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Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Also called: Switchboard Operator, PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator), Administrative Assistant, Operator

What they do:
Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.
On the job, you would:
  • Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
  • Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
  • Route emergency calls appropriately.

Knowledge

Business
  • customer service
  • administrative services
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Communications
  • telecommunications

Skills

Basic Skills
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others
Social
  • understanding people's reactions
  • changing what is done based on other people's actions

Abilities

Verbal
  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say
Attention
  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail

Technology

Examples of the technology used in this career will be available soon.

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$25,320
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about switchboard operators, including answering service.