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Useful experience for debt collectors includes:

• work as a legal clerk
• call centre work
• customer service work
• credit control work
• work in a bank or insurance company.

Debt collectors may do some or all of the following:

• keep track of client accounts and contact them to find out why they haven't paid their debts
• work with clients to implement payment plans
• organise the repossession of items or legal action against clients to settle overdue debts.

Average demand for debt collectors

Demand for debt collectors is average because even though vacancies are common due to high turnover, overall the occupation is shrinking.

According to the Census, 1,770 debt collectors worked in New Zealand in 2018, a 10.5% decrease from 2013.

Unstable economy creates more debt

Demand for debt collectors is likely to increase because the economy is unstable, which is causing more people to take on debt. According to the Reserve Bank, average household debt in New Zealand reached a record high in 2020.

Most debt collectors work for debt collection agencies 

Debt collectors usually work for debt collection agencies, which contract their services out to other businesses.

Ignite College

0800 200 345- info@ignitecolleges.ac.nz - https://ignitecolleges.ac.nz

Debt collectors may move into team management roles or other finance industry roles.

Debt collectors need to be:

• good communicators, including with people who are angry or upset
• good negotiators
• emotionally intelligent and able to relate different people
• confident, resilient and self-motivated
• able to work well under pressure