Receptionists deal with members of the public, which may include clients, visitors or patients. They provide information, answer queries, and direct visitors to the correct person or department.

The work of a medical or dental receptionist will often involve:

• organising appointments and bookings
• taking payments
• keeping the reception area tidy
• organising reading material
• providing refreshments.

Receptionists need to be aware of their employer's safety and security procedures, and make sure these are followed at all times.

In smaller companies, or where the reception area is less busy, receptionist may carry out a wider range of tasks, such as:

• answering the switchboard
• taking messages and dealing with telephone enquiries
• basic clerical work
• handling cash 
• simple bookkeeping.

Some large organisations, and office buildings that house several companies, employ people to receive visitors and direct them to the right place. These posts often combine the duties of receptionist and security officer.

Hours and Environment

Receptionists usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, some organisations may need cover on a Saturday morning or shift-basis. Part-time work is often available.

As a receptionist you will spend most of you time working alone, sitting at a desk or workstation in a comfortable reception area.

Skills and Interests

To be a receptionist you should:

• be outgoing and confident with a pleasant personality
• enjoy dealing with the public
• have a smart appearance
• have good communication skills, both spoken and written
• be able to stay calm under pressure at busy times
• be courteous, but firm, when dealing with difficult, impatient or distressed people
• be efficient and well organised
• be able to work on your own
• have basic computer skills
• be able to use office equipment such as switchboards, fax machines and photocopiers
• be interested in the work of the organisation.

Entry

You may not need any formal qualifications to start work as a receptionist. However, many employers prefer you to have GCSE (A-C)/S grades (1-3), particularly in English and maths. Clerical, secretarial and IT skills will also be useful.

It will be helpful for you to have a working knowledge of a foreign language if you plan to work in an organisation that deals with visitors and clients from overseas.

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Training

As a receptionist, you will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer. You may also be encouraged to attend a course in general reception work or a more specialised area, for example, medical or hotel reception work.

As a receptionist, you can work towards qualifications such as:

• NVQ/SVQ levels 1 to 4 in Business Administration
• NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3 in Customer Service
• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Providing Security Services, Reception Security (useful if your role combines reception with security work).

The OCR (RSA) Examination Board also offer a range of relevant qualifications covering administration skills and customer service.

If you are working as a receptionist in the health care field you can do a range of qualifications awarded by  AMSPAR (the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists), such as:

• Certificate in General Practice Reception
• Certificate in Hospital Reception
• Intermediate Diploma in Medical Reception.

AMSPAR hold a list of course providers; check Further Information for contact details.

As a hotel receptionist you may help your career by working towards a BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Front Office Operations.

Opportunities

As a receptionist, you will find opportunities for work with hotels, factories, hospitals, doctors, dentists, solicitors, schools and hairdressers. Competition for vacancies can be strong.

As an experienced and qualified receptionist, you may be able to progress in to a supervisory role. Your chances for promotion will be greatest in larger organisations.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

The starting salary for a receptionist can be between £10,000 and £12,000 a year.
A qualified and experienced receptionist can earn between £17,000 and £24,000.  

Further information

Tel: 024 7685 1509
6 Graphite Square
Vauxhall Walk
London
SE11 5EE
Tel: 020 7091 9620 Tavistock House North
Tavistock Square
London
WC1H 9LN
Tel: 020 7387 6005