Can you roll calls?
I recently discovered something about myself. I suck at answering phones. They call it rolling calls in LA. Basically you answer the phone, ask who is calling, and then transfer the call. And I can’t do it. It’s like finding out I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. I don’t know why it is so difficult for me but every time the phone rings, I get something wrong. I get so nervous that I find myself praying the phone doesn’t ring.
When I first started my internship, my boss asked if I had experience rolling calls. I said no but figured how hard can it be. The answer- Really freaking hard. I have a new appreciation for Pam on The Office. Hopefully I’ll get the hang of it soon.
Thankfully neither of my bosses are like the lady on The Devil Wears Prada. Both are really nice guys.
I had a similar experience when working as a cashier as a teenager. I could type really well, so I assumed working a cash register would be a piece of cake. It wasn’t. I really, really sucked at it. I was quickly moved to folding clothes (one of my core competencies), so I never got a chance to try and improve. I bet with practice you’ll get the hang of it!
I’m getting a little better at the phone thing. And today, I talked to a nice assistant that made a flub on her end and I didn’t think any less of her. We’re all in this together. Fun.