Why are receptionists so important

Duties for a receptionist vary from place to place. Generally, the education requirement to become a receptionist is a high school or equivalent education. Many places of business prefer but do not require experience as a receptionist prior to hiring. An understanding of word processing, spreadsheet applications, and the various technology likely to be used for the specific industry is definitely a plus when employers are looking for a new receptionist. So is a professional attitude, friendly demeanor, and ability to answer the phone professionally.

Soft skills are very important in a receptionist. They should be organized, speak and write clearly, manage time efficiently, be courteous, and have integrity. A great receptionist will be an active listener and will always come off as a professional. Usually a new hire will receive office-specific, short term on-the-job training. Much will be learned as they go along. If in a medical industry, they will learn about privacy laws.

Each office is different and training will vary from place to place. According to the U. Though, the can vary greatly from place to place, depending on the industry that you are working in, amount of years worked for the company, and the various duties one fulfills.

The lowest paid industry that a receptionist works in, generally, is the personal care industry hair and spa services, for example and the highest is generally at a dentist office. The pay is above twenty dollars an hour to top ten percent of earners in the field. Looking good! Receptionist job prospects are growing and growing.

The health care industry is growing and is especially seeing an influx in need for receptionist services. However, other industries are not expecting the same growth. Who is the most important person in your business? In all likelihood, your receptionist. Your receptionist creates the first impression that a client or visitor has when they call your business. Click To Tweet. A receptionist is much more than the voice on the other end of the line. Skip to main content. First impressions are powerful We all know the saying that first impressions last and this is very much the case when you step into an office.

Telephone impression The same goes for that initial contact over the phone — the way in which a call is answered and dealt with again creates an impression as to whether this is a company that you would like to do business with. Face of the company The receptionist is the face of the company and also a unifying link in the company. Sharon O'Donnell. The show must go on. And, of course, interpersonal skills are vital. Skilled at active listening, teamwork, verbal and written communication and with a great phone manner, the best receptionists have extremely sophisticated soft skills.

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