Telephone Operators
Provide information by accessing alphabetical, geographical, or other directories. Assist customers with special billing requests, such as charges to a third party and credits or refunds for incorrectly dialed numbers or bad connections. May handle emergency calls and assist children or people with physical disabilities to make telephone calls.
At a Glance
Telephone Operators earns a median of $39,130/yr with -27.5% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word.
$39,130/yr
-27.5%
N/A
High school diploma or equivalent
Skills & Requirements
Skills (3)
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Knowledge (3)
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Abilities (4)
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Technology (6)
Work Activities (13)
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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