fast food right?). Also I am assuming NFO would like their Customer Support Agents to have professional grammar/spelling.

I have also seen Customer Support Specialist Certifications, but I dont know exactly how much thats worth having and what Certification is more desirable.

I would also love being able to help set up the managed servers and what not. You guys are just awesome and I love to help people. Working for you guys would be awesome! :D


Not sure if this is the right place to post this, so sorry in advance if that is the case.
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kraze
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Re: How to be better suited to work for NFO

Post by kraze »

We're glad to hear you've applied to work here! If you weren't picked, it may not be because we didn't like your resume. Currently, we're only hiring from a select few states (AZ, CA, IN, NY, OR, TN, TX, WA). While a desirable candidate will cause us to branch out, it's very possible there was another candidate in one of those states.

As for what it takes to work here, there are a two big things that really make you stand out.

1) Being an existing customer (or at least familiar with our offerings, website and control panel)
2) Being active in our communities. No one stands out more then those who are active in our IRC channel and forums

There are a bunch of things you could do to more yourself more appealing, such as certifications and degrees, but not having those things won't necessarily hurt you, at least not here. As a customer support rep you will be exposed to so many different environments it'd be impossible to be certified in all of them (unless you're a robot named John). What we want to see out of our reps is someone who is Intelligent, motivated, and an extremely quick learner. You need to be able to pick up information fast and retain it forever. One minute you're diagnosing why this Garry's Mod server won't start, then the next you're mitigating a DDoS attack for a customer.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue any degrees/certifications, as they can help you immensely, but don't feel that not having them completes removes you from the race ;) If you do pursue some stuff I'd recommend looking at the CCNA (comparable to the Network+), but it's a bit more respected. You can also try enrolling in your local community college and taking a few basic I.T courses just pad the resume. Personally, this is what I'm working through now. I'm taking a packet analysis course, will be pursuing the CCNA then moving onto some sort of security certification. After that I'll likely pursue some Microsoft certs.

Also, don't get discouraged. When I applied to work at NFO I wasn't even out of high school! I knew nothing about hardware/networking, had no resume/certs, and the only game I was skilled in was COD4, but I kept learning, ended up volunteering here for 6 months and was finally hired. That was over five years ago, and now I practically own the place (I completely made that last part up).
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mennes
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Re: How to be better suited to work for NFO

Post by mennes »

how does one volunteer???? You mean i can work for NFO...for free?? :D
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kraze
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Re: How to be better suited to work for NFO

Post by kraze »

We don't necessarily have an official volunteer program in-place, but generally speaking you just need to be active on our forums/IRC and let us know you're interested in helping out. Trusted volunteers may also gain access to our staff channel in IRC and after that limited access to our request system could be granted.
@Kraze^NFo> Juski has a very valid point
@Juski> Got my new signature, thanks!
@Kraze^NFo> Out of context!
@Juski> Doesn't matter!
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mennes
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Re: How to be better suited to work for NFO

Post by mennes »

Well I am for sure interested in helping out. I will be sure to be more active on the forums! I heard of IRC, but im not really sure how to utilize it? I am assuming its a voice client of some sort? or is it like a browser based communication thing?
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kraze
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Re: How to be better suited to work for NFO

Post by kraze »

IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat, and it's an old school chat room. We also have a guide on how to setup mIRC and connect to our support channel.

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=1531

IRC is extremely important, as it's where you'll do most of your interacting with customers, regulars and current staff.
@Kraze^NFo> Juski has a very valid point
@Juski> Got my new signature, thanks!
@Kraze^NFo> Out of context!
@Juski> Doesn't matter!
@Juski> You said I had a valid point! You can't take it back now! It's out there!
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Re: How to be better suited to work for NFO

Post by Ticketry »

I'd love to volunteer my time to help others with resolving their troubles with games and such! :mrgreen:

-Ticketry
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kraze
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Re: How to be better suited to work for NFO

Post by kraze »

That's good to hear! Best thing you can do is to start being active on the forum and start idling our IRC channel and assisting people whenever possible.
@Kraze^NFo> Juski has a very valid point
@Juski> Got my new signature, thanks!
@Kraze^NFo> Out of context!
@Juski> Doesn't matter!
@Juski> You said I had a valid point! You can't take it back now! It's out there!
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Re: How to be better suited to work for NFO

Post by MasterSeal »

Nice topic! Informative:)
I enjoy helping out others when I can, If I weren't so busy with life and parenting (13-year olds take some effort ;) )
I'd be in your IRC quite often. I will also come by and say hello and do what I can... no credit needed I just enjoy being a customer here.

Cheers!

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