Perhaps This Isn’t Your Calling
CONSTRUCTION | RIGHT | JULY 9, 2014
(I’ve just started a new job as a secretary for a house construction company. The former secretary is training me.)
Former Secretary: “This job is a snap. Answering the phone is the easiest part. All they ever want is lot prices or house prices. Oh, the phone is ringing now; go ahead and answer it.”
Me: “Good morning. Thank you for calling [Company Name]. This is [My Name]. How may I help you?”
Caller: “I need you to fix my hot tub.”
Me: “One moment please, sir.” *to the former secretary* “This guy wants us to fix his hot tub.”
Former Secretary: “What?”
(The former secretary takes phone, talks a little, and then hangs up.)
Former Secretary: “He had the wrong [Company Name]. He thought he was calling the head office of the hotel he’s staying at. That was weird. Oh, the phone’s ringing again.”
Me: *answers phone*
Caller: “THEY’RE CUTTING DOWN MY TREES! MAKE THEM STOOOPPP!”
Me: “One moment please, sir.” *to former secretary* “Um, this guy says ‘they’ are cutting down his trees.”
Former Secretary: “Are you kidding?”
Me: “I thought answering the phones here was supposed to be easy?”
Former Secretary: “It usually IS!”
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