Become Receptionist

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Become Receptionist

The receptionist plays a central role in an office work environment. They are the first point of contact for customers visiting a business, and they can have a huge impact on customer experience. Without a skilled receptionist, the workplace can quickly become disorganized and unproductive. Depending on the place of employment, a receptionist may also have function as an administrative assistant. Receptionists need to be patient, have great customer-service skilled and be prepared to answer questions and inquires from visiting clients. For those with the right aptitude for communication and customer service, it can be a stable and long-lasting career.

Proven in-person customer service skills
Strong organizational abilities
Basic familiarity with computers, and able to learn other workflow systems
Ability to multitask on an ongoing basis
A diploma or certification in business administration may be required

The first responsibility of a receptionist is to communicate directly with customers. This can be done either over the phone or via email, or often speaking with customers in person when at the office. Receptionists will answer any questions, direct customers to their destination, notify co-workers that they have a visitor and facilitate important interactions between a company and its clients. A reception may also have additional administrative duties, including filing and organizing paperwork, setting office schedules, processing payment info and following-up with customers.

Welcome and converse with customers visiting a business
Create a warm and supportive environment for guests
Direct customers to the correct meeting or appointment
Answer phone calls and respond to emails
Take messages and forward them to the appropriate person
Track ingoing/outgoing visitors
Receive and distribute mail and packages
Schedule and track appointments and meetings
Reverse rooms and locations for appointments
Update company database with new client info
Process and file paperwork (invoices, requests, insurance claims, etc)
Additional admin responsibilities depending the employer

There are not formal educational or training requirements for receptionists, but they must be able to demonstrate strong organizational, communication and customer service skills. Specific certifications in related abilities can be a benefit, but are not necessary.

Receptionists are recruited by companies and businesses in multiple sectors, ranging from tech and finance to private healthcare and sales.

The long-term employment outlook for receptionists is considered fair across the country. The number of open job roles for receptionists over the next ten years are predicted to roughly equal to the number of job seekers looking to enter the profession.

A receptionist works at the front desk for all types of businesses. They offer face-to-face interaction for customers, offering important information and connecting clients to other employees.

According to the CNP code (national classification of occupations), here are the additional titles for a receptionist: