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What does a switchboard operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a switchboard operator do

Switchboard operators work to assist callers in huge hospitals, hotels, and companies. The operators answer calls and route them to the necessary department or person to address their concerns. They perform clerical and administrative tasks like copying, receiving packages, and filing documents. Among the skills to become a good switchboard operator include attention to details, communication skills, and understanding of troubleshooting systems in communication. They should also have strong communication skills, clear speech and listening skills, and excellent customer service.

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Switchboard operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real switchboard operator resumes:

  • Develop QA survey to improve client satisfaction.
  • Compile inmate reports for payroll.
  • Assign new employee payroll numbers.
  • Connect customers with patients, doctors, and administrators and assist with emergency announcements
  • Confirm appointments and communicate any changes or cancellations to all patients and administration personnel.
  • Supervise telecommunication operations and reinforce the confidentiality in telecommunications.
  • Operate busy electronic switchboard to greet and transfer internal and international calls.
  • Coordinate switchboard, answer and transfer call efficiently, and answer general hospital questions.
  • Supervise telecommunication operations and reinforce the confidentiality in telecommunications.

Switchboard operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 22% of Switchboard Operators are proficient in Customer Service, Patients, and Phone Calls. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Computer skills, and Customer-service skills.

We break down the percentage of Switchboard Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 22%

    Record and deliver alarm calls -Dispense and track communication radios -Log all pertinent information in database -Serve as a customer service ambassador

  • Patients, 21%

    Facilitate financial arrangements with patients without insurance and provide Medicaid and hospital Financial Discount Program applications.

  • Phone Calls, 7%

    Processed incoming and outgoing DoD communications traffic or transfer phone calls ensuring priority calls were handled appropriately.

  • Transferring Calls, 4%

    Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls.-Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.

  • External Calls, 4%

    Answer internal and external calls directing them to correct locations, text and page doctors, staff and associates when requested.

  • Multi-Line Phone System, 3%

    Schedule patients for appointments, verify insurance, answer multi-line phone, schedule outpatient procedures/tests and administer referrals.

"customer service," "patients," and "phone calls" are among the most common skills that switchboard operators use at work. You can find even more switchboard operator responsibilities below, including:

Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a switchboard operator to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "receptionists must speak and write clearly when providing information and corresponding with customers." Additionally, a switchboard operator resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "respond promptly to all alarms and emergency situations to facilitate notification and communication associated with all codes and emergency situations. "

Computer skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling switchboard operator duties is computer skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "receptionists should be adept at using computers." According to a switchboard operator resume, here's how switchboard operators can utilize computer skills in their job responsibilities: "operate switchboard computers and call center functions by answering and connecting external and internal calls in a timely manner. "

Customer-service skills. switchboard operators are also known for customer-service skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to switchboard operator responsibilities, because "receptionists represent the organization, so they should be courteous, professional, and helpful to customers and the public." A switchboard operator resume example shows how customer-service skills is used in the workplace: "directed customers to the correct department on daily average volume of 800 external and internal calls. "

Integrity. switchboard operator responsibilities often require "integrity." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "receptionists may handle confidential data, especially in medical and legal offices." This resume example shows what switchboard operators do with integrity on a typical day: "maintain confidentiality, security, and integrity of patients' data. "

Interpersonal skills. Another crucial skill for a switchboard operator to carry out their responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." A big part of what switchboard operators relies on this skill, since "receptionists should be comfortable interacting with people in different types of situations." How this skill relates to switchboard operator duties can be seen in an example from a switchboard operator resume snippet: "core competency profile strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, and customer service skills. "

Organizational skills. Lastly, "organizational skills" is an important element of what a switchboard operator does. Switchboard operator responsibilities require this skill because "receptionists take messages, schedule appointments, and maintain employee files." This resume example highlights how switchboard operator duties rely on this skill: "general office work, handled a multi-line telephone system, use of clerical, communicational, and organizational skills. "

Most common switchboard operator skills

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Compare different switchboard operators

Switchboard operator vs. Central communications specialist

A central communications specialist is in charge of overseeing the public and media relations of an organization. Although their duties may vary upon their company or industry of employment, it usually involves handling media requests and press releases, developing newsletters and press kits, facilitating communication lines with clients, and coordinating with media partners and advertising agencies. Moreover, in some companies, a central communications specialist may also participate in utilizing social media and other web platform strategies to raise brand awareness and public interest.

