What does a Telephone Operator do?

According to people in this career, the main tasks are...

TaskImportance
Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections.
92%
Operate paging systems or other systems of bells or buzzers to notify recipients of incoming calls.
90%
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.
89%
Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.
84%
Monitor automated systems for placing collect calls and intervene for a callers needing assistance.
83%
Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.
82%
Update directory information.
82%
Perform clerical duties such as typing, proofreading, and sorting mail.
80%
Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.
80%
Interrupt busy lines if an emergency warrants.
78%
Provide assistance for customers with special billing requests.
77%
Provide relay service for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
76%
Keep records of calls placed and received, and of related toll charges.
76%
Promote company products, services, and savings plans when appropriate.
73%