What Does a Receptionist Do?

A Receptionist acts as the initial contact for clients and visitors at a business. They welcome guests, handle phone calls, and route inquiries to the correct individuals. Additionally, Receptionists manage administrative duties, including scheduling appointments, maintaining calendars, and handling both incoming and outgoing mail.

Receptionist Responsibilities

  • Welcome clients and visitors with a friendly and helpful demeanor.
  • Handle phone calls professionally and route them to the appropriate parties.
  • Guide clients and vendors around the office to help them find their way.
  • Support workplace security by issuing, checking, and collecting badges, and maintaining visitor logs.
  • Prepare meeting and training rooms to ensure they are ready for use.
  • Perform various administrative tasks such as copying, faxing, note-taking, and arranging travel plans.
  • Sort and distribute mail and packages, both incoming and outgoing.
  • Schedule appointments for employees or managers as needed.

Receptionist Qualifications

  • High School Diploma, Associate’s degree, or equivalent qualification.
  • Previous experience as a Receptionist or in a related role.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Experience with multi-line phone systems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent time management abilities.
  • Friendly and approachable, with a keen interest in interacting with people throughout the day.