167 Ofertas de Sykes en Tres Rios

Are you passionate about solving IT challenges and helping people get the most out of their technology?

We're looking for a
IT Help Desk Specialist
to strengthen our team and ensure smooth IT operations across the organization.

Your Mission

Provide
technical support.
You'll be responsible for solving incidents, improving process documentation, and ensuring the continuity of IT operations. This includes troubleshooting issues, assisting users with tools and systems, ensuring a seamless user experience, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

What You'll Do

• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot workstations, laptops, and peripherals in Windows environments.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access in
  Active Directory
  and
  Office 365
  .
• Provide support for email tools (OWA/Outlook) and Office 365 applications.
• Diagnose and resolve network issues for on-site and remote users.
• Support users with remote connectivity tools, including
  VPNs
  .
• Document incidents and solutions to expand the team's knowledge base.
• Monitor IT systems and apply corrective actions based on alerts before escalating.
• Manage account provisioning and deactivation for new hires and terminations.
• Stay updated with new technologies through continuous professional development.
• Identify recurring issues, detect patterns, and collaborate to optimize processes and develop preventive solutions.
• Perform other related IT support tasks as needed.

What We're Looking For

• 1+
  of experience in software and hardware support on
  Windows
  and
  Linux
  (Red Hat, CentOS, or similar distributions).
• 1+
  of experience managing IT inventory with
  Snipe-IT
  or similar tools.
• 1+
  diagnosing and repairing Windows and Linux equipment.
• 1+
  of experience managing
  Backups
  in Windows and Linux environments.
• 1+
  administering
  Office 365
  .
• 1+
  of experience in
  data backup and recovery
  on Windows and Linux platforms.

Key Soft Skills

We value adaptability, continuous learning, and a customer-focused mindset.

We're hiring: Help Desk Team Lead

We're looking for a
Help Desk Team Lead
— someone with a strategic mindset and a passion for technology, ready to lead and empower our team.

Your mission

Ensure efficiency, service quality, and continuous improvement. You'll act as the bridge between IT support and key business areas, driving data-based decisions and delivering top-notch service.

What will you do?

• Oversee the daily operations of the Help Desk team.
• Provide mentorship and feedback to support professional growth.
• Monitor and ensure response times and service quality.
• Oversee IT purchases, contracts, and local service providers.
• Act as an escalation point for applications and Jira automations.
• Handle IT incidents (systems, applications, networks, backups).

What we're looking for:

• 3+ years of experience
  in Help Desk or IT Support.
• Experience in
  team leadership
  and managing
  ticketing platforms
  .
• Advanced proficiency in
  Linux, macOS, and Windows
  : user and technical support.
• Solid background in
  IT inventory management
  .
• Strong experience with
  Active Directory
  , including user and group administration.
• Management of
  archive servers
  (e.g., shared file servers).
• Administration and support of
  Office 365
  environment.
• English proficiency at B2 level or higher
  .

Key skills:
leadership, strategic thinking, customer orientation, and decision-making.

If you're someone who combines strategic vision with technical expertise and loves leading teams, we want to meet you

We're Hiring: Level 1 M&A Help Desk Technician

Are you passionate about IT support and eager to grow your technical skills?

At
Infotree Global Solutions
, we're looking for a
Level 1 M&A Help Desk Technician
to join our team. This role is key in supporting end users at newly acquired M&A locations, ensuring smooth onboarding, security compliance, and reliable help desk support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide
  Tier 1 IT support
  via phone and ticketing system
• Troubleshoot and escalate technical issues when necessary
• Assist with
  SOC tool onboarding
  (antivirus, vulnerability scanning, DNS controls, SIEM, web proxy solutions)
• Ensure
  patching and operating system compliance
  with tools like
  Microsoft Intune
  and
  Endpoint Central
• Document issues and create training materials for users and team members

What We're Looking For:

• 1+ year
  of help desk or IT support experience
• Proficiency in
  Windows systems
  and basic command-line tools (PowerShell, Bash)
• Knowledge of
  software deployment and patch management tools
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Location: Hybrid

Interested? Send your CV to:

Be part of a global team driving technology integration and support excellence

Job Description
What if you could use your people skills to support a product that impacts how communities' hospitals, homes, sports stadiums, and schools worldwide are built?

