Receptionist interview questions and answers
This Receptionist interview profile offers balanced sample of suitable receptionist, secretary, or administrative assistant interview questions.
10 good receptionist interview questions
- Have you worked as a receptionist before? If not, please talk about your relevant work experience.
- Walk me through a typical day at your previous company.
- How many people did you interact with on a daily basis?
- This type of work can be repetitive. What motivates you to do your best?
- How do you organize your work schedule?
- Describe a situation wherein you were required to multitask.
- What software programs have you used and what projects did you use them for?
- What safety and security measures did you follow at your previous company?
- Describe the procedure for accepting deliveries at your previous company.
- Describe a situation wherein you interacted with an angry caller.
1. Have you worked as a receptionist before? If not, please talk about your relevant work experience.
This question aims to understand the candidate’s background and how their previous roles have prepared them for the position of a receptionist.
Sample answer:
“While I haven’t held the title of ‘receptionist,’ I worked as an administrative assistant where I managed front desk duties, including greeting visitors and handling phone calls.”
2. Walk me through a typical day at your previous company.
This question provides insight into the candidate’s daily responsibilities and how they managed their tasks.
Sample answer:
“I started my day by checking voicemails and emails. Throughout the day, I greeted visitors, scheduled appointments, and managed incoming calls.”
3. How many people did you interact with on a daily basis?
This helps gauge the volume of interactions the candidate is accustomed to.
Sample answer:
“I interacted with around 30-40 people daily, including visitors, staff, and over the phone.”
4. This type of work can be repetitive. What motivates you to do your best?
Understanding what drives a candidate can help determine if they’ll remain engaged in their role.
Sample answer:
“I find satisfaction in helping others and ensuring that their first impression of the company is positive.”
5. How do you organize your work schedule?
Organizational skills are crucial for a receptionist.
Sample answer:
“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and use digital tools to set reminders and manage appointments.”
6. Describe a situation wherein you were required to multitask.
Multitasking is a key skill for receptionists.
Sample answer:
“Once, I had to handle a phone call while checking in a visitor and also managing a delivery. I calmly prioritized each task and communicated effectively.”
7. What software programs have you used and what projects did you use them for?
Familiarity with certain software can be beneficial for the role.
Sample answer:
“I’ve used Microsoft Office for scheduling and documentation, and a specific CRM software for managing client information.”
8. What safety and security measures did you follow at your previous company?
Safety and security are paramount in reception roles.
Sample answer:
“I ensured all visitors signed in, wore badges, and were escorted. I also followed protocols for emergency situations.”
9. Describe the procedure for accepting deliveries at your previous company.
This question assesses the candidate’s attention to detail.
Sample answer:
“I checked the delivery against any orders, signed for it, and then notified the relevant department or individual.”
10. Describe a situation wherein you interacted with an angry caller.
Handling difficult situations is part of the job.
Sample answer:
“I listened to their concerns, remained calm, and assured them I’d help resolve the issue or direct them to someone who could.”
What does a good receptionist candidate look like?
A standout receptionist candidate is not only skilled in administrative tasks but also possesses strong interpersonal skills. They should be able to handle high-pressure situations with grace, be organized, and have a genuine desire to assist others.
Red flags
Beware of candidates who struggle with multitasking, show poor communication skills, or lack patience. A receptionist often sets the first impression for a company, so it’s essential they present themselves professionally.
Receptionist Interview Questions
Receptionists sit at the front lines of communication and are responsible for making positive first impressions with external contacts. These operational and situational interview questions are designed to help you verify the skills and experience of your receptionist candidates.
What is the role of a receptionist?
Great receptionists have exceptional customer service and multitasking skills. They’ll know who’s who at their company and can pitch in to help their colleagues determine the hierarchy of communication for various issues. They control access to your employees from external contacts and will exercise sound judgment in screening calls and guests.
Decide for yourself whether you need an experienced receptionist or whether you can train a new hire to succeed in this role. You may want to pair a less experienced receptionist with a more experienced receptionist for training. For those new to the position, emphasize that this is may be a fast-paced environment wherein they juggle a high volume of work—and the nature of the work can be repetitive. Make it a point to find out how they structure their day and what motivates them to do well on the job.
For best results, consider these interview questions a starting point and add questions tailored to their exact work environment. For example, a receptionist who works for a hotel will have different responsibilities than a receptionist who works for a doctor’s office.
Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more divided into specific types.
Operational and Situational questions
- Have you worked as a receptionist before? If not, please talk about your relevant work experience.
- Walk me through a typical day at your previous company.
- How many people did you interact with on a daily basis?
- This type of work can be repetitive. What motivates you to do your best?
- How do you organize your work schedule?
- Describe a situation wherein you were required to multitask.
- What software programs have you used and what projects did you use them for?
- What safety and security measures did you follow at your previous company?
- Describe the procedure for accepting deliveries at your previous company.
- Describe a situation wherein you were pressed to share confidential information.
- Describe a situation wherein you interacted with an angry caller.
- An employee at your company is late for an appointment with a guest who has already arrived. How would you handle this situation?
- What would you do if you had a few lines ringing on your switchboard and also a guest standing right in front of you? Who would you address first?