As I was perusing call center news articles this week, I noticed several articles about new and expanding call centers adding hundreds of jobs to the economy. It seems like the economic outlook changes frequently— one day we’re on the road to recovery, another day we’re seeing reports of record high unemployment and foreclosure rates. Today though, the job market in the call center industry is looking pretty strong.
An article in the Dallas Business Journal announced a call center project that’s drawing $15 million in foreign investment and creating 300 jobs in the Dallas area. Encore Enterprises, Inc. will be operating the center which is expected to open near downtown Dallas.
Jobs in the call center industry are also expanding in New Mexico, according to a west Texas news station. The New Mexico State Labor Department’s call center is expanding its hours and will nearly double the number of employees by mid-February. New Mexico’s governor cited long wait times and a persistent lack of service as reasons for the expansion.
TMCnet reports that Best Buy has signed a deal with Sitel to set up call center operations at a Sitel center in Kentucky. Best Buy will be locating support services to this new site which is expected to add 500 jobs to the area.
Of course there are a few bad news articles too— AstraZeneca is relocating 30 customer service jobs in Fairfax, VA to the Philippines and J.C. Penney is closing and consolidating its call centers. Overall though, the call center job market is looking pretty promising in 2011.
What’s your take on the call center job market in 2011? Do you anticipate your call center expanding this year?
 Camille is a Marketing Communications Specialist at Inova and graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She loves watching USF football, spending time with friends and family, and walking her dog, Lexi. You can contact Camille at camille@insideinova.com.
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