Receptionist job description
A Receptionist is a professional who manages the front desk of an organization. They are usually the first point of contact for customers. Receptionists also perform various administrative tasks.
This Receptionist job description template is optimized for posting to online job boards or careers pages. It is easy to customize with duties and responsibilities for medical receptionists, hotel receptionists, and more.
Receptionist responsibilities include:
- Receiving visitors at the front desk by greeting, welcoming, directing and announcing them appropriately
- Answering screening and forwarding incoming phone calls
- Receiving and sorting daily mail
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Job brief
We are looking for a Receptionist to manage our front desk on a daily basis and to perform a variety of administrative and clerical tasks.
What does a Receptionist do?
As a Receptionist, you will be the first point of contact for our company. Our Receptionist’s duties include offering administrative support across the organization. You will welcome guests and greet people who visit the business. You will also coordinate front-desk activities, including distributing correspondence and redirecting phone calls.
To be successful as a Receptionist, you should have a pleasant personality, as this is also a customer service role. You should also be able to deal with emergencies in a timely and effective manner, while streamlining office operations. Multitasking and stress management skills are essential for this position. This role may require working in shifts, so flexibility is a plus.
Ultimately, a Receptionist’s duties and responsibilities are to ensure the front desk welcomes guests positively, and executes all administrative tasks to the highest quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Greet and welcome guests as soon as they arrive at the office
- Direct visitors to the appropriate person and office
- Answer, screen and forward incoming phone calls
- Ensure reception area is tidy and presentable, with all necessary stationery and material (e.g. pens, forms and brochures)
- Provide basic and accurate information in-person and via phone/email
- Receive, sort and distribute daily mail/deliveries
- Maintain office security by following safety procedures and controlling access via the reception desk (monitor logbook, issue visitor badges)
- Order front office supplies and keep inventory of stock
- Update calendars and schedule meetings
- Arrange travel and accommodations, and prepare vouchers
- Keep updated records of office expenses and costs
- Perform other clerical receptionist duties such as filing, photocopying, transcribing and faxing
Requirements and skills
- Proven work experience as a Receptionist, Front Office Representative or similar role
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Hands-on experience with office equipment (e.g. fax machines and printers)
- Professional attitude and appearance
- Solid written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise
- Excellent organizational skills
- Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks
- Customer service attitude
- High school degree; additional certification in Office Management is a plus
Frequently asked questions
- What does a Receptionist do?
- Receptionists work within an organization to help it run smoothly. They greet visitors, answer phone calls, and run errands while maintaining professional composure throughout interactions with customers or potential clients.
- What are the duties and responsibilities of a Receptionist?
- A Receptionist’s duties and responsibilities include greeting visitors, helping them navigate through an office, and supplying them with refreshments as they wait. In addition, they maintain calendars for appointments, sort mail, make copies, and plan travel arrangements. In some environments, they can even assist security by monitoring visitor access.
- What makes a good Receptionist?
- A good Receptionist is organized, communicates well, and practices excellent time management skills. In addition, because they’re often the initial contact for customers and clients, they must have excellent customer service skills, be a problem-solver, and gracefully assist unhappy customers.
- Who does a Receptionist work with?
- Receptionists interact with clients, customers, delivery staff, and other public service members throughout their day. Generally, they report directly to an Office Manager.