Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

conventional interests customer telephone equipment personal service record message payment call monitor alarms

CBX Operator (Computerized Branch Exchange Operator), Communications Specialist, PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator), Switchboard Operator (SB Operator)

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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.
  • Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.

Knowledge

Business

  • customer service
  • administrative services

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Communications

  • telecommunications

Skills

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others

Social

  • understanding people's reactions
  • looking for ways to help people

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:

  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Attention to Detail
  • Concern for Others
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology In Demand

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology In Demand

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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