How Do I Become a Receptionist?
Research what it takes to become a receptionist. Learn about education requirements, job duties, average wages and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.
What Is a Receptionist?
A receptionist might answer phones, greet clients, assist other team members with projects and tasks, and generally help keep an office organized. Although their specific duties vary greatly depending on their place of work, receptionists may handle mail, schedule appointments, manage calendars, enter data and make paper copies. Receptionists also help direct customers, check them in and contact customers when needed. These professionals can work in many different settings, such as doctors' offices, hair salons and government offices. With some of these locations may come extra responsibilities, such as handling money, providing security or working with insurance. The following chart gives you an overview about becoming a receptionist.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> High school diploma; some college may be preferred by some employers</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Required</b></td><td> On-the-job training may be provided</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td> Computer and typing skills; good organizational skills; verbal and written communication skills; customer service skills</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 4% (<i>for all receptionists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $31,110 (<i>for all receptionists and information clerks</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyJobDutiesBeAsAReceptionist">What Will my Job Duties be as a Receptionist?</h3><p>As a receptionist, your primary duties are to answer multi-line phone systems, greet visitors and perhaps take payment for services. You could find employment in a doctor's office, government office, factory, small business or corporation. Your job duties might also include filing, copying, faxing, distributing mail and maintaining break and coffee areas.
</p><p>You will likely be asked to perform a variety of as needed tasks, such as composing correspondence, preparing mail-outs and setting up appointments and meetings. You could also coordinate travel arrangements for executives and draft expense reports after business trips.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSkillsShouldIHave">What Skills Should I Have?</h3><p>A receptionist is often the first impression a client has of a company, so you must be professional, courteous, well-spoken and well-dressed. You must have good interpersonal communication and organizational skills, and be adept at spelling, grammar and composition.
</p><p>Many organizations require receptionists to have strong typing and data entry skills, as well as a basic understanding of computer systems. You might need those skills to complete duties related to word processing, spreadsheet operations, and e-mail management. You may also need to develop an understanding of desktop publishing or accounting programs. Some companies may even have you learn their own software or a program specific to their industry.
</p><h3 id="section---EducationAndTrainingRequirements">Education and Training Requirements</h3><p>While a few companies might look for receptionists with some type of postsecondary education, many others will simply require you to have a high school diploma. Many organizations provide on-the-job training, but do expect you to have some prior knowledge of office and computer systems.
</p><p>If you do not already have these skills, you may invest in clerical training programs. These programs, taught at junior colleges, community centers and some high schools, usually teach typing, data entry and advanced functions of popular office software packages. They can also give your resume a boost in a competitive job market
</p><h3 id="section---HowCanIFindAReceptionistJob">How Can I Find a Receptionist Job?</h3><p>To get a receptionist job, you usually need a resume. If you don't have a resume, many community centers, schools and job assistance centers provide resume consulting services and workshops to help you craft one. Once you have your resume, you may use it to apply to any job posting online or in newspaper classifieds.
</p><p>Some entry-level receptionists find it is easier to secure a position by signing up with a staffing agency. Staffing agencies, or temporary agencies, are companies devoted to matching you up with an ideal position. They administer computer testing, evaluate your resume and work to place you in a suitable job.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>A few related careers include administrative assistants, tellers and customer service representatives. All of these positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Administrative assistants work to support an organization's staff by performing a variety of administrative tasks. Tellers work in banks and are responsible for different types of money transactions. Customer service representatives provide customers with information, address complaints and may help fill orders.</p>