Construction impacts the lives of nearly everyone in the world, yet it's also one of the world's least digitized and least-served industries. That's why we're looking for a talented
Customer Support Representative
(CSR) to join Procore's journey to revolutionize construction.

As a
Customer Support Representative
, you'll utilize your strong technical problem-solving and people skills to help save our customers time and resources via first-contact resolutions, giving our clients the confidence to understand, use, and evangelize Procore's platform.

As a member of Procore's first CUstomer Support team in Costa Rica, you'll be provided with the resources to master your craft and clarity of purpose through a shared vision—to improve the lives of everyone in construction. With encouragement from nurturing leaders, you'll have access to programs and equitable opportunities to help you grow and thrive, both personally and professionally. This position is a great launching point to careers on our Custom Solutions, Documentations, and Enablement teams, and more If you're excited by the opportunity to work with a dynamic, diverse team in a fast-paced, fast-growing environment—Procore is the place for you

This position will report to the Senior Manager of Customer Support and is based in our Heredia, Costa Rica office.

We provide our customers with 24/7, around-the-clock support and are looking for candidates to join us immediately.

What you'll do:

• Acquire and maintain a thorough understanding of Procore's business model, system, and technologies; in order to educate customers and optimize their abilities to utilize Procore's suite of software products and integrations
• Ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced contact center environment. Success in this role is measured by key performance metrics; including adherence to assigned schedules, productivity, customer satisfaction, first-contact resolution, and attendance
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues, diagnose the root cause(s) of problems, research, and find answers to customer questions through established resources
• Partner with other Procore departments to resolve complex customer problems and manage cases to the point of resolution. Leverage your strong collaboration skills, connecting with other teams as needed to provide appropriate solutions
• Deliver a best-in-class customer experience by managing customer cases through a queue of telephone, chat, and email inquiries to deliver an exceptional experience and enable customers to achieve their goals with Procore's software
• Diligent, consistent attention to detail, and a strong commitment to the integrity of accurate documentation, record keeping, and data security
• Demonstrate positive attitude and respect for coworkers and customers, building and maintaining warm working relationships with clients and colleagues alike
• Proactively seek guidance and direction from manager and co-workers when appropriate.
• Convey Procore's culture and our values of Openness, Optimism, and Ownership in each interaction and adhere to established ethical standards at all times

What we're looking for:

• 1+ years of experience in a contact center or technical support environment; or 2+ years of related customer support experience
• This position requires a High School Diploma or GED
• Critical thinker with the ability to assess and provide proactive advice and solutions; efficiently escalate client cases quickly, when appropriate
• Strong multitasking skills with the ability to self-manage workload while providing extraordinary client experiences
• Ability to communicate optimistically, clearly, and successfully with clients and handle customer inquiries with poise and professionalism
• Reliable self-starter with excellent attendance and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to communicate with internal and external clients
• Eagerness and ability to learn quickly, remain agile, adapt to a changing product, and follow processes and procedures
• Team player who also works well without supervision and is detail-oriented and open-minded.
• Fluent English speaker

Additional Information
Procore is committed to offering competitive, fair, and commensurate compensation, and has provided an estimated pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be based on a candidate's job-related skills, experience, education or training, and location.

About Us
Procore Technologies is building the software that builds the world. We provide cloud-based construction management software that helps clients more efficiently build skyscrapers, hospitals, retail centers, airports, housing complexes, and more. At Procore, we have worked hard to create and maintain a culture where you can own your work and are encouraged and given resources to try new ideas. Check us out on Glassdoor to see what others are saying about working at Procore.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome builders of all backgrounds. We thrive in a dynamic and inclusive environment. We do not tolerate discrimination against candidates or employees on the basis of gender, sex, national origin, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, traveler community, status as a protected veteran or any other classification protected by law.