If we compare the average switchboard operator annual salary with that of a central communications specialist, we find that central communications specialists typically earn a $9,802 higher salary than switchboard operators make annually.Even though switchboard operators and central communications specialists are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require customer service, computer system, and inbound calls in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between switchboard operators and central communications specialist. For instance, switchboard operator responsibilities require skills such as "patients," "phone calls," "transferring calls," and "external calls." Whereas a central communications specialist is skilled in "data entry," "traffic flow," "sops," and "fda." This is part of what separates the two careers.

The education levels that central communications specialists earn slightly differ from switchboard operators. In particular, central communications specialists are 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a switchboard operator. Additionally, they're 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Switchboard operator vs. Office receptionist

An office receptionist, or administrative assistant, performs various administrative tasks for an organization. These tasks may include answering phone calls, providing the public and customers with information, and warmly welcoming, greeting, and directing visitors or guests accordingly. Additionally, an office receptionist is responsible for maintaining security by issuing visitor badges, monitoring logbooks, and following procedures. Administrative assistants are also responsible for preparing and processing travel vouchers and other documents. Some employers prefer someone with a college or bachelor's degree, telephone skills, and excellent communication skills.

On average, office receptionists earn a $2,273 higher salary than switchboard operators a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Switchboard operators and office receptionists both require similar skills like "customer service," "patients," and "phone calls" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real switchboard operator resumes. While switchboard operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "external calls," "emergency codes," "pbx," and "two-way radio," office receptionists use skills like "data entry," "appointment scheduling," "office equipment," and "insurance verification."

Office receptionists may earn a higher salary than switchboard operators, but office receptionists earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $34,162. On the other hand, switchboard operators receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $31,898.In general, office receptionists achieve similar levels of education than switchboard operators. They're 0.2% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Switchboard operator vs. Telecommunication operator

A Telecommunication Operator handles all incoming calls and transfers them when necessary to appropriate quarters. As a Telecommunication operator, you will be tasked with responding to inquiries, answering messages, and passing along communication to the right individuals. In addition to that, you will be tasked with organizing the telephone directory and performing a host of other administrative tasks. You will also have the responsibility of processing packages and incoming mails and delivering outgoing mails and packages to the post office or other shipping facilities.

On average, telecommunication operators earn higher salaries than switchboard operators, with a $8,100 difference per year.switchboard operators and telecommunication operators both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "customer service," "patients," and "transferring calls," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, switchboard operators are more likely to have skills like "phone calls," "external calls," "front desk," and "direct calls." But a telecommunication operator is more likely to have skills like "telephone calls," "non-emergency calls," "telecommunication," and "computer aided dispatch."

Telecommunication operators make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $45,658. On the other hand, switchboard operators are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $31,898.Most telecommunication operators achieve a similar degree level compared to switchboard operators. For example, they're 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Switchboard operator vs. Communication center operator

Communication center operators typically earn lower pay than switchboard operators. On average, communication center operators earn a $791 lower salary per year.While both switchboard operators and communication center operators complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like customer service, transferring calls, and emergency situations, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between switchboard operators and communication center operators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a switchboard operator might have more use for skills like "patients," "phone calls," "external calls," and "multi-line phone system." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of communication center operators require skills like "cctv," "incident reports," "security systems," and "background checks. "

Communication center operators enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $44,755. For comparison, switchboard operators earn the highest salary in the manufacturing industry.The average resume of communication center operators showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to switchboard operators. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.

Types of switchboard operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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