As noted in the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals’ April edition of Collector Magazine, the media scrutiny and misleading information available online regarding the collection industry is intense. To say it is challenging to maintain a positive public image is an understatement.
Collection agencies can combat this negative image and help elevate the profession by employing well-trained, knowledgeable staff to resolve commercial and consumer debt.
Doug Morrison, Consumer Relations Manager at Optio Solutions, explains the type of training that collectors undergo, “I have been involved in the collection industry for over 3 decades. Over the years, I’ve hired and trained hundreds of collectors. During this time, I have seen a dramatic evolution in the skill sets of successful collectors. Like dinosaurs becoming birds, today’s collection specialists have acquired a much more elaborate set of skills to thrive and succeed. Long gone is the era when a typical collector was someone who would simply show up every day to recite a collection script over the phone. In today’s professional business environment, collectors hired by Optio undergo thorough screening via background checks and drug testing. Before ever speaking to a consumer, our collectors are trained in all relevant State and Federal collection laws and are then required to pass written exams demonstrating they have an intricate understanding of the rules and regulations protecting consumer rights. Consummate collectors must also be savvy enough to diplomatically negotiate with consumers, yet still achieve substantial recovery of our client’s lost revenue. When I hire, I look for intelligent, confident, and above all, emotionally mature candidates.”
Optio Solutions understands that collection agencies help keep businesses in business, so thorough training and testing is not the sole domain of of our collectors. We also recruit top notch sales professionals that help potential clients navigate the minefield that collections can be, by sharing our diplomatic and innovative products and services.
When Joseph Astobiza, Optio Solutions Recruiter, is looking for prospective sales people, he explains, “I look for entrepreneurs and seasoned sales professionals that have a developed, mature skill set. People who are goal-oriented and capable of reaching high standards keep our clients happy with high recovery rates and help us elevate the perception of the debt collection industry. It is a must that these individuals are self-starters who believe in their abilities, and our service based model. Ideally, these individuals have high aptitude in consulting and translating our brand to potential clients, which vary from independent business owners to nationwide corporations. It is equally important that our Sales Professionals understand the sensitivity of our clients’ needs and the services we provide, which help stimulate the economy.”
Optio Solutions has been voted as one of the “Best Places to Work” by the North Bay Business Journal and is looking for sales professionals, collectors, customer service representatives and account executives to join our growing team. If you are interested in selling or employment, please visit this career opportunity page.