If you'd like to stay in touch and be the first to hear about new roles at Procore, join our Talent Community.

Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact our benefits team here to discuss reasonable accommodations.

Company Description

Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, create marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realize their financial goals and help them save time and money.

We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agribusiness, insurance, and many more industry segments.

We invest in people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data. As a FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 22,500 people across 32 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at

Job Description

As the world of work evolves, human capital management must keep pace. Employers have been seeking scalable, client-focused alternatives. In response, Experian has brought together the industry's leading experts to offer the best of the best– a suite of specialized solutions delivering unmatched service, trusted experience, and client-inspired innovation. We are keeping the focus ad flexibility employers value in boutique providers and adding the resources and security of Experian.

We would love you to join us at Experian in helping us to shape the future of employer services for Human Resources compliance and outsourcing. We are seeking Customer Service Representative to Interact with users (e.g., employer clients, verifiers, employer client's current and former employees, etc.) to provide and process information in response to inquiries, concerns, and requests about Experian's online employment and income verification services.

You'll help shape a new business at Experian and help to drive market penetration of new and existing product lines in this space.

We seek a candidate eager to join a start-up atmosphere, someone who is able to adapt readily, instill confidence in internal and external partners and drive results. Comfort with ambiguity and a high aptitude for adaptability are necessary.

As the ideal candidate, you'll need to be able to quickly prioritize opportunities and have a strong drive for accomplishment. You must be comfortable with shifting priorities and be a world class problem solver, working across functional units to ensure success. You must demonstrate an ability to manage a variety of tasks within a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and be solution-oriented while keeping tasks prioritized. The ability to raise issues before they turn into problems is critical. Strong organization, time management, problem solving, and communication skills are essential. The ideal candidate also brings creative and strategic solutions to the table to help solve complex problems and is someone who acts as a change agent to evolve processes and challenge current thinking.

A successful candidate is

• Collaborative – strong partnering skills including with fellow team members, peers and key stake holders; able to build relationships & connect ideas across internal and external opportunities
• Creative and Curious – willing to take risks, challenge traditional approaches, inquisitive with a penchant for seeking new opportunities
• Determined and Disciplined – achievement oriented; optimistic about what can be; persistent, resilient to setbacks, seeks high levels of activity, fast-paced environment; demonstrates a fierce commitment to challenging status quo, a strong bias for action

What you'll be doing

• adhere to stringent data security policies and processes
• deal directly with users either by telephone and email
• respond promptly to user inquiries
• handle and resolve user questions
• obtain and evaluate all relevant information to handle and resolve user inquiries
• authenticate and upload user authorization forms
• process verification requests and forms
• direct requests and unresolved issues to the designated resource
• manage users accounts
• keep records of users interactions and transactions
• record details of inquiries, comments and concerns
• record details of actions taken
• manage administrative tasks involved with job duties
• communicate and coordinate with internal departments
• follow up on customer interactions
• complete other administrative projects and duties as requested by management

Qualifications

• High school diploma, general education degree or equivalent
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices
• Knowledge of relevant computer applications and basic web functions
• Ability to type and communicate through email
• Knowledge of administrative procedures

Additional Information

his is a permanent remote home-based role in Costa Rica. No relocation available.

Our benefits include: Medical, life and dental insurance, Asociacion Solidarista, International Share Save Plan, Flex Work/Work from home, Paid time off, Annual Performance Bonus, Education Reimbursement, Family Bonding, Bereavement Leave, Referral Program, and more.

Experian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Innovation is a critical part of Experian's DNA and practices, and our diverse workforce drives our success. Everyone can succeed at Experian and bring their whole self to work, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religion, colour, sexuality, physical ability or age. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know at the earliest opportunity.

This is a remote position.

Problem-Solvers Needed Are you a person who loves solving problems, figuring out how things work, and helping others with quick effective solutions? You thrive in troubleshooting, staying one step ahead, and making sure everything runs smoothly. If that sounds like you, don't wait - apply now and be the superhero our client's customers need

ClearSource is seeking an 
exceptional customer service professional

to join our team as a 
Customer Support Technician

. In this role, you will provide 
technical product support

for our client's premium line of grills and smart meat thermometers. You will help customers troubleshoot product issues through information they provide and through real-time data from an app connected to the product. We need individuals with a strong focus on 
customer experience

who can think on their feet, solve problems, and deliver friendly, effective solutions.

What you will do as a Customer Support Technician

• Assist customers
   with inquiries about product features and troubleshooting issues.
• Diagnose and resolve issues
   with a combination of customer input, app-provided data, and 
  your creative and problem-solving skills
   while using an extensive knowledge base.
• Ensure each interaction is handled with 
  patience and care
  , making the customer feel valued.
• Work closely with your 
  Team Lead
   to meet 
  Key Performance Indicators
   (KPIs), such as schedule adherence, customer satisfaction (CSAT), and service levels.
• Continuously 
  improve your skills
   through coaching and feedback to deliver an excellent customer experience.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma (or equivalent).
• 1+ year of experience
   in a 
  call center
   or 
  customer support
   role.
• Experience with 
  troubleshooting
   or 
  problem-solving
  , preferably with technology or smart devices.
• Strong English communication skills (C1 or higher).
• A 
  customer-first mindset
   with the ability to 
  listen, empathize,
   and deliver 
  timely, accurate solutions
  .
• Ability to take the training on-site for 30 days
• Hybrid Set Up after the training
• Must have an Internet service, connected to a network cable

Why ClearSource?

ClearSource is a global BPO with a core purpose of "
Making Lives Better

" - the lives of our employees, our clients, and their customers. We are passionate about our Core Values which go the heart of what we do every day

• Customer First – We share an intense passion for creating an exceptional customer experience.
• Personal Accountability – Commit to do the right thing and do it.
• Humble Courage – Be brave enough to seek, deliver, and accept feedback.
• Hungry – Do your best every day to make great things happen.
• Happy & Healthy – Choose well, live well.

Do these values resonate with you?

Do you strive to provide an exceptional, authentic customer experience every day?

If the answer is yes, apply now to join our team

What We Offer

ClearSource offers a 
competitive salary

as well as 
opportunities for career growth and professional development

. We have an 
inclusive culture that values diversity

and the contributions our employees make to ClearSource's success.

We also offer:

Enjoy these outstanding perks and benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Medical Insurance
• Outstanding career growth
• Passionate, energetic & innovative work culture
• Friendly, team-driven environment
• Skills and leadership development

Join a Team That's Passionate About Making Lives Better

At Bill Gosling Outsourcing, we believe that success starts with an amazing team. We are a global leader in outsourcing solutions, we focus on making lives better, one connection at a time. We provide tailored solutions to businesses around the globe, specializing in customer care, sales, and financial services. We're looking for enthusiastic, driven individuals to join our dynamic work environment where fun meets results

As a Call Center Agent, you will:

Review account status/information thoroughly by using the tools available and find the best solution for the customer where applicable. Take necessary follow up actions until the customer issues are fully resolved.

What You'll Do:

• Engage with customers on all inbound/outbound calls, emails, and other channels of communication applicable and/ or supports to update customer's account information.

• Negotiate payment terms/arrangements if applicable.

• Review account status/information thoroughly to understand the customer's inquiry/need.

• Respond to inquiry/need and decide upon the most appropriate solution, if applicable.

• Recommend appropriate solutions, products and/or alternative options to resolve customer inquiry/need, if applicable.

• Overcome consumer objections; refer complaints immediately to the appropriate MC/TL/relevant department.

