Telephone Operators

Course Advisor

United States

On-site

USD 23,160 - 60,610

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Course Advisor is seeking a Telephone Operator who will provide information and assist customers with several tasks. Responsibilities include operating switchboards, handling emergency calls, and performing clerical duties. Ideal candidates should possess strong active listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and related software. The salary for this position typically ranges from $23,160 to $60,610. This role is critical in ensuring effective communication and customer service.

Qualifications

Provide information by accessing directories.
Assist customers with billing requests and handle emergency calls.
Monitor automated systems for assistance.

Responsibilities

Perform clerical duties such as typing and proofreading.
Operate telephone switchboards to complete connections.
Consult charts to determine charges for calls.

Skills

Active Listening

Speaking

Service Orientation

Social Perceptiveness

Reading Comprehension

Critical Thinking

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Outlook

Data entry software

Word processing software

Microsoft Windows

Handheld computer device software

Computer aided dispatch software

Job description

Telephone Operator

What Does it Take to Be a Telephone Operator?

Telephone Operator Definition Provide information by accessing alphabetical, geographical, or other directories. Assist customers with special billing requests, such as charges to a third party and credits or refunds for incorrectly dialed numbers or bad connections. May handle emergency calls and assist children or people with physical disabilities to make telephone calls.

Daily Life Of a Telephone Operator

Perform clerical duties such as typing, proofreading, and sorting mail.
Interrupt busy lines if an emergency warrants.
Operate telephone switchboards and systems to advance and complete connections, including those for local, long distance, pay telephone, mobile, person-to-person, and emergency calls.
Monitor automated systems for placing collect calls and intervene for callers needing assistance.
Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.
Consult charts to determine charges for pay-telephone calls, requesting coin deposits for calls as necessary.

What a Telephone Operator Should Know

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.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation

PBX Operator (Post Box Exchange Operator)
Long Lines Operator
Customer Service Assistant
Trouble Operator
Directory Operator

Job Outlook for Telephone Operators

In 2016, there were an estimated 9,100 jobs in the United States for Telephone Operators. Growth is limited, with an average of 900 job openings each year. States with the most job growth include Alaska, Utah, and Idaho, while Delaware, Tennessee, and New Jersey have poor growth.

How Much Does a Telephone Operator Make?

The average yearly salary of a Telephone Operator ranges between $23,160 and $60,610. Those working in New York, Hawaii, or the District of Columbia earn the highest salaries.

Tools & Technologies Used by Telephone Operators