Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Human Advantage 67%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.7 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.
Also Known As: Answering Service Telephone Operator, CBX Operator (Computerized Branch Exchange Operator), Central Communications Specialist, Combination Operator, Command and Control Specialist, Communication Center Operator, Communications Coordinator, Communications Operator +28 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
- Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
- Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
- Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
- Relay or route written or verbal messages.
- Perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash.
- Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
- Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
- Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
- Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes.
Supplemental Tasks (7)
- Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
- Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
- Complete forms for sales orders.
- Answer simple questions about clients' businesses, using reference files.
- Stamp messages with time and date and file them appropriately.
- Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
- Place orders, such as for equipment, supplies, or catering for meetings.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
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Software (11)
Tools & Equipment (15)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Health Data & Administration Education
Zone 2
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service You are here
Zone 3
Medical Assistants 77% match
Zone 4
Medical and Health Services Managers 74% match
Zone 5
Historians 75% match
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