• Other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For:

Requirement

For on-site positions: Candidates must reside within a 20-kilometer radius of the office location.

Experience

Previous experience in Call Center is preferred but not required.

Education

Successful completion of high school education is preferred but not required.

Skills & Abilities:

Excellent Communication Skills: You should be able to speak clearly, listen actively, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Candidates should have a level of English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2, or achieve a score of 85% or higher in an English proficiency test.

• Positive Attitude: A friendly, enthusiastic, and approachable demeanor that makes customers feel comfortable.

• Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to quickly analyze a situation and find a solution to meet customer needs.

• Attention to Detail: Ensure accurate data entry and follow-up on all customer interactions.

• Adaptability: Able to adjust to new systems, processes, and customer needs.

• Team Player: A collaborative spirit who enjoys working with others to achieve common goals.

• Tech-Savvy: Comfortable using customer service platforms, CRM systems, and other software tools.

• Willingness to Learn: Open to ongoing training and development to grow in the role and with the company.

Why Join Us?

• Growth Opportunities: We believe in promoting from within and providing opportunities for career advancement.

• Comprehensive Training: We offer extensive paid training to ensure you're equipped for success.

• Team-Oriented Culture: Work in a collaborative, supportive environment with peers who are passionate about what they do.

• Diversity & Inclusion: We celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of all our employees.

• Fun Workplace: Join a vibrant team that knows how to have fun From team engagement activities to social events, we foster a lively and inclusive work environment where you'll build strong connections.

• State-of-the-Art Offices: Work in our modern, well-equipped offices designed to enhance collaboration and productivity.

• Rewarding Work: Help businesses grow while making a real difference in people's lives

Get to Know Us Better
Follow us to get an insider view of our team in action, our values in motion, and a sneak peek into what makes us an awesome place to work

Twitter & Instagram: bgocareers

Facebook: Bill Gosling Outsourcing

LinkedIn: Bill Gosling Outsourcing

Website –

By applying to this position, you acknowledge that you have read and understood Bill Gosling Outsourcing's Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and storage of personal information in accordance with the policy.

At Bill Gosling Outsourcing, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. Regardless of your race, gender, age, ability status, or any other characteristic, you are valued here. If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, we are happy to work with you to ensure you have the support you need – just let us know.

Bill Gosling Outsourcing – Where your career thrives

Join a Team That's Passionate About Making Lives Better

At Bill Gosling Outsourcing, we believe that success starts with an amazing team. We are a global leader in outsourcing solutions, we focus on making lives better, one connection at a time. We provide tailored solutions to businesses around the globe, specializing in customer care, sales, and financial services. We're looking for enthusiastic, driven individuals to join our dynamic work environment where
fun meets results

As a Call Center Agent, you will:

Review account status/information thoroughly by using the tools available and find the best solution for the customer where applicable. Take necessary follow up actions until the customer issues are fully resolved.

What You'll Do:

• Engage with customers on all inbound/outbound calls, emails, and other channels of communication applicable and/ or supports to update customer's account information.
• Negotiate payment terms/arrangements if applicable.
• Review account status/information thoroughly to understand the customer's inquiry/need.
• Respond to inquiry/need and decide upon the most appropriate solution, if applicable.
• Recommend appropriate solutions, products and/or alternative options to resolve customer inquiry/need, if applicable.
• Overcome consumer objections; refer complaints immediately to the appropriate MC/TL/relevant department.
• Other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For:

Requirement

• For on-site positions:
  Candidates must reside within a 20-kilometer radius of the office location.

Experience

• Previous experience in Call Center is preferred but not required.

