Jobs as a front desk receptionist can be found in a variety of industries, and they are typically classified the type of company or organization. Medical and dental offices, hair salons, corporations, and a variety of other businesses employ front desk receptionists. Visitors to organizations frequently see people in these positions as the first faces they see.
Answering phones and routing calls, taking messages, greeting visitors, and answering visitors’ questions are common tasks for all types of front desk receptionists. Receptionists may also sort and deliver mail, perform data entry, send faxes, and copy documents. Although the general types of tasks performed front desk receptionists are often similar regardless of industry, specific responsibilities vary greatly depending on industry and workplace.
People who work as front desk receptionists in medical and dental offices, for example, answer phones, schedule appointments, and greet patients. Patients are frequently asked to fill out medical forms, and insurance information and payments are collected. Receptionists may interact with insurance companies and follow up with patients when money is owed in some medical and dental offices, particularly smaller ones without a dedicated billing staff. In medical and dental offices, front desk receptionist jobs frequently require sensitivity to people and the problems and pain that patients may be experiencing.
Clients are greeted front desk receptionists in hair salons, who also notify stylists when their clients arrive. They also accept payments from clients and set up appointments with them over the phone and in person. Salon receptionists may also be expected to answer questions about hair products sold in the salon or actively promote salon products.
The duties of a corporate front desk receptionist vary greatly depending on the company. Some front desk receptionists may perform more entry-level tasks such as greeting visitors and taking phone calls, while others assist with security at other companies. Visitors may be asked to sign in, and badges may be issued to those entering company facilities. In smaller businesses, front desk receptionists are frequently expected to do more than just answer the phone and greet visitors.
A friendly, welcoming personality, a clear phone voice, and computer skills are usually required to work as a front desk receptionist. It helps if you know how to operate electronic equipment like switchboards, photo copiers, and other office machines. It’s also beneficial to have a basic understanding of office procedures and how offices work. The usual minimum level of education is a high school diploma. In a tight job market, applicants with some college education may have an easier time finding work as a front desk receptionist.