Receptionist Job Description Sample & Template

Receptionists office tools for performing their job.

What skills and qualifications do Receptionists need?

Table of contents

    1. Future Job Prospects for Receptionists
    2. Receptionists Salary and Benefits
    3. Education and Training Requirements
    4. Receptionist Job Description Sample – Free Download

1. Future Job Prospects for Receptionists

  • Receptionists can be found at the front desk of almost any type of business.
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for this position will grow by 10% from 2017 to 2024. This growth will occur at a rate higher than most other types of jobs.
  • The healthcare sector is expected to see the highest surge in receptionist jobs during this time period. Medical providers will always need someone to greet patients. But as the Baby Boomer population ages, activity at physician practices and in hospitals will increase, creating new opportunities for this position.
  • However, by 2024, it is expected that these roles will decline due to an increase in the automation of receptionist duties. Some predict that technology will evolve so that websites or interactive software will eventually automate this position’s main duties.

2. Receptionist Salary and Benefits

  • The BLS stated the median wage for these jobs was $27,920 annually in 2016, or $13.42 per hour.
  • These could be full-time roles with benefits, part-time positions, or even, contract employment.

3. Education and Training Requirements

  • For entry-level positions a High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) is required.
  • This role requires knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, Outlook email, or other office applications. Typically, knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite is a standard requirement.
Tip
Even experienced Receptionists may require on-the-job training in order to properly understand the inner workings of your organization. Without this, your office may become less efficient and this issue will only be resolved when everyone understands the organization, including the receptionist.

4. Receptionist Job Description Sample – Free Download

Download This Job Description Template

We are seeking a receptionist that will serve as the public face of our business by greeting visitors and welcoming them to the office. You will create a comfortable, warm environment for guests, while maintaining office security by following sign in/sign out procedures. You will also answer phones through a multi-line PBX, determine the purpose of the call, and route it to the appropriate party or take a message as required.

Many of these tasks will be simultaneous; you must have the innate ability to multitask, while remaining calm and pleasant, even when under pressure.

The role requires expertise with the Microsoft Office suite of products. Daily tasks will require responding to written and email correspondence, updating spreadsheets, and opening mail. As time permits, you may provide additional inter-departmental support such as scanning, copying or collating documents, or even, assisting in the development of Powerpoint presentations.

Other duties will include coordinating various executive schedules, scheduling meetings, and making sure conferences rooms are adequately stocked with refreshments. You will also work to ensure the front desk area is kept clean and neat, as it, along with you, will be the first impression guests receive.

Responsibilities

  • Front desk duties require greeting and welcoming new visitors to an office.
  • Maintains security by requiring visitor sign in, issuing badges, or other duties as required.
  • Answering and transferring phone calls to the appropriate parties.
  • Acts as a Gatekeeper for incoming phones calls.
  • Written and digital correspondence, including mail distribution.
  • Scheduling meetings and coordinating calendars.
  • Preparing conference rooms for meetings by tidying them or supplying refreshments.
  • Cleaning and organizing the reception area.
  • Handling and balancing petty cash.
  • Scan, photocopy, collate and file documents.
  • Keeping the front office well stocked with supplies.
  • Other office support duties which could include report creation, spreadsheet maintenance, or even, proofreading of materials.

Required Skills

Educational

  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.

Technical

  • Professional working knowledge of computers and software including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office products.
  • Knowledge of Outlook calendar functions for scheduling.
  • Ability to set up GoToMeeting or Skype.
  • Able to use photocopiers and scanners.
  • Able to learn multi-line phone system.
  • Physically fit to bend and stoop while cleaning and stocking, occasional light lifting of beverages or catered food and supplies may be required.
  • Communication/Organizational.
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Excellent communication skills in writing or in person.
  • Exceptional people skills and a pleasant, professional office demeanor.
  • A patient attitude, even during repetitious tasks such as answering phones.
  • Unruffled even when constantly interrupted and can manage stress in a professional manner.

Benefits

  • Full-time with benefits
  • Part-time

How to Apply

  • Apply by forwarding your resume along with a cover letter.