- Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.
- Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.
- Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency
Telephonist | Average UK Salary & Outlook
Telephonists, or switchboard operators, answer and connect calls and take messages.
Telephonists typically work around 38 to 40 hours per week.
As a Telephonist you will typically work evenings / weekends / bank holidays.
This occupation tends to be:
| Average salary |
| 21,897 GBP * |
| per year |
Salary statistics
Average salary for Telephonist
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24,479 GBP
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20,517 GBP
Average salary for part-time Telephonist
Average salary for full-time Telephonist
Showing:
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11,660 GBP
-
11,190 GBP
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21,897 GBP
-
20,517 GBP
-
24,479 GBP
Salary over time for Telephonist
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18,863 GBP
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19,715 GBP
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19,003 GBP
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19,877 GBP
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20,039 GBP
-
19,917 GBP
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21,897 GBP
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23,078 GBP
-
28,462 GBP
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Future outlook for Telephonists
Fair outlook
6 000+ jobs available 
Very good outlook
5% yearly wage growth (on average) 
Balanced outlook
56% chance of automation in the future Telephonist - Your future job?
Which qualifications do I need?
Find out what you need to know in order to become a Telephonist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.
What soft skills do I need?
Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Telephonist.
Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively
Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people
Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do
Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
What technical skills do I need?
Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Telephonist. Check that you know:
Things to highlight for your Telephonist interview
Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
