Make and receive telephone calls

URN: PPL1FOH4
Business Sectors (Suites): Hospitality - Housekeeping and Front of House Reception
Developed by: People 1st
Approved on: 2022

Overview

This standard is about using the telephone. It is for anyone in the organisation that regularly uses the telephone such as a receptionist or telephonist. This may be the initial contact a customer has with the establishment therefore it is important that receiving, making or transferring calls is carried out professionally and efficiently. Each organisation will have their own set of standards for doing this task but this standard looks at the minimum requirements necessary.

When you have completed this standard you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of and ability to:

  • Make and receive telephone calls


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. Identify the purpose of the call before making it 2. Obtain the name and numbers of the person to be contacted 3. Make contact with the person required 4. Communicate information to achieve the purpose of the call 5. Summarise the outcomes of the conversation before ending the call 6. Report telephone system faults to the appropriate colleague 7. Project a positive image of self and the organisation, when on the telephone, at all times 8. Answer the telephone according to organisational procedures 9. Identify the caller, where they are calling from and what they need 10. Provide accurate and up-to-date information to callers while protecting confidentiality and security 11. Take and pass on messages according to caller's needs 12. Deal with problems in handling calls, referring to the appropriate person where necessary 13. Transfer calls promptly, when appropriate 14. Explain when a call cannot be transferred, the reason why and agree appropriate action with the caller 15. Check regularly to see if the caller wants to continue to hold if unable to connect to the required extension, in line with organisational procedures

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. The different features of telephone systems and how to use them 2. Organisation structures and communication channels within an organisation 3. How to follow organisational procedures when making and receiving calls 4. The purpose of projecting a positive image of self and the organisation 5. The purpose and value of confidentiality and security when dealing with callers 6. The types of information that could affect confidentiality and security and how to handle these 7. The purpose of summarising outcomes of a telephone conversation before ending the call 8. How to identify problems and who to refer them to 9. How to report telephone system faults 10. The reasons for identifying the purpose of a call before making it 11. The different methods that can be used to obtain the names and numbers of people that need to be contacted 12. How to use telephone systems to make contact with people inside and outside the organisation 13. How to identify the caller and their needs 14. The purpose of giving accurate and up-to-date information to callers 15. The information to be given when transferring calls, taking or leaving messages 16. How to identify the appropriate person to whom a call is transferred

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

People 1st International Ltd

Original URN

PPL1FOH4

Relevant Occupations

Receptionist

SOC Code

4216

Keywords

make, receive, telephone calls