Telephone Operator: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Telephone Operator
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Practice Now »What is a Telephone Operator?
As a Telephone Operator in the UK, your primary function would be to receive and guide callers in different settings such as business or industrial environments. You would also manage telephone switchboards to assist with making phone calls, and facilitate internal, incoming, and outgoing calls.
Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong customer service skills
- Proficient in using telephone systems and equipment
- Ability to handle high call volumes and multitask effectively
- Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry
- Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure
- Knowledge of relevant software and computer applications
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work well in a team and collaborate with colleagues
Qualifications & Education
- Academic qualifications are not necessarily required for this career field in the UK
- On-the-job training is provided to prepare individuals for the role of a telephone operator
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a telephonist in the UK, there are no specific entry requirements. However, employers typically look for candidates with good literacy, numeracy, and IT skills. Having GCSEs or equivalent qualifications may be preferred by some employers. Additionally, relevant work experience is often requested.
The 7 telephone operator tasks include answering phone calls, making emergency calls, gathering information, resolving equipment faults, executing administrative tasks, utilizing communication skills, providing customer service, and having typing skills.
A telephone operator in the UK helps people connect their phone calls by using computerized telephone directories to find requested telephone numbers and make the necessary connections. They handle various types of calls, including long distance, overseas, and local calls. Telephone operators employed by businesses may also answer all incoming calls.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Telephone Operator mock interview, under 10 minutes
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