How to hire a directory assistance operator

How to hire a directory assistance operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step directory assistance operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a directory assistance operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new directory assistance operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The directory assistance operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A directory assistance operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, directory assistance operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents directory assistance operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Directory Assistance Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Directory Assistance Operator		$11-36
   Call Center Operator	A call center operator is primarily in charge of handling inbound and outbound calls in a call center, aiming to provide clients with optimal support and service. They usually answer inbound calls from clients and assist them by answering inquiries, processing requests, and even handling issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently to ensure customer satisfaction... Show more	$10-20
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Inbound Calls
   • Emergency Calls
   • Customer Calls
   • Emergency Situations
   • Customer Inquiries
   • Customer Complaints
   • Restaurant Reservations
   • Switchboards
   • Telephone Calls
   • Computer System
   • Computer Database
   • Call Handling
   • Quality Customer Service

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate private branch exchange (PBX) systems for businesses and organizations.
   • Plugged in headphones on switchboard, and push switch keys to make connections.
   • Operate switch keys to relay calls on the PBX switchboard to appropriate departments.
   • Provide long distance and local telephone services to MCI customers both international domestic.
   • Place long distance and collect calls via computer and phone system for MCI customers.
   • Plug in headphones when signal light flashes on cord switchboard, or push switch keys on cordless switchboard to make connections.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your directory assistance operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A directory assistance operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, directory assistance operators' average salary in nebraska is 47% less than in virginia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level directory assistance operators earn 68% less than senior-level directory assistance operators.
   • Certifications. A directory assistance operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a directory assistance operator's salary.

   Average directory assistance operator salary

   $43,056yearly

   $20.70 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level directory assistance operator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a directory assistance operator job description

   A job description for a directory assistance operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a directory assistance operator job description:

   Directory assistance operator job description example

   (Entry-level)
   Set your sights on a career at Heritage Auctions, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with offices in New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, London, Hong Kong, and other cities. Heritage Auctions is the largest auction house founded in the U.S. and serves more than 40 different auction categories, including Coins, Sports, Comics, Historical, Jewelry, Fine & Decorative Art, Wine, and many more.
   
   SUMMARY: Responsible for the presentation of consignment items which includes sorting, heavy lifting, cleaning, and labeling. This position will help unpack, tag, and enter property information into database and assist with client pickups after auctions.
   
   LOCATION:
   South of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, NW corner of W. Airport Freeway (Hwy. 183) and Valley View Lane
   
   ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Pre-auction tasks

   • Enter item information into the computer system accurately
   • Ensure all items are imaged promptly
   • Prepare (sort, clean, label) items for auctions

   Post-auction tasks

   • Prepare orders for shipping in compliance with established procedures
   • Ship orders immediately after auctions
   • Process and forward items remaining onsite until payments are received
   • Inform supervisors of any discrepancies
   • Review and match numbers accurately
   • Other duties may be assigned

   EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
   Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or 1-2 years related experience and/or training, or equivalent education and experience.
   
   SKILLS & ABILITIES:

   • Must be proficient in Microsoft applications, specifically Word and Excel
   • Have excellent communication skills
   • High ability to effectively multitask and meet deadlines
   • High willingness to perform repetitive tasks; be highly detail-oriented
   • Work well with others and have a positive attitude.

   WORK ENVIRONMENT:

   • Individuals must be able to work in a fast-paced, team-focused environment.
   • The individual may repeatedly lift to 40 pounds.
   • Individuals must withstand long periods of repeating tasks, sitting, walking, looking at a computer monitor, and phone handling.
   • Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
   • Department Hours: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM or 3:00 AM - 2:30 PM Monday through Friday.

   Heritage Auctions welcomes and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, mature workers, and persons with disabilities. EOE

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find directory assistance operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any directory assistance operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level directory assistance operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your directory assistance operator job on Zippia to find and recruit directory assistance operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit directory assistance operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new directory assistance operator

   Once you've selected the best directory assistance operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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