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Receptionists and Switchboard Operators  (NOC 1414)
Moncton--Richibucto Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Receptionists and switchboard operators greet people arriving at offices, hospitals and other establishments, direct visitors to appropriate person or service, answer and forward telephone calls, take messages, schedule appointments and perform other clerical duties. They are employed by hospitals, medical and dental offices and in other offices throughout the public and private sectors.

admitting clerk, answering service operator, business receptionist, dental receptionist, front desk clerk (except hotel), hospital admitting clerk, medical receptionist, reception clerk, receptionist, switchboard operator, telereceptionist.

The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
  • Receptionists greet people coming into offices and other establishments, direct them to the appropriate contacts or services, and provide information in person and by phone and may perform clerical duties and maintain front desk security and security access lists.
  • Hospital admitting clerks interview patients to obtain and process information required to provide hospital and medical services.
  • Medical and dental receptionists greet patients, schedule appointments, using manual or computerized systems, receive and record payment for services, and direct patients to appropriate areas.
  • Switchboard operators operate a telephone system or switchboard to answer, screen and forward telephone calls, taking messages and providing information as required; and may perform clerical duties.
  • Answering service operators answer telephones and record and relay messages.
  • Front desk clerks in a variety of institutional and commercial settings direct customers to appropriate areas, record bookings, handle credit card checks, receive payment, issue receipts, arrange tour reservations and deal with emergency situations.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Moncton, Bouctouche, Dieppe, Richibucto, Riverview, Sackville, Shediac, McEwen, Salisbury

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Receptionists and Switchboard Operators in Moncton--Richibucto Region

Education and job requirements can vary by region. Workers in regulated occupations require a licence to work legally. Workers in non-regulated occupations do not require a licence, but employers may have other certification requirements.

Local Employment Requirements

Completion of Grade 12. Some employers may require college training in office administration. Be comfortable with technology. A knowledge of office procedures may be required. Bilingualism is an asset. Some employers require a security clearance.

Internationally educated persons who want to work in their occupation in Canada can obtain further information on the Web site of the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC), at www.cicic.ca.

[Report Publication Date: 2010-02-12 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Local Skills Requirements

Interpersonal skills, good oral and written communication skills, good computer skills. Ability to manage files and make decisions.

For additional information about essential skills, refer to:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/essential_skills/general/home.shtml

[Report Publication Date: 2010-02-12 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Skills Requirements

There are often specific abilities, aptitudes and knowledge that are prerequisites to obtain employment in an occupation.

Most employers who advertise are looking for workers who have the following experience and skills:

Experience:
0-2 years

Specific Skills:
Answer, screen and forward telephone calls. Greet people and direct them to contacts or service areas. Perform clerical duties, such as filing and sorting and distributing mail.

Business Equipment and Computer Applications:
General office equipment, Windows, switchboard 1-25 lines, electronic mail and word processing software.

Additional Skills:
Provide basic information to clients and the public. Data entry. Maintain records.

List of Associations

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[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]

Local Training

This occupation does not usually require any post-secondary education, but college-level education can be an asset.

To learn more about educational institutions, visit the CanLearn Web site at www.canlearn.ca.

[ Report Publication Date: 2010-02-12 | Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

Getting your language skills assessed

If you do not know what your English or French language level is, visit one of the Language Assessment Centres across Canada. They will assess your language level and direct you to the appropriate language training program.

Please consult the New Brunswick and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.