A receptionist is responsible for greeting visitors, answering and routing telephone calls, and providing information about their employer in response to inquiries from the public. A receptionist is charged with being the public face of his or her employer, and success in this field depends upon making a good first impression, which can affect the success of the organization. Receptionists generally work in stations that are designed to make a good first impression. Therefore, their work areas are usually clean, well-lit, climate-controlled spaces. Most employers require a high school diploma when hiring a receptionist, and the demand for receptionists is expected to grow.
Receptionists are increasingly expected to monitor visitor access to the organization's facilities, and this responsibility has become more important with the increasing emphasis on security in the workplace. In specific environments, a receptionist may have additional duties. For example, receptionists in a doctor's office may gather patient insurance and personal information, and manage the order in which patients are seen.
The workstation of a receptionist is almost always indoors, in clean, well-lighted spaces. These are highly visible, well-furnished locations. Most receptionist stations are separate from the general organization's work areas to reduce noise and control traffic flow. When call volume reaches its highest levels, being a receptionist can require one to think quickly and deal with stress effectively. In addition, a receptionist may have to deal with customers or clients very rapidly without making them feel rushed or hurried.
Training to Become a Receptionist
Hiring requirements for receptionists vary by industry and company, but a high school diploma or equivalent is usually considered a minimum qualification. In some industries, additional qualifications, such as medical receptionist education, may be required. Though certainly not required, many employers look favorably upon further education, such as typing certification, demonstrated use in common office computer programs, or an AA degree.
Employers place a premium on good interpersonal skills in hiring receptionists. Technological proficiency is also becoming increasingly important to employers. Training in the use of common computer and telephone systems is helpful, although most employers expect a new receptionist to require some on-the-job training with the particular system in use. Since each phone system is a little bit different and can sometimes be complicated, it may take some time before the receptionist is proficient in using it.
Advancement for receptionists is usually either by transfer to another position with more responsibilities or by promotion to a supervisory position. Receptionists with strong computer and organizational skills often become administrative assistants to advance their careers.
