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Receptionist

Receptionists act as the first point of contact in an organisation, greeting people and attending to enquiries made by phone or in person.

Although the range of tasks varies depending on the place of work, the clerical skills involved are similar.

Most positions require keyboard and computer skills.

Receptionists are expected to be able to present an appropriate image for the organisation and deal competently with the people and problems they encounter.

In some areas, such as the hospitality industry, they may be required to work outside normal hours, including weekends and evenings.

TASKS

Receptionists may perform the following tasks:

greet visitors and telephone callers and find out the nature of their enquiry
operate telephone switchboards and consoles to connect, hold, transfer and disconnect telephone calls
provide information to assist clients or refer them to appropriate contacts, either in the organisation or elsewhere
arrange appointments for callers or for people working in the organisation and keep records of these
carry out word processing, filing, mail-outs, bookkeeping and banking as required
send out accounts, receive payments and order stationery and office supplies
open and deal with incoming mail, and organise outgoing mail and postage
if working in hotels or motels, make reservations, check guests into and out of the hotel, give information about facilities available and advise visitors about places of interest
if working in medical clinics, hair and beauty salons or similar places, organise appointments, deal with changes in schedules, present accounts after treatment and handle money
if working in sales areas, assist with the promotion of products and give prices and details to customers

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good communication skills
able to work neatly and accurately
good organisational skills
able to work without supervision
good presentation and a pleasant manner

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Medical Receptionist - works in a medical centre and uses knowledge of medical terminology and software to process accounts and Medicare forms, and make appointments for patients.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a receptionist without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in business, business administration or a related field. Additional training may be required for work in some fields, such as medicine and hospitality. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a receptionist through a traineeship in Business or Business Administration.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Business Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Receptionists may work in a variety of organisations, such as medical centres, law and accounting firms, retail and wholesale firms, factories, travel agencies, hotels and motels, hospitals, schools and in professional offices.

Experience in a variety of clerical duties may be needed for advancement into other areas of administration. These areas include accounts, data processing, word processing, office administration and secretarial work.