Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

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Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Careers / Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Summary Description


	Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Answering Service Telephone Operator

2.	CBX Operator

3.	Central Communications Specialist

4.	Combination Operator

5.	Command and Control Specialist

6.	Communication Center Operator

7.	Communication Coordinator

8.	Communication Specialist

9.	Complaint Operator

10.	Desk Operator

11.	Exchange Operator

12.	Information Specialist

13.	Line Technician

14.	Operator

15.	Operators Teacher

16.	PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator)

17.	PBX Teacher

18.	Police District Switchboard Operator

19.	Private Branch Exchange Service Adviser

20.	Route Clerk

21.	Switch Technician

22.	Switchboard Operator

23.	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist

24.	Switchboard Receptionist

25.	Switching Clerk

26.	Tandem Operator

27.	Telecommunications Clerk

28.	Telecommunications Operator

29.	Telegraph Office Telephone Clerk

30.	Telephone Answering Service Operator

31.	Telephone Operator

32.	Telephone Switchboard Operator

33.	Test Operator

34.	Through Operator

35.	Traffic Observer

36.	Traffic Operator

Job Tasks

	Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary. Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.

	Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address. Operate communications equipment or systems.

	Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment. Operate communications equipment or systems.

	Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.

	Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained. Monitor alarm systems.

	Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location. Monitor alarm systems. Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.

	Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts. Refer customers to appropriate personnel. Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.

	Relay or route written or verbal messages. Relay information between personnel.

	Answer simple questions about clients' businesses, using reference files.

	Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed. Operate communications equipment or systems.

	Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules. Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy. Type documents.

	Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred. Maintain call records.

	Stamp messages with time and date and file them appropriately. File documents or records.

	Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries. Sort mail.

	Complete forms for sales orders. Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.

	Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones. Maintain security.

	Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes. Schedule appointments. Execute sales or other financial transactions.

	Perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash. Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement. Collect deposits, payments or fees.

	Place orders, such as for equipment, supplies, or catering for meetings. Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

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The first manufactured product ever exported from America was tar. It was sent from Jamestown, VA to England.

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