It used to be that the telephone operator was the heart and soul of the phone industry. Over the years, as technology became more sophisticated, automation began to replace the live voice at the switchboard. However, there are some things automated phone systems can't handle without human help, which is where the telephone operator continues to provide service. Telephone operators step in when customers are having difficulty finding a phone number. They help people place collect or credit card calls, and use telephone switchboards and systems to complete connections. The job often involves dealing with special needs, such as children or people with speech limitations. Operators are often called upon to contact the authorities in an emergency. These workers are most often employed by telephone companies or large businesses. Operators need to speak clearly and have good hearing. They need good spelling and computer skills, too. Fluency in more than one language can be a big advantage in getting a job. The work can be stressful -- you need to be able Entry level positions generally require a high school diploma or high school equivalency, with training then provided on the job. As technology takes on more of the operator's duties, the number of available jobs continues to decline. Part-time and shift work is common. Many operators move on to become dispatchers, receptionists, customer service representatives or supervisors. But no matter how few in number, telephone operators add a needed human touch to an increasingly automated industry.
What they do:
Provide information by accessing alphabetical, geographical, or other directories. Assist customers with special billing requests, such as charges to a third party and credits or refunds for incorrectly dialed numbers or bad connections. May handle emergency calls and assist children or people with physical disabilities to make telephone calls.
On the job, you would:
Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.
Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.
Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.
Business
customer service
Arts and Humanities
English language
Communications
telecommunications
multimedia
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Stress Tolerance
Integrity
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Self Control
Attention to Detail
You might use software like this on the job:
Operating system software
Handheld computer device software
Microsoft Windows
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Helpdesk or call center software
Computer aided dispatch software
high school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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