Business Profile

Receptionist

The Work

Most organisations employ receptionists, for example, hotels, factories, hospitals, schools, etc.

Receptionists' main duty is to deal with members of the public, who could be clients, visitors or patients. They provide information, answer queries, and direct the comers to the right person. They may need to keep the reception area tidy, organise reading materials and provide refreshments. They should also be aware of the organisation's safety and security procedures, ensuring the procedures are followed at all times.

In smaller companies, or where the reception area is less busy, it may be necessary to perform a wider range of tasks. Receptionists might need to answer the switchboard, take messages and deal with telephone enquiries or do basic clerical work. They might also be required to handle cash and do simple bookkeeping.

Skills and Interests

To be a receptionist you should:

• be outgoing and confident with a pleasant personality, and enjoy dealing with the public;
• have a smart appearance;
• have good communication skills, both spoken and written;
• be able to stay calm under pressure at busy times;
• be courteous, but firm, when dealing with difficult, impatient or distressed people;
• be efficient and well organised;
• be able to work on your own;
• have basic computer skills;
• be able to use office equipment such as switchboards, fax machines and photocopiers;
• be interested in the work of the organisation.

Having a working knowledge of a foreign language can be useful, especially when dealing with visitors from overseas.