A Typical Day

Receptionists check phone messages, answer calls, deliver mail in the office, meet and greet guests, order lunch for the office, and send emails and faxes.

Top 3 Perks

1) Good entry position with career ladder possibilities 

2) Fast-paced job

3) Deal with a lot of interesting people

Job Culture

Sitting for long periods of time, greeting clients and guests, answering phone calls and lots of emails, scheduling meetings, entertaining guests

My Experience

Throughout my job shadow marathon I have encountered many receptionists. The receptionist were in dental offices, newspaper offices, an accounting office, two city halls, business offices, and more. During my visits to these offices I also had the opportunity to ask questions to secretaries and spend time with them when my professionals were in confidential meetings.

In the dental offices I visited, both receptionists were dental assistants turned secretaries. Both use to be in the operating room but decided they wanted a change and became receptionists. They both love the administration side of the business and enjoy sitting with a computer, talking to patients, making sure the office is running smoothly. I guess this would be a nice change from being in the operating room all day.

Another receptionist I spent some time with was at an accounting office. Basically she books appointments and greets you when you enter the office. She says she usually offers a drink and is responsible for entertaining the guests while they wait.

Although being a receptionist seems like an easy job, a receptionist is the first impression many visitors have when entering an office. A possible client or an investor is important to impress so receptionists have to be presentable and impressive.

Requirements

1) High school diploma

Skills Needed

Being friendly and polite, ability to be calm, organization, communication, people skills

The Field

- There will always be a need for someone to meet and greet guests and clients 

– High turnover rate means lots of job opportunities

– Phone systems are always being upgraded so receptionists must be able to learn new technology