Receptionist Job Description

What is the job description of a Receptionist? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Receptionist? What does a Receptionist do?

Job description of a Receptionist

A Receptionist’s duties can largely depend on the type of organization they work for. However, generally, In most offices, receptionists support business activities through a variety of tasks including greeting and directing visitors, answering phone calls, and managing schedules.

This Receptionist job description example includes the list of most important Receptionist duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Receptionist profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Receptionist Duties and Responsibilities

Receptionist job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Greet clients and visitors with a positive, helpful attitude.
  • Assisting clients in finding their way around the office.
  • Announcing clients as necessary.
  • Helping maintain workplace security by issuing, checking and collecting badges as necessary and maintaining visitor logs.
  • Assisting with a variety of administrative tasks including copying, faxing, taking notes and making travel plans.
  • Answering, forwarding, and screening phone calls.
  • Sorting and distributing mail.
  • Hiring, managing and developing the junior administrative team.
  • Provide excellent customer service.
  • Scheduling appointments.
  • Preparing meeting and training rooms.
  • Answering phones in a professional manner, and routing calls as necessary.
  • Assisting colleagues with administrative tasks.
  • Performing ad-hoc administrative duties.

Receptionist Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Receptionist job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in related field.
  • X years of experience as a Receptionist or Front Desk Representative or similar role
  • Knowledge of office machines (e.g. fax, printer etc.)
  • Knowledge of office management and basic bookkeeping
  • Excellent knowledge of MS Office (especially Excel and Word)
  • Critical thinker and problem-solving skills
  • Consistent, professional dress and manner.
  • Team player
  • Good time-management skills
  • Great interpersonal and communication skills
  • Customer-centric

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Receptionist starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Receptionist job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Receptionist may also reference it in preparation for the interview.