Office Clerk how-to

How to Answer a Multi-Line Office Phone

Phone skills make first impressions.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Phone skills make first impressions. In short: greet; ask; put, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Greet with the company name.

  2. Ask how you can help.

  3. Put on hold politely.

  4. Transfer correctly.

  5. Take full messages.

  6. Follow up.

Safety reminders for office clerks

  • Keep walkways clear
  • Lift safely
  • Protect confidential information
  • Know emergency procedures

Clerical · Filing · Data entry · Multi-line phone · Voicemail · Supply order: see the full office clerk glossary.

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