**UPDATE, 11:11 a.m.**: Verizon Wireless clarifies HOW prospective job hunters can apply for jobs. The link the company originally provided was incorrect. And no, you don’t have to speak Spanish to get the job. See below for updated information…

Good news for Verizon Wireless customers and local job hunters.

Verizon Wireless needs to fill 100 full-time jobs at its Irvine call center for shifts between 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pay starts at $14.90 an hour.

I guess there are two interpretations of this: Either Verizon is getting an earful from customers for awful service (unlikely) or it’s doing pretty well as a business and needs more customer service folks to support its growing customer base (more likely). 

Either way, this is good news for Verizon customers because it means more people are available around the clock to offer support.

For the job hunter, the better news is that Verizon is apparently a great place to work. It was rated as one of the O.C. Register’s top places to work last year. Plus, Verizon has major benefits that are missing from most companies. Remember February’s “Tanking economy? Ha! Verizon employees get bonuses” story? Most employees received a 9 percent to 10 percent bonus last year.

Ken Muche, the Verizon spokesman who told me of the openings, also pointed out other benefits of working at Verizon: health care coverage from day one, a 401k program that matches 6 percent of salary, annual bonuses, profit sharing, a $20 maternity care program that covers nearly everything, and tuition reimbursement. There’s an adoption assistance program, temporary child or elder care, an on-site health club and diet-friendly lunches at its on-site cafeteria. Also, if you’re bilingual, you can earn an extra $1,500. 

At a time when companies are cutting jobs and trimming benefits (hey — I’m about to go on a company-mandated furlough next week), it’s nice to hear that some companies still appreciate their employees.  

Interested applicants can apply online at www.verizon.com/telecomjobs.

**UPDATE** Verizon Wireless provided the wrong link. The correct site is www.vzwcareers.com.

On this page, users can select the location (Irvine) and type (Customer Service) to find the customer service openings, which is Job ID 231059. 

Here is the description of the job:

Responsibilities

Looking for a challenging career with unlimited potential for growth? Then it’s time to consider Verizon Wireless. We believe in peak performance, and that means more than just striving to be the best – it means being the best. We’re a confident and powerful team of individuals who feel part of something special, and drive towards the goals we set high for ourselves. You too? Then you might be perfect for a career as a Verizon Wireless Customer Service Representative.

Your ability to listen and truly hear what’s being said makes you a certified problem-solver. Always ready to lend a helping hand, you easily share your supportive nature with those around you. You’re proud of your past successes and seem to achieve them effortlessly in part because your interpersonal skills are so great. Your dependability and enthusiasm for routinely exceeding expectations make you a perfect fit for a Verizon Wireless Customer Service Representative position.

Qualifications

We’re looking for individuals who are great on the phone – that’s where you’ll do most of your work – and who are serious multi-taskers. If you’re adept at working between multiple computer screens and have good technical skills, then you’ll thrive in this structured work environment. At least one year of customer service experience is required, and a college degree is preferred.

In return for all of your efforts, we’ll be very proud to offer you comprehensive benefits that are truly Total Rewards, including: award-winning training, a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision from day one, 401(k), work-life programs, phone discounts, generous tuition assistance, and limitless opportunities for advancement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Muche, who read the comments on this post, also wants to point out, “I can tell you that speaking Spanish is NOT a requirement. Yes, Verizon Wireless employees can earn more money in some jobs if they bilingual — a customer service representative would be a good example , as would a retail sales representative position. But we do hire a lot of people for these types of jobs that only speak English.  Our customers are very diverse and so are our employees, which is a point of pride for Verizon Wireless.”

End of update.

Of course, a few other O.C. companies always seem to have openings, including game developer Blizzard Entertainment in Irvine, which has 88 openings today (see “At Blizzard, it’s free swag, valet parking and playing games all day,“) and Cox Communications in Rancho Santa Margarita (see “Cox one of the best places to work in Orange County“).

Need more job insight? Check out our Handling Hard Times blog, at economy.freedomblogging.com.

Check out the Gadgetress Guide to local cell phone services. Read more on mobile phone service:

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