What does a receptionist do?
Receptionists work across a range of industries, including hospitality, law and healthcare. They are often based in offices, hotels or hospitals, serving as a key point of communication between customers and the business. Their role involves relaying messages clearly and efficiently between both parties, helping to ensure smooth operations.
As the first point of contact, receptionists are responsible for creating a strong first impression of the business. To do this, they typically present themselves in a professional, polite and personable manner.
Receptionist skills and qualifications
A strong receptionist candidate will typically possess a range of skills and qualifications to meet the requirements of the role, including:
- Proficiency with IT systems, such as calendar management software
- Multitasking skills
- Administrative skills
- Confidence using the telephone
- Strong interpersonal skills for handling a variety of clients and customers
- Cleanliness and attention to detail
- The ability to remain calm and diffuse difficult situations with customers
- Organisational and time management skills
Receptionist experience requirements
Employers may seek candidates who have previous experience as a receptionist or strong transferable skills in communication and administration. Experience in front-of-house roles, administrative positions or customer service can be particularly valuable. Some employers may also look for familiarity with specific IT systems, such as booking, payment, calendar or project management tools. Industry knowledge can be beneficial in certain sectors, though it is not always required. Several years of experience may be preferred for senior receptionist roles.
Receptionist education and training requirements
Receptionist roles typically do not require extensive formal education. However, some employers may look for GCSEs, along with basic numeracy, literacy and IT skills. Practical experience in customer service or previous receptionist roles is often considered more important than qualifications. In fields such as healthcare, receptionists may receive necessary training, such as an NVQ or customer care instruction, on the job.
Receptionist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a receptionist in the UK is £23,690 per year. The starting salary is generally dependent on experience, location and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
If this Receptionist job description sample information doesn’t match your company’s specific employment needs, consider these job descriptions for similar positions:
Receptionist job description FAQs
What qualities does a successful Receptionist candidate have?
Strong active listening skills help Receptionists take accurate notes and relay messages clearly. Look for candidates who gain personal satisfaction from helping others, as customer service is a key part of the role. Individuals who enjoy regular interaction and talking to people throughout the day are likely to find this work especially rewarding.
What is the difference between a Receptionist and an Administrative Assistant?
Some employers seek candidates who can carry out both receptionist and administrative tasks. However, there are important distinctions between the two roles. Receptionists tend to focus more on customer service and front-of-house responsibilities, while Administrative Assistants typically work behind the scenes, supporting internal operations and office tasks.
Who does a Receptionist report to?
A Receptionist usually reports to a senior staff member, such as an Office Manager or Reception Manager. They may consult with their manager when dealing with challenging situations—such as distressed clients, difficult members of the public, potential security concerns or issues that fall outside their core responsibilities.
What IT skills should I look for in a Receptionist?
The IT skills you require will depend on the specific duties of the role. For example, if the Receptionist will be entering data into spreadsheets, experience with Microsoft Excel is valuable. If they’ll be responsible for booking meetings or appointments, familiarity with calendar and booking software is essential.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
