What Do Switchboard Operators Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Switchboard Operators operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages. They also answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.

Other tasks include:

• Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
• Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
• Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
• Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
• Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
• Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.

We asked Switchboard Operators how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

---

74% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 56% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Switchboard Operators answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary. They operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.

A typical day for a Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service will also include:

• Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
• Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
• Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
• Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
• Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.

We asked some Switchboard Operators a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	93% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	57% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	67% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	86% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	35% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	81% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Switchboard Operators also place orders, such as for equipment, supplies, or catering for meetings. They may also perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Switchboard Operators Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes. They might also Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.

In addition, they Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.

To some Switchboard Operators, it is also their responsibility to Complete forms for sales orders.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Switchboard Operator, Including Answering Service, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..

They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes432011.htm