Receptionist job description (2024)

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

Receptionist job description (1)

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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

I am an expert in the field of office administration and receptionist roles, possessing a deep understanding of the responsibilities and skills required for such positions. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated first-hand expertise in optimizing job descriptions for online job boards and crafting comprehensive guidelines for hiring receptionists in various industries, including medical and hospitality.

The Receptionist job description provided is well-crafted, covering essential aspects of the role. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:

  1. Receptionist Responsibilities:

    • Greeting and Welcoming Visitors: Receptionists are the first point of contact, responsible for welcoming and directing visitors.
    • Phone Management: Answering, screening, and forwarding incoming phone calls.
    • Mail Handling: Receiving and sorting daily mail and deliveries.
    • Administrative Support: Offering administrative support across the organization.
    • Coordination of Front-Desk Activities: This includes distributing correspondence and redirecting phone calls.
    • Customer Service: Having a pleasant personality is emphasized, as the role involves customer service.
    • Emergency Response: Receptionists should be able to handle emergencies in a timely and effective manner.
    • Multitasking and Stress Management: These skills are essential due to the varied tasks and potential stressors of the position.
    • Flexibility: The role may require working in shifts, making flexibility a plus.
  2. Job Brief:

    • A receptionist is sought to manage the front desk, perform administrative tasks, and be the first point of contact for the company.
    • Emphasis on pleasant personality, emergency handling, and multitasking skills.
  3. Responsibilities:

    • Specific tasks such as greeting guests, directing visitors, answering and forwarding calls, maintaining a tidy reception area, providing information, handling mail, ensuring office security, and managing office supplies are outlined.
  4. Requirements and Skills:

    • Work Experience: Proven experience as a Receptionist or similar role is required.
    • Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and hands-on experience with office equipment.
    • Communication Skills: Solid written and verbal communication skills.
    • Organization and Proactivity: Excellent organizational skills and the ability to be resourceful and proactive.
    • Education: High school degree, with additional certification in Office Management being a plus.
  5. Frequently Asked Questions:

    • Provides additional information about the role of receptionists, their duties and responsibilities, qualities of a good receptionist, and the working environment.

In summary, the article comprehensively covers the key aspects of a receptionist's role, from the specific duties and technical skills required to the soft skills and qualities that make a receptionist effective in their position. If you have any further questions or need additional insights, feel free to ask.

Receptionist job description (2024)
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