Switchboard operators Jobs

Job Description

Telephonists, or switchboard operators, are the first point of contact for callers to an organisation. They answer incoming calls, putting them through to the right person or department. They also take messages and connect some outgoing calls.

The Skills Required

To be a telephonist or switchboard operator you should have:

• good hearing and a clear telephone voice

• a confident and polite telephone manner

• the ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure

• a good standard of spoken and written English

• basic computer and keyboard skills

• excellent customer care skills

• the ability to deal with difficult calls in a calm and professional manner

• an awareness of confidentiality issues

• good time-keeping and reliability.

Qualifications

You don’t usually need formal qualifications, but some GCSEs, especially English, may help you. Basic computer skills and admin experience can be useful.