These workers are usually trained informally by experienced personnel, although in some organizations they may be trained by a telephone company instructor. Telephone operators should be pleasant, courteous, and patient. A clear, pleasing voice and good hearing are important. In addition to being a good listener, prospective operators should have good reading, spelling, and arithmetic skills. Good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity are useful, as is an ability to work well under pressure.
Many employers require operators to pass a physical examination.
Some employers require a high school diploma. After 1 or 2 years of experience, telephone company operators may be promoted to service assistant, aiding the supervisor by monitoring telephone conversations. Direct promotion to supervisor may also be possible in some companies. Some operators advance to other clerical jobs or to telephone craft jobs, such as installer or repairer. Job Outlook Job opportunities for telephone operators are expected to be extremely limited over the next decade.