I hate my job answering phones, whats the best way to do it?

Question

I have been a receptionist going on 1 year, this is the first job that has made my self esteem hit rock bottom. They expect me to screen every call, most of the calls are bill collectors or sales. Can somebody tell me what is the best way to answer the phones and sound professional. I just feel stupid, or maybe its the people I work with that do this to me, I really hate saying all the time after the greeting "may I ask who is calling" sometimes the same person will call maybe 10 times a week but Im not sure if it is Fred or Charlie or whoever. Most of the time my co-workers dont want to take the call, then I have to lie. I wish they could be in my shoes.

Answer 1

Are you sure you want to work in a place where you are expected to lie?

As for sounding professional, be polite and try to sound helpful. There's a person at the other end, so be "personable". Unfortunately, not everyone will be as professional with you, but you can still maintain YOUR dignity.

Good luck!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I would say, instead of asking who it is, that your coworker is currently out of his office, can I take a message. That way, you dont have to ask flat out who it is that is calling, you dont have to verify whether your coworker wants to talk, and they have to give you their name and phone number with the message. This seems like a good way to do that.
Good Luck