OUR RECRUIT VERA LANDS WELL AT TCM BELGIUM (INTERVIEW CONTINUED)

In the first part of the interview, Vera has already spoken about her adventures abroad and how she could broaden her horizons through contact with other cultures. As a mother of two, however, it has become important to find a good job with predictable hours. Unfortunately, the Corona measurements have limited predictability. Mastering a new job from home is difficult. Especially when the children often stay at home during the day. At TCM we don’t notice it. Vera keeps all the balls in the air with an eternal smile!

What were and are the biggest challenges in your new job?

The Corona measures prompted me to give up aviation. I was looking for a job where I could spend more time with my children and use my languages. This is how I got, rather quickly, to TCM. It took some serious adaptation because I didn’t know anything about my new job. Sven (TCM sales manager) reassured me.

Perhaps the most amazing difference has been going from physically strenuous work (standing on a plane all day) to mentally stimulating work. I found it very tiring at first, this combination of numbers and people. I also had to adjust to our online computer system, and you just have a lot of information to process.

What was your image of the debt collection industry before you joined us? Was this image confirmed?

I’ll be honest, I had a very negative image of the debt collection industry, probably like a lot of other people. And I certainly didn’t expect to be a part of such a diverse group, working together to get things done.

The employees here are very “human”, they listen to the debtors to find a solution. In the end, it is comparable to what I did when flying at miles above sea level. You need to make sure that creditors and debtors are happy, that they want to continue with you knowing that you are always available.

Does your “high-level” experience seem useful to you in resolving unpaid bills?

I often have cases with debtors of distant origins. I have already been able to communicate with a Filipino in Tagalog, and I spoke a few words of Lingala to a Congolese. And for the many whose language I know nothing about, I always try to find a common factor, to make a connection. Debtors feel they can turn to me, that I am listening to them sincerely. They’re right! I also really like to listen to people, I like to connect, and I realize that we can all happen to end up one day as a debtor.

As a “flight attendant” at Brussels Airlines, it was my job to keep the team together and strengthen the team spirit. Business is, in essence, the opposite of individualism. Respect and help your colleagues. I feel this team connection strongly at TCM, and I think I can contribute. I think and hope that my colleagues see me as a person who is approachable and happy to find solutions.

What do you think could be improved?

A specific platform to increase accessibility for debtors seems something to explore. Often, debtors feel a little lost and seek reassurance. They take a defensive stance out of uncertainty, not knowing what will happen or what to do. Telephone contact is certainly essential. However, such a platform could also eliminate the first uncertainties.

Thanks Vera!

8 May 2021

OUR RECRUIT VERA LANDS WELL AT TCM BELGIUM (INTERVIEW CONTINUED)

In the first part of the interview, Vera has already spoken about her adventures abroad and how she could broaden her horizons through contact with other cultures. As a mother of two, however, it has become important to find a good job with predictable hours. Unfortunately, the Corona measurements have limited predictability. Mastering a new job from home is difficult. Especially when the children often stay at home during the day. At TCM we don’t notice it. Vera keeps all the balls in the air with an eternal smile!

What were and are the biggest challenges in your new job?

The Corona measures prompted me to give up aviation. I was looking for a job where I could spend more time with my children and use my languages. This is how I got, rather quickly, to TCM. It took some serious adaptation because I didn’t know anything about my new job. Sven (TCM sales manager) reassured me.

Perhaps the most amazing difference has been going from physically strenuous work (standing on a plane all day) to mentally stimulating work. I found it very tiring at first, this combination of numbers and people. I also had to adjust to our online computer system, and you just have a lot of information to process.

What was your image of the debt collection industry before you joined us? Was this image confirmed?

I’ll be honest, I had a very negative image of the debt collection industry, probably like a lot of other people. And I certainly didn’t expect to be a part of such a diverse group, working together to get things done.

The employees here are very “human”, they listen to the debtors to find a solution. In the end, it is comparable to what I did when flying at miles above sea level. You need to make sure that creditors and debtors are happy, that they want to continue with you knowing that you are always available.

Does your “high-level” experience seem useful to you in resolving unpaid bills?

I often have cases with debtors of distant origins. I have already been able to communicate with a Filipino in Tagalog, and I spoke a few words of Lingala to a Congolese. And for the many whose language I know nothing about, I always try to find a common factor, to make a connection. Debtors feel they can turn to me, that I am listening to them sincerely. They’re right! I also really like to listen to people, I like to connect, and I realize that we can all happen to end up one day as a debtor.

As a “flight attendant” at Brussels Airlines, it was my job to keep the team together and strengthen the team spirit. Business is, in essence, the opposite of individualism. Respect and help your colleagues. I feel this team connection strongly at TCM, and I think I can contribute. I think and hope that my colleagues see me as a person who is approachable and happy to find solutions.

What do you think could be improved?

A specific platform to increase accessibility for debtors seems something to explore. Often, debtors feel a little lost and seek reassurance. They take a defensive stance out of uncertainty, not knowing what will happen or what to do. Telephone contact is certainly essential. However, such a platform could also eliminate the first uncertainties.

Thanks Vera!

8 May 2021