Dell complaints

[Cyrus_Hunter]

So, out of the blue the other day I get this phone call from the Ottawa Dell Center asking if I want a job in Tech Support. I've already done an initial phone interview and I have another one soon, with a manager apperantly.

Well, after reading around this forum for a bit I'm getting some pretty good and bad ideas of what goes on. Can somebody give me an idea of what I should expect to see with this center and working there should I choose to accept the job?

[paul_dellcc]

Moved
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I see DELL people!!

If we don't remember our past, we can't understand our present and we can put in danger our future...

[Rocke_T_Sinetist]

Welcome, Cyrus. I haven't worked callcenter, but I hear it's like a Nike sweatshop in Thailand except with air conditioning and plumbing.

If you don't have a job and you're offered one (that won't kill you, at least not right away), take it. Even if it's not the job you want. It's said to be easier to get a job when you already have one than when you don't.

Dell and their contractors pay a (small) premium over other callcenter jobs. For a person of nominal sensitivity, it's easier to have people call wanting to talk with you all day than it is to have to call and annoy hundreds of people who don't want to talk to you (outbound sales).

There are a lot of employers who tend NOT to respect, support, enable staff. Dell may not even be the worst. On the other hand, the Dell environment suits some people--it might not bother you. Going to work there is not a life sentence, and a LOT of people walk out of Dell after 6 months and go on to other jobs.
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Rocke T Sinetist
as in, 'it doesn't take a...'

[Blacksword]

Based on my experiences there, no matter how many times they tell you abou the different career oppertunities thre, there are none. The company says it promotes on skill, but in reality, it does so based on Nepotism.

It is a sweatshop, the hours suck, the pay is good to start, but raises and bonus's are a slap in the face. If you can opt out of their benifits plan, it very overpriced. Youll be better off with Blue Cross unless you have some major medical condition it doesnt cover.

L2s and Direct managers are hit or miss. Youll either get a human being, or sombody who only sees the company (which to be honest is mostly a front so they can get a promotion and more money)

In order to be sucessful, be prepared to get yelled at, insulted or worse. The Customers are generally ok, but you will be taking thr bulk of the customers frustration.

Also, be prepared to follow the scope of support to the letter as going beyond it tends to get you punsished.

[FallenAngel]

For those with little ambition, and a lot of brown nosing ability, Dell is a good place to be. It pays the bills.

For those that have aspirations of bigger and better things, don't be fooled by the hype. Dell says that they promote based on merit (meritocracy is what they call it) but for those that have seen it first hand, this is just smoke and mirrors.

Several overqualified people get turned down for severely underqualified people on a regular basis. What sets them apart? The @$$ kissing, back stabbing and "buddy buddy" system, that's what.

Don't get fooled by the hype. Take it if you need a quick fix. Be warned that stats and metrics are adhered to religiously and you WILL be smacked around if you fail to meet their ever changing standards.

[Cyrus_Hunter]

Thanks for all your help. I already have a job luckily. The Dell one offers me more money, but when you factor in the cost to move and the increased price of living in that area, the margins quickly shrink.

[Rocke_T_Sinetist]

Good. Moving for a job that statistically lasts less than 6 months, for a job that wouldn't pay the difference in living costs, would make little practical sense.

[FallenAngel]

No, you have my part in "some" as well Rocke. I'm all for awarding merit, but basing so many things or metrics is what ruined the shit outta Dell and it ain't getting any better.

Metrics = sinking ship.

Some metrics are warranted, but that leaves 89% of them that aren't.

[DOC_Is_Evil]

The only metric that makes any sense to me is the resolution rate metric...The one which indicates how many calls you get that get resolved...I also agree that metrics are the only thing they care about...Supposedly Dell has surveys designed for customers to give you feedback, but I've been there for a little over a year, and I have never gotten one. .I don't think my site even bothers to pretend to care about customer surveys...No, it's all SELL SELL SELL (insert whip noise here)

[getalifeppl]

Bitter and jaded assclowns are not good candidates to give you job and career advice. Stay positive, and think for yourself. You can always quit if you don't like it.

[NoRulez]