With no prior experience, becoming a receptionist entails demonstrating similar skills through volunteer, extracurricular, or work experience; using contacts to get a referral; and registering with temp agencies, as well as pursuing any employment opportunities available to high school or college students. Even if previous jobs did not include receptionist responsibilities, skills such as effective communication, organization, and telephone experience can be highlighted. Through a supervisor, family member, or acquaintance, you may be able to access opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. Short-term assignments at a temp agency, or as a student employee in a high school referral or college work-study program, among other options, may be available to a sharp candidate who is persistent.
Even if you’ve never worked as a receptionist, you can use your previous volunteer, extracurricular, and work experience to demonstrate receptionist-related skills. Volunteering at a pet shelter, for example, may entail answering phones, or perhaps you once manned the phone at your high school’s band office. Any student government or extracurricular activities that demonstrate communication, leadership, telephone, or organizational skills can be beneficial. If you don’t have any of these experiences, volunteering or interning at a non-profit organization that you care about can be a good place to start.
Employers may be willing to hire a receptionist with no experience based on a positive referral from a trusted colleague or acquaintance, and not all positions are filled through job postings. Getting in touch with family, friends, and teachers, as well as volunteer supervisors, could be beneficial. This is especially effective when the person who refers you is familiar with your work ethic and personality.
Employment agencies that provide temporary employees to businesses may occasionally hire a receptionist with no prior experience and assign him or her to a short-term “test” assignment to evaluate performance. To be eligible for these positions, you must first register with the agency, take any required skills assessments, and then complete an interview. You can inform your coworkers that you want to gain receptionist experience and are willing to take on short-term or entry-level jobs to do so. If you’re working on a short-term assignment, showing up on time, following all agency instructions, and being friendly and professional can help you get another assignment, which will add to your experience.
A school that hires a student employee will frequently offer a position to a receptionist who has no prior experience. Through a partnership or recruiting program, a high school may offer part-time entry-level jobs in the community, and most universities hire a large number of students for work-study and student employment positions. When it comes to hiring, school districts may be more willing to accept candidates with little or no experience, focusing on volunteer experience, class schedules, and people skills. Due to policies and funding, these opportunities usually require applying through the student employment office, and hours may be limited.