Switchboard operators work in various industries, including call centers, hospitals, offices, and government offices. They answer calls, distribute them to the appropriate parties, and perform administrative tasks. They also serve as receptionists and may need to learn how to use paging systems and monitor alarm systems. Patience, tact, and a professional demeanor are necessary for this job.
Call center operator jobs are found in many medium sized organizations and in almost all large companies. Telephone switchboard operators work in hospitals, offices, police stations or government offices. The call center operator job description involves answering calls, but also includes administrative tasks. Most people can find employment as a telephone switchboard operator with only a high school education.
A switchboard operator typically runs a private switchboard or PBX switchboard to distribute incoming calls to the appropriate parties. They may need to announce calls over a loudspeaker or simply introduce callers to the recipient before transferring the call. Some switchboard operators are required to receive messages manually instead of transferring a caller to voicemail.
Even automated systems sometimes need the help of call center operators jobs. Anyone who doesn’t want to leave a message will need to speak with an operator to find someone else to take their call. In addition, most of the telephone company’s telephone operators’ jobs have become automated, such as helping customers make local and long distance calls or directory assistance. Switchboard operators are still kept on hand to help those who struggle with automated services.
The switchboard operator’s job in the office often includes also serving as a receptionist. It can be challenging to balance incoming calls with incoming customers simultaneously; therefore, a lot of patience and tact is needed in this switchboard operator job. Office switchboard operators often perform other administrative tasks, such as opening e-mails, typing envelopes, or forwarding incoming faxes.
In a hospital, the switchboard operator’s job requires attention to detail in routing calls to the correct patients. As the switchboard operator is the first point of contact for all calls, he or she must project a professional and caring image in the hospital’s representation. Hospital switchboard operators must learn to use paging systems and monitor various alarm systems. It is important that the operator is familiar with all hospital departments to ensure proper contact of any individual during an emergency situation. Many hospitals only hire a switchboard operator with previous experience.
Local governments need switchboard operators to route calls to the appropriate departments and department heads. These workers often answer general questions for callers as well. A basic understanding of the inner workings of city government is important for understanding how to help customers with their questions and properly direct calls.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
