• Receptionist Job Description

    A receptionist is a person who is employed by an establishment to receive and assist their visitors or clients. A receptionist is often the first person visitors interact with when they walk into an establishment. Coworkers in the establishment also go to them for information and event planning.

    A receptionist should be well organized, smiley, polite, disciplined, tactful, sociable and welcoming, and have the ability to cope with several tasks at once and stay calm under pressure. They should also be comfortable using phone systems, computer systems and other office equipment.

  • What does a Receptionist do?

    Receptionists may do some or all of the following:

    • answer telephone calls, direct calls, and take messages
    • answer visitors inquiry about the establishment
    • direct visitors on who to meet in the establishment
    • arrange appointments for clients with company staff
    • check and confirm guests identifications
    • monitor the movements of visitors and report any suspicious movements or activities to security
    • perform clerical and general office duties such as photocopying, typing etc.
    • assist in keeping the reception area clean and tidy
    • adhere to all their organization’s policies and procedures, and licensing laws
    • attend and participate in staff meetings
  • Where does a Receptionist work?
  • Working Conditions

    Receptionists usually work normal office hours, but may also work irregular hours depending on where they work. They work indoors in front desks or reception areas of establishments.

  • What is Required to Become a Receptionist ?

    There are no standard educational requirements to become a receptionist, as skills are learned on the job. Employers will prefer to hire candidates with computer skills and customer service experience.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Receptionists need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • tactfulness
    • honesty and dependability
    • good attention to detail
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • customer service skills
    • interpersonal skills
    • computer and word-processing skills
    • clerical skills including telephone skills
    • the ability to work well under pressure
    • the ability to work well unsupervised
    • the ability to smile, and be courteous and friendly
    • the ability to maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations
    • the ability to relate with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds
    • the ability to handle difficult guests/situations with tact and diplomacy
    • knowledge of administration policies, systems and procedures
    • knowledge of general office equipment

References

Should I be a Receptionist ?

Take our career test to find out if this career is ideal for you!



Alternative Careers
  • Office Clerk
  • Bank Worker
Share this Page

If this is your profession and you would like to add to or amend any of the information on this page, then please get in touch with us at mail[at]careersome[dot]com