Electrical CSR / Call Taker Pre-Hire Assessment

The short answer: First Move Assessment reads what an electrical CSR does first on the phone: hear the call that is a safety issue, ask the questions before promising a time, say the fee plainly, or book everything the same way to get to the next call. It takes the candidate 10 to 20 minutes and starts at $149.

What the CSR / Call Taker seat carries in an electrical contractor

An electrical company's phones carry everything from a quote for recessed lights to a smell of burning at the panel. The CSR has to tell those apart in the first minute and give your safety script every time it applies: smoke, sparks or a burning smell at the panel means get everyone out and call 911, and a downed service line means stay clear and call the utility.

A strong CSR keeps hold of the call. They ask what is happening before they promise a time, they say the trip charge out loud without apologizing, and they get the panel location, the access and the age of the house down so the electrician arrives ready.

They hand up what sits above the desk, the warranty question, the price exception, what the board can still take, and then keep the customer informed. A CSR who promises an electrician today to calm a caller books the call and breaks it.

Every seat in the trade is listed on the electrical page.

What the standard for this seat measures

Every situation the candidate reads is written from inside this seat, in the trade's own words, and each one asks for the move they would make first. The report gives a seat match from 0 to 100 against the written standard for the CSR / Call Taker seat, with its margin of error printed beside it. It shows where the candidate's instincts line up with the seat and where they pull away, with the interview questions to ask about the gaps and what to listen for in the answers. It does not tell you whom to hire. You make the decision.

For this seat the standard leans on a quick read of the caller, on staying with the person on the line, and on holding firm on the fee and the window when a caller pushes for an exception.

Where the wrong instinct shows up

• The safety call booked for Thursday. The caller mentions a warm outlet and a smell, the CSR books the next open slot, and nobody gives the caller the safety script.
• The promised arrival. The caller wants an electrician this afternoon, the CSR says yes, and the dispatcher learns about it from the customer's second call.
• The fee that disappears. The caller argues the trip charge and the CSR drops it without asking anyone.
• The quote call lost. The caller wants a price over the phone for a panel upgrade, the CSR guesses a number, and the estimator inherits it.

See our guide to hiring a CSR, which covers electrical and plumbing shops as well as HVAC.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a CSR / Call Taker assessment cost?

One assessment is $149. A 5 Pack is $595, a 10 Pack is $995 ($99.50 a candidate) and a 25 Pack is $1,995 ($79.80 a candidate). The Practice License is $4,950 a year and includes 100 assessments ($49.50 each). Every seat costs the same, and assessments never expire. Your first report is covered by a 30-day refund. Full details are on the pricing page.

How long does it take the candidate?

About 10 to 20 minutes on a phone or a computer, with no app and no account. The candidate link expires 30 days after you send it.

How do I get the report?

You pick the seat and enter the candidate's name and email, and the link goes out. The report lands in your inbox the moment the candidate finishes, and it stays in your account for four years, unless you delete it or close the account.

Does it measure booking software skill?

No. Software, the fee schedule and the safety script are knowledge you give them on day one. The assessment reads the instinct on the call itself.

Can I use it for an after-hours call taker?

Yes, for anyone who will answer your phones. CSR / Call Taker is the seat, whatever the hours.