43-2021.00

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.

Career Cluster:Public Service & Safety
Job Family:Office and Administrative Support
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
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Technology Tools

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

  • Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections.
  • Operate paging systems or other systems of bells or buzzers to notify recipients of incoming calls.
  • Operate telephone switchboards and systems to advance and complete connections, including those for local, long distance, pay telephone, mobile, person-to-person, and emergency calls.
  • Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.
  • Monitor automated systems for placing collect calls and intervene for a callers needing assistance.
  • Update directory information.
  • Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.
  • Perform clerical duties such as typing, proofreading, and sorting mail.
  • Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.
  • Interrupt busy lines if an emergency warrants.
  • Provide assistance for customers with special billing requests.
  • Provide relay service for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Keep records of calls placed and received, and of related toll charges.
  • Promote company products, services, and savings plans when appropriate.

Skills

Speaking
75%
Active Listening
75%
Service Orientation
63%
Social Perceptiveness
53%
Reading Comprehension
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Monitoring
44%
Complex Problem Solving
41%
Coordination
38%
Time Management
38%
Active Learning
31%
Writing
31%
Judgment and Decision Making
31%
Persuasion
25%
Systems Analysis
25%
Management of Personnel Resources
25%
Instructing
25%
Learning Strategies
25%
Mathematics
22%
Negotiation
22%
Systems Evaluation
22%
Operations Monitoring
19%
Programming
10%
Management of Material Resources
10%
Management of Financial Resources
10%
Operation and Control
6%
Technology Design
6%
Operations Analysis
3%
Quality Control Analysis
3%
Troubleshooting
0%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Science
0%
Equipment Selection
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
81%
Telecommunications
69%
Administrative
65%
English Language
55%
Computers and Electronics
53%
Administration and Management
40%
Public Safety and Security
36%
Education and Training
33%
Personnel and Human Resources
31%
Communications and Media
28%
Sales and Marketing
20%
Production and Processing
20%
Mathematics
18%
Foreign Language
18%
Psychology
16%
Medicine and Dentistry
15%
Law and Government
15%
Economics and Accounting
15%
Sociology and Anthropology
14%
Geography
14%
Philosophy and Theology
12%
Engineering and Technology
11%
History and Archeology
8%
Transportation
8%
Food Production
7%
Design
6%
Chemistry
6%
Fine Arts
5%
Mechanical
4%
Therapy and Counseling
4%
Physics
4%
Biology
3%
Building and Construction
3%

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Abilities

Oral Expression
78%
Speech Clarity
75%
Speech Recognition
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Problem Sensitivity
50%
Near Vision
50%
Written Comprehension
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Deductive Reasoning
47%
Inductive Reasoning
47%
Information Ordering
44%
Written Expression
44%
Finger Dexterity
41%
Auditory Attention
38%
Category Flexibility
38%
Flexibility of Closure
38%
Perceptual Speed
31%
Hearing Sensitivity
28%
Speed of Closure
28%
Far Vision
25%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Control Precision
25%
Time Sharing
25%
Memorization
25%
Manual Dexterity
25%
Visual Color Discrimination
22%
Reaction Time
22%
Fluency of Ideas
22%
Trunk Strength
22%
Number Facility
22%
Originality
22%
Visualization
16%
Wrist-Finger Speed
16%
Rate Control
16%
Depth Perception
13%
Dynamic Strength
13%
Response Orientation
13%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
87%
Working with Computers
85%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
78%
Processing Information
77%
Documenting/Recording Information
76%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
73%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
72%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
64%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
62%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
58%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
57%
Training and Teaching Others
57%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
56%
Assisting and Caring for Others
55%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
52%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
52%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
47%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
47%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
46%
Analyzing Data or Information
46%
Coaching and Developing Others
44%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
43%
Scheduling Work and Activities
42%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
42%
Performing Administrative Activities
37%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
37%
Thinking Creatively
34%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
33%
Staffing Organizational Units
32%
Developing and Building Teams
32%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
32%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
29%
Controlling Machines and Processes
27%
Performing General Physical Activities
25%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
23%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
20%
Handling and Moving Objects
19%
Selling or Influencing Others
16%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
16%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
13%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
9%

Work Context

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

100%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

100%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

92%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

92%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

90%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

87%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

82%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

80%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

79%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

78%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

73%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

73%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

72%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

71%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

69%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

68%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

67%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

67%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

63%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

62%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

57%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

54%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

53%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

49%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

48%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

43%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

42%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

42%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

41%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

40%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

37%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

33%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

32%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

18%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

18%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

17%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

16%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

16%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

15%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

11%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

11%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

11%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

11%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

4%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

2%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

2%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

2%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

1%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

0%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

0%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

0%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

0%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

0%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

98%

Associate's degree

2%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

87

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

59

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

39

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

30

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

1

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Dependability
76%
Cooperation
74%
Attention to Detail
66%
Self-Control
61%
Social Orientation
60%
Stress Tolerance
59%
Integrity
57%
Empathy
51%
Optimism
46%
Sincerity
42%
Humility
32%
Adaptability
30%
Cautiousness
21%
Perseverance
20%
Self-Confidence
15%
Achievement Orientation
12%
Initiative
10%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
1%

Work Values

Relationships
72%
Support
50%
Independence
33%
Achievement
28%
Recognition
28%
Working Conditions
28%

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