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Receptionist

Receptionist

Do you want to become a Receptionist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

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The main role of a receptionist is to deal with members of the public, who could be customers, clients, visitors or patients.

They greet visitors when they arrive, take their details, answer queries and direct them to the person they have come to see or to the place they need to go. They may need to take messages for other staff. They may organise appointments or take bookings. They may need to keep the reception area tidy, or organise reading material.

As well as performing general reception duties, they may have to undertake a wide range of other tasks, particularly in a smaller company.

Other tasks may include:

  • basic clerical work
  • dealing with small amounts of cash and keeping records
  • issuing visitor/security passes.

Although receptionists usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, some jobs may involve shift or weekend work. Part-time work is often available. Receptionists spend most of their time in a comfortable reception area.

Salaries range from about £8,500 to £10,500 for a trainee receptionist, up to £18,500 or more for a receptionist in a senior position.

Receptionists need:

  • to? be friendly, outgoing and confident
  • to have a warm, welcoming personality
  • to enjoy dealing with the public
  • ????to have a smart appearance
  • good communication skills.

Receptionists are employed by a range of organisations - offices, factories, museums, hotels, sports centres, schools, solicitors, health and beauty businesses, doctors, hospitals or dentists.

There are no minimum qualifications. GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), particularly in English, are useful. Clerical, secretarial, numeracy and IT skills may be required.

Training is usually provided on the job by the employer, and new entrants often work under the supervision of a more experienced receptionist. There are NVQs/SVQs in reception, and also in business and administration and customer service, which cover aspects of reception work.

Promotion prospects depend on the size and type of organisation. In some organisations promotion to a supervisory role may be possible.

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