Education

• Successful completion of high school education is preferred but not required.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent Communication Skills: You should be able to speak clearly, listen actively, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  Candidates should have a level of English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2, or achieve a score of 85% or higher in an English proficiency test.
• Positive Attitude: A friendly, enthusiastic, and approachable demeanor that makes customers feel comfortable.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to quickly analyze a situation and find a solution to meet customer needs.
• Attention to Detail: Ensure accurate data entry and follow-up on all customer interactions.
• Adaptability: Able to adjust to new systems, processes, and customer needs.
• Team Player: A collaborative spirit who enjoys working with others to achieve common goals.
• Tech-Savvy: Comfortable using customer service platforms, CRM systems, and other software tools.
• Willingness to Learn: Open to ongoing training and development to grow in the role and with the company.

Why Join Us?

• Growth Opportunities: We believe in promoting from within and providing opportunities for career advancement.
• Comprehensive Training: We offer extensive paid training to ensure you're equipped for success.
• Team-Oriented Culture: Work in a collaborative, supportive environment with peers who are passionate about what they do.
• Diversity & Inclusion: We celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of all our employees.
• Fun Workplace: Join a vibrant team that knows how to have fun From team engagement activities to social events, we foster a lively and inclusive work environment where you'll build strong connections.
• State-of-the-Art Offices: Work in our modern, well-equipped offices designed to enhance collaboration and productivity.
• Rewarding Work: Help businesses grow while making a real difference in people's lives

Get to Know Us Better Follow us to get an insider view of our team in action, our values in motion, and a sneak peek into what makes us an awesome place to work

Twitter & Instagram: bgocareers

Facebook:
Bill Gosling Outsourcing

LinkedIn:
Bill Gosling Outsourcing

Website –

By applying to this position, you acknowledge that you have read and understood Bill Gosling Outsourcing's Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and storage of personal information in accordance with the policy.

At Bill Gosling Outsourcing, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. Regardless of your race, gender, age, ability status, or any other characteristic, you are valued here.
 
If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, we are happy to work with you to ensure you have the support you need – just let us know.

Bill Gosling Outsourcing – Where your career thrives

Heredia

Costa Rica

Customer Service

Full time

8/21/2025

J

Equifax is where you can power your possible. If you want to achieve your true potential, chart new paths, develop new skills, collaborate with bright minds, and make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.

We are looking for a Trilingual Customer Support Representative (English, French and Spanish), someone who is results driven, with high adaptability to changes, quick learner and strong interpersonal skills.

What you'll do in this position:

• Respond the BCL Assistel consumer line escalations and/or back office escalations.
• Comply with metrics and overall performance expectations.
• Identify consumer needs via thorough analysis of the consumers' credit file.
• Properly document of follow-up actions for partner departments best resolution.
• Initiate and resolve all researches needed to provide the most precise information to the consumer in the back office workframe.
• Maintain complete and accurate client and project information.
• Serve as a liaison between the consumer and the client for best case resolution.
• Accountable a for any update required in cases resolution process.

What experience you must have to apply:

• Fluent in French and English, both oral and written minimum B2 level.
• High School Diploma.

What could set you apart:

• Excellent communications skills .
• Previous Call Center experience.
• 6 month experience with Knowledge of G-suite programs (Sheets,Docs,Slides,etc).

We offer comprehensive compensation and healthcare packages, on-site doctor, paramedics service 24/7, life insurance, gym facilities, collaborative workspaces, free transportation and parking, subsidized cafeteria, solidarity association, and organizational growth potential through our online learning platform with guided career tracks.

Are you ready to power your possible? Apply today, and get started on a path toward an exciting new career at Equifax, where you can make a difference

Who is Equifax?

At Equifax, we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping employers, employees, financial institutions and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence.

We work to help create seamless and positive experiences during life's pivotal moments: applying for jobs or a mortgage, financing an education or buying a car. Our impact is real and to accomplish our goals we focus on nurturing our people for career advancement and their learning and development, supporting our next generation of leaders, maintaining an inclusive and diverse work environment, and regularly engaging and recognizing our employees. Regardless of location or role, the individual and collective work of our employees makes a difference and we are looking for talented team players to join us as we help people live their financial best.

Equifax is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.