What Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Services do:
- Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
- Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
- Relay or route written or verbal messages.
- Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
- Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
- Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
- Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
- Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
- Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
- Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes.
- Perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash.
- Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
- Answer simple questions about clients' businesses, using reference files.
- Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
- Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
- Place orders, such as for equipment, supplies, or catering for meetings.
- Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
- Stamp messages with time and date and file them appropriately.
- Complete forms for sales orders.
What work activities are most important?
| Importance | Activities |
|---|---|
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Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
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Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
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Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
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Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
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Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |