Switchboard Operator Job | Telephone Operator Jobs
Phone Operator Jobs - What is the Job of a Telephone Operator? What do Switchboard Operator Jobs Involve?
Telephone operators and switchboard operators have a wide variety of responsibilities depending on the area which they work, which can be hospitals, hotels, and the government, or call centers. Switchboard operators use voice over internet protocol and private branch exchange in order to relay main calls to more specific offices.
Switchboard operators may also have the role of taking messages and supplying information about the company to a caller. Switchboard operators have had much of their tasks automated, as systems automatically connect individuals to the right department and extension without delay.
Phone operators, are responsible for helping customers make telephone calls, which can be local or long distance. When a phone caller dials 0, they are connected with the operator, who usually works for a telephone company and whose responses are now mostly automated.
Operators are still used to find out information on emergency events, in addition to helping customers who are having trouble with automated phone systems. The other role that phone operators provide is acting as directory assistance to callers who are looking for a specific business service.
With new computer technology, automated systems are now able to help customers locate businesses, however, there is still a need for phone operators as not all functions can be automated.
Working Conditions for Telephone Operator Jobs - How is the Working Environment for Switchboard Operator Jobs?
Telephone operators work in clean well lit office environments, spending most of their day in front of computer screens in a cubicle. Repetitive motion injuries can be a problem for those who’ve worked as a phone operator for a long period time.
Switchboard operators will usually work a 40 hour workweek with normal hours, however, telephone operators must be available 24 hours a day and so they may have a wide variety of shifts that include evening and weekend hours. The best time slots for phone operator jobs are usually given on the basis of seniority, an entry level phone operators will usually have the worst shifts.
About 20% of phone operators work part time, with the rest working full time.
Telephone Operator Education - How to Become a Phone Operator - How to Receive Your Switchboard Operator Training
Switchboard operators and telephone operator training only requires a high school diploma. On the job training is usually less a few weeks, during which a telephone operator learns the ropes of dealing with customers and learning how to handle various types of emergencies and requests. Switchboard operators may have multiple roles in conducting clerical work in writing.
Telephone operators are most commonly hired at telecommunications companies, and they may be paired with more experienced operator in order to learn the ropes of the business.
Phone Operator Training Requirements - How to Become a Telephone Operator
Phone operators should have good speaking skills, excellent hearing, and a memory for numbers. Since most phone operators use computers in order to assist them with their work, computer literacy is a bonus, in addition to a knowledge of Spanish.
Switchboard operators will typically advance to other positions such as customer service representative or dispatcher after working on the job for one or two years. Phone operators may also be promoted to supervisory positions in the area in which they work.
Phone Operator Employment - What is the Future of Switchboard Operator Jobs?
Over the next decade, phone operator and switchboard operator employment should decline by about 12%. Telephone operators should experience the greatest decline at 40%, or 4% decline annually. Due to computer technologies and call center outsourcing, there are very few jobs in America left for communications operators.
Voice recognition systems make it easy for automated phone systems to recognize human speech patterns and connect individuals directly by analyzing their speech. Internet directories are further reducing the need for directory assistance operators, and mobile Internet phones are contributing to this decline.
Telephone Operator Salary Pay Scale - How Much Do Phone Operator Jobs Earn?
In 2006, switchboard operator jobs had median hourly earnings of $10.88, with those working in medical offices having the highest rate of pay $11.40 on median.
Telephone operators earned $16.41 in median hourly earnings over the same time period. Some telephone operators may be part of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers or the Communications Workers of America Union, which offers better pay and greater opportunities for advancement.