We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Be the first point of contact for customers and visitors for businesses
- You'll need excellent spoken and written communication skills
- You could progress to become a senior administrator, office manager, or Executive Assistant
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Greeting visitors and directing them to the correct person or department
- Managing the visitors book and giving out security passes
- Answering enquiries in person, by phone and email
- Managing a room booking system
- Booking travel and hotels
- Arranging appointments and updating records on databases
- Taking payments and handling invoices
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
If you're based in an office you'll usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. GP surgeries, hotels and restaurants may expect you to work weekend and evening shifts too.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with excellent spoken and written communication skills, organisational skills, and the ability to work well with others.
There are no formal requirements, but GCSEs in English, IT and maths may help.
Employers also value experience, which you could get by temporary work or volunteering.
You could start as an admin assistant in an organisation, for example by doing temporary work, then apply for a permanent job as a receptionist when a vacancy becomes available.
You could also get into this job through a hospitality team member intermediate apprenticeship.
Getting a college qualification may be helpful. Courses are widely available and include: Level 1 Award in Salon Reception Duties (beauty and hairdressing), Level 1 Certificate in Business and Administration (office administration), Level 2 Certificate in Front of House Reception (hospitality and catering), Level 2 Diploma in Reception Operation and Services (hospitality and catering).
CAREER PROSPECTS
With training and experience, you could move into a senior receptionist or personal assistant (PA) role. In a GP surgery or health centre, you could train to become a medical secretary or a practice manager.