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Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service - 43-2011.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Switchboard Operator
  • PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator)
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Operator
  • CBX Operator
  • Communication Specialist
  • Dispatcher
  • Telecommunications Operator
  • Office Assistant
  • Telecommunications Clerk

SOC Occupation Groups

43-0000 Office and Administrative Support Occupations
43-2000 Communications Equipment Operators
43-2010 Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
43-2011.00 Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
  • Answer simple questions about clients' businesses, using reference files.
  • Complete forms for sales orders.
  • Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
  • Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
  • Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
  • Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
  • Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
  • Perform clerical duties, such as typing, proofreading, accepting orders, scheduling appointments, and sorting mail.
  • Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
  • Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
  • Relay or route written or verbal messages.
  • Route emergency calls appropriately.
  • Stamp messages with time and date and file them appropriately.

Detailed Work Activities

  • answer calls using switchboard
  • answer customer or public inquiries
  • arrange teleconference calls
  • date stamp messages, mail, or other information
  • ensure correct grammar, punctuation, or spelling
  • maintain telephone logs
  • operate business machines
  • perform clerical duties including typing, accepting orders, or sorting mail
  • route multi-line telephone calls
  • take messages
  • transcribe spoken or written information
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use oral or written communication techniques
  • use telephone communication techniques

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Communication-Center Operator
  • Switchboard Operator, Police District
  • Telephone Clerk, Telegraph Office
  • Telephone Operator
  • Telephone-Answering-Service Operator