what is a receptionist?
A receptionist is an essential employee for many types of organizations and businesses. You greet people who enter the building or handle phone calls and emails for the company. Although receptionists' workloads are mostly related to customer service, they often handle a wide variety of administrative tasks. Some receptionists assist with setting appointments, filing records and sorting mail.
what do receptionists do?
Your role as a receptionist can vary a lot depending on the business. In some cases, you are responsible for cleaning and tidying a reception area or providing beverages to guests. Some receptionists also accept payments or manage bookkeeping for the company. At some companies, you'll be responsible for booking conference rooms or setting up meeting rooms.
other receptionist duties
When most people think of receptionists, they picture a person working in an office building. While it is true that you'll likely be employed in an office, receptionists also work in other industries. You'll find this position at any workplace that needs someone coordinating interactions between customers and employees. For example, if you work in a law firm, you'll receive new clients and direct visitors to their appointments. In hospitals, receptionists direct patients to the right treatment areas and organize their medical records. Receptionists also work in hotels or manufacturing companies at the front desk to welcome visitors.
Would working as a receptionist suit your social skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a receptionist role.
receptionist jobs near youaverage receptionist salary
Would you like to know what a receptionist earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for a receptionist? Then check out this receptionist salary page and find out all about the salary of a receptionist in the USA.
types of receptionist
While receptionists are not divided into strict categories, there are several types of positions in this field. Some of the common receptionist jobs include:
- front desk receptionist: Your job is to monitor the front desk and direct visitors entering the office to their appointments. You also ensure the reception area is tidy, and you can add decorative touches to make it more welcoming.
- corporate receptionist: Your job is to assist executive assistants with repetitive tasks like screening calls and handling mail. You also write memos from the executives to staff and summarize reports from various departments.
- human resources (HR) receptionist: In a company with a dedicated HR department, you sit at the entrance of the department offices. You also perform administrative tasks like tracking holidays and sick leave, filing paperwork for new starters and planning employee travel.
working as a receptionist
Are you interested in learning more about the day-to-day realities of being a receptionist? Here are some of the things you might encounter.
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receptionist job description
As a receptionist, your main duty is to support your co-workers. This assistance can take many forms, including:
- receiving visitors: As a receptionist, you meet and greet visitors when they enter the business premises. You determine their needs and help them check-in. You direct the visitors to the correct person or offer them refreshments as they wait for their appointment.
- answering phone calls: A receptionist answers incoming calls and deals with queries made through the office line. You need to answer calls politely and speak to callers professionally. You can forward the calls to the appropriate employee or take a message and deliver it to the right department.
- managing mail: your job involves preparing outgoing mail and notifying the mail carrier to pick up the deliveries. You also receive incoming mail and distribute them to the intended recipients.
- performing clerical and financial duties: As a receptionist, you assist other employees with photocopying, filing documents or ordering office supplies. You also maintain office equipment and report malfunctions. Sometimes, you manage petty cash payments and do basic bookkeeping duties.
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receptionist work environment
Receptionists usually work indoors at a desk. Most work in a lobby or reception area, but some have a desk within an open floor-plan office. As a receptionist, you can work for public, private and charitable organizations in informal, creative or casual workplaces. Depending on the environment, receptionists may need to wear a uniform or dress in casual or formal business wear. Most receptionists work alongside a team of administrative assistants, but others work alone. Some receptionists work remotely and use voice calls, live chats or video calls to assist customers.
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who are your colleagues?
As a receptionist, you work alongside various employees depending on your industry or employer. Some of your colleagues may include doormen, mail carriers and store assistants. You can also work in close proximity to executive assistants and office managers as well as other specialists, including HR managers, accountants, data entry clerks and customer service representatives.
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work schedule
Since a receptionist's main duty is interacting with customers, their schedule usually follows the same hours as the business. The majority of receptionists work on weekdays from around 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. However, some work a little earlier or later and on weekends or nights. Most receptionist shifts last around eight hours. A receptionist shift includes a 30- to 60-minute lunch break depending on local work laws. There are also part-time receptionist jobs available that offer around 15 to 30 hours a week. Some part-time receptionists work a few days a week while others work around four to six hours multiple times a week.
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job outlook for receptionist
As a receptionist, you'll have the opportunity to advance to other positions within your company. In large offices, you can be promoted to a head receptionist position. However, the common job growth opportunities come from lateral movement. As a receptionist, you'll get deeply acquainted with the business. You'll learn how the company runs, who its customers are and how various employees interact. If you are intelligent, motivated and a good fit with the company culture, you're likely to get a promotion to work in other departments. Receptionists go on to be administration assistants, office managers, HR employees and more. This makes a receptionist job a good entry position into your desired field. If you do not have the education or experience to get your desired job, being a receptionist helps you get started.
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benefits of working for randstad as a receptionist
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a receptionist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
receptionist skills and education
Many receptionists only need a high school diploma. You'll receive quick on-the-job training that you can add to your resume. Employers prefer applicants with software experience, but your supervisor will likely teach you how to use the office platforms.
Some receptionists need industry-specific training. For example, many medical receptionists need a college education and post-secondary certification, such as a Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate. Your university may offer certifications that you complete alongside your degree.
If you pursue an official certificate, such as a medical administrative assistant associate degree, your education may include workplace mathematics, medical insurance and billing, computing skills, workplace writing and research and customer service. Your expertise and commitment to higher education stand out on your resume.
Stay alert for opportunities to continue your education. Learn about new software, platforms and coding types in your industry so that you can adapt quickly and enhance your knowledge base. Some websites provide free or affordable training courses. You might land a position in a high-paying industry if you seek a business bachelor's degree.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills necessary for receptionists include:
- effective communication: As a receptionist, you should have exceptional verbal communication skills. You should speak calmly and professionally to all visitors. Active listening and customer service skills also help you excel in the role.
- interpersonal skills: You have to be a good team player as a receptionist. You interact and collaborate with various employees in the office. You need people skills to help everyone with their duties.
- multitasking skills: A receptionist handles many duties like screening calls, managing call traffic and running a busy reception area. Multitasking skills help you to prioritize and ensure that you accomplish all tasks.
- technical prowess: Your job involves maintaining office equipment and operating copiers, phone systems and printers. Technical skills will make your work easier and improve your performance. You also need computer skills for your clerical duties.
FAQs about working as a receptionist
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about receptionists.
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do receptionists have job security?
Receptionists play an essential role in the office. Your duties as a receptionist include answering phone calls, greeting visitors, making appointments and using office equipment. You could potentially work as a receptionist for several decades before you retire, staying at one company or moving to different fields.
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how much education do receptionists need?
Some receptionists start working immediately after high school because their employer requires only a high school diploma. In fact, you could seek a receptionist job at the school that you're attending. However, you'll need to learn how to use different programs and stay updated on the latest software developments.
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do receptionists get benefits?
Full-time receptionists usually get benefits, such as health insurance, paid vacation time, sick days and retirement funds, because they work in an office setting. Part-time receptionists might receive smaller benefits or nothing at all. Luckily, part-time receptionists often have chances to advance to permanent positions.
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can receptionists earn high salaries?
Many receptionists earn twice or three times the minimum wage, but you might have to work in your field for a while before you approach six figures. You might qualify for bonuses throughout the year. Try moving to a competitive, high-paying industry if you're not satisfied with your current salary.
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do receptionists spend a lot of time at their desks?
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) notes that receptionists sit at their desks for long periods of time. However, you can periodically get up and stretch, walk on your lunch break or ask your manager if you can stand up while working.
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how do I find a job as a receptionist?
Applying for a receptionist is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our receptionist jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
