Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

People in this career often have these skills:

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

People in this career often know a lot about:

• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Administrative - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

People in this career often have talent in:

• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
• Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

People in this career often do these activities:

• Operate communications equipment or systems.
• Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
• Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
• Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
• Monitor alarm systems.

• Maintain security.
• Operate audio recording equipment.
• Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
• Relay information between personnel.
• Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.
• Collect deposits, payments or fees.
• Answer customer questions about goods or services.
• File documents or records.
• Maintain call records.
• Sort mail.
• Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
• Type documents.
• Schedule appointments.
• Execute sales or other financial transactions.
• Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

• Receptionists and Information Clerks

• Court, Municipal, and License Clerks

• Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks

• Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

• Office Clerks, General

• Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan

• Bill and Account Collectors

• Word Processors and Typists

• Customer Service Representatives