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Career Exploration

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Also called: CBX Operator (Computerized Branch Exchange Operator), Communications Specialist, PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator), Switchboard Operator (SB Operator)

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
  • Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
  • Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service
  • administrative services

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Communications

  • telecommunications

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others

Social

  • understanding people's reactions
  • looking for ways to help people

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Attention to Detail
  • Concern for Others
  • Cooperation

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Outlook

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $34,670

Education

High school diploma/GED is usually needed.