Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

• 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.
• Relay or route written or verbal messages.
• Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
• Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
• Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
• Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service.

• Active Listening - 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.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service.