PBX Operator job
description
PBX operators handle incoming calls and call others within
an organization, as well as transmitting messages. This work involves routing
calls, carrying out administrative tasks and transferring information. PBX
operators usually work in office-based environments, although this role can be
performed in hospitals or similar environments. This can be a full-time job or
part-time job and a lot of common work depends on working hours. Applicants
seeking a job as a PBX operator must have excellent communication with strong
telephone experience and demonstrable customer support skills.
Duties and responsibilities of the PBX operator
The organizations they operate decide the activities
operated by a PBX operator. Based on the job advertisements we analyzed, PBX
operator tasks generally relate to:
Answer the phone
As the PBX area maintenance manager, the main task of the PBX
operators is to answer the phones. They ensure that all calls are handled
politely and quickly and that callers are transferred to the right person or
helped to find an appropriate person if they are not sure who to talk to.
Switchboard operation means filtering calls, forwarding them to the right person
and transferring messages.
Make emergency calls
As the company's first point of contact, PBX operators have
information on emergency procedures and know how to deal safely or by
threatening dangerous situations. If someone threatens the organization, by
phone or in person, PBX operators are required to notify senior staff or
security.
Transfer information
PBX operators collect basic information from callers to
understand who needs to be relayed or to answer questions they may have, such
as directions to the office or contact details of individual staff members. For
recipients of off-site calls, PBX operators accept messages to be forwarded
later or to transmit another member of staff.
Equipment bug fix
PBX operators need basic knowledge of how the
telecommunications system works to perform repairs in the event of a failure.
The responsibilities of the PBX operator include basic maintenance activities,
which means that they must try to resolve any problems to make the operating
system as soon as possible.
Execution of administrative tasks
In addition to managing the switchboard, PBX operators
perform office tasks such as typing, fax management and proofreading. They also
help with the general management of the company's reception area, such as
greeting the general public, accessing system visitors and processing
deliveries.
Skills and
qualifications of PBX operators
PBX operators have good listening and speaking skills, are
very well organized and work independently at ease. Employers generally require
a high school diploma and previous customer service experience, with the
following skills:
Communication skills: PBX operators communicate with people
both inside and outside the company and require excellent communication skills
Customer service: this job involves communication with
companies, customers or external agencies, therefore it is necessary to manage
strong customer service skills to manage these interactions in a professional
and courteous way.
Organizational skills: PBX operators handle multiple calls,
often in large organizations, as well as putting important messages aside, so
organization is critical to ensuring that all tasks are completed on time.
Typing skills: PBX operators should have basic computer
skills and the ability to use word processing software to type correspondence,
reply to emails and perform administrative tasks
Conflict resolution is often part of a PBX operator,
particularly if a person requests a complaint and is angry. PBX operators must
remain calm and try to spread the situation while helping the caller.
Education and
training for PBX operators
The minimum requirement to become a PBX operator is a high
school diploma. Many employers prefer former applicants to experience retail or
customer service. Applicants should have some basic computer skills for this
position, particularly in relation to data entry and word processing, as well
as being familiar with programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Most of the
essential PBX operator skills are acquired through the practical training of
more experienced colleagues.
Salary outlook:
The annual average switchboard operator salary is $ 30,000,
according to PayScale. PBX operators in the 10th percentile earn in the region
of $ 20,000 per year, while the highest earners earn almost $ 46,000 a year.
High-level bonuses in this payment area can reach $ 9,000. Many companies
provide health benefits as part of their pay package, and almost 75% of people
in this role receive medical coverage.