A Receptionist, or Administrative Assistant, is an individual who acknowledges customers when they arrive in an establishment and handles paperwork related to their position. Their duties include maintaining an appointment book, answering phone calls and providing information to callers and performing clerical tasks.

Receptionist duties and responsibilities

The Receptionist is the first person a client or customer sees or talks to when arriving at or calling a place of business. A Receptionist has to be pleasant, have good listening skills and be able to provide the correct information when asked. They also have to be able to route calls to the correct person, enter or check a client in for an appointment and give direction when necessary. Some of the duties and responsibilities of a Receptionist include:

• Maintaining security for the building by providing passes to visitors
• Notifying appropriate people that a visitor has arrived to see them
• Keeping track of the people arriving for appointments and when they leave the building
• Answering phone calls and responding appropriately to the caller's needs

Receptionist skills and qualifications

• Listening
• Professional demeanor
• Customer care
• Maintains stocks of supplies as needed
• Spoken communication
• Focus

Receptionist experience requirements

Individuals who possess general office skills are good candidates for this role. Some of the experience requirements include:

• Typing speed of 60 words per minute (wpm) or higher
• Customer service
• Office software proficiency
• Handling multi-line phone systems
• Basic computer skills