The minimum requirement to become an operator is usually an
end of school certificate, a high school diploma or an equivalent
qualification. However, attending a course for operators and receptionists can
be useful for learning how to communicate efficiently and professionally on the
phone and how to use the modern virtual operator and call management software.
Newly hired employees typically go through a tutoring phase
under the supervision of experienced employees or a short training phase to
become familiar with the business processes and ensure that they learn all the
skills necessary to perform their tasks.
Switch center operators can also manage emergency call
points (emergency call point operators). Such positions usually require
specialist training and support under the supervision of experienced operators.
Operator skills and qualifications
The operator is a customer service representative who
manages multiple telephone lines and performs office activities. Employers hire
operators with the following specific skills:
• Customer Service: While telephone operators call
customers, employers are looking for employees with strong customer service
skills.
• Communication skills: exchange operators use verbal
communication skills to answer and forward incoming calls and written
communication skills to retrieve detailed messages.
• Mechanical skills: The exchange operators manage the
exchanges and can work with other technical devices such as headsets and
interphones that require some mechanical skills.
• IT Skills: Intermediaries use several software programs to
receive messages and perform office tasks that require computer skills
• Attention to detail: Monitoring multiple telephone lines
requires a great deal of attention to detail
Payscale and outlook :
switchboard operator salary? PayScale information shows that operators
earn an average hourly income of $ 12.55 an hour. Receptionists earn $ 13.65 an
hour, or $ 28,390 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The receptionists pick up the phones and receive visitors. They do many of the
same things that operators do. In some companies, the two shares are
interchangeable. The BLS forecasts show that employment in the industry will
increase by 9 percent by 2026. This rate is above the national average.
Full-time intermediaries can receive basic service packages
that include health insurance. Paid vacation days can also be offered. Part-time
employees generally do not receive any benefits.
