Receptionist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You can take a college course before applying for work as a receptionist. Some courses relate to particular types of work, others are more general.

For example:

• salon reception (beauty and hairdressing)
• business administration (office work)
• front of house reception (hospitality and catering)
• customer service

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship, such as:

• Hospitality Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These take around 1 year to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could begin as an admin assistant in an organisation, for instance by doing temporary work, then apply for a permanent job as a receptionist when a vacancy becomes available.

In a hotel, you could start in housekeeping and take further training on the job.

DirectApplication

You may be able to apply directly for receptionist jobs. It will help to have good admin and customer service skills.

Some employers will prefer you to have GCSEs and IT skills to work with computerised booking or payment systems.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• administration skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• a desire to help people
• the ability to read English
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• business management skills
• maths skills

What you'll do:

Receptionists are the first point of contact for visitors to an organisation.

As a receptionist, your tasks will depend on where you work. You could:

• greet visitors and direct them to the correct person or department
• manage people signing in and give out security passes
• answer enquiries in person, by phone and online
• manage reservations, meeting room bookings and appointments
• deal with incoming and outgoing post and deliveries
• take payments and handle invoices

Location : You could work in a reception area, in an office, in an NHS or private hospital or in a hotel.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £22,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With training and experience, you could become a senior receptionist, front of house supervisor or personal assistant (PA).

In a GP surgery or health centre, you could train to become a medical secretary .