A receptionist is an employee who typically works at a larger company. He or she normally is the first person a visitor or customer may encounter at the site. Receptionists typically screen incoming phone calls, while taking and distributing messages to appropriate parties. They also greet visitors and inform company employees that persons have arrived for meetings or appointments.

A receptionist must have a variety of useful skills. One of the first is an ability to multitask efficiently, without becoming too rattled by having distractions. In a typical day, a receptionist may have to sign for a postal delivery, answer multiple incoming phone calls, and greet visitors all at the same time. A good receptionist is able to prioritize these events and deal with each in a fast, courteous, and pleasant manner. As such, organizations favor receptionists who can think clearly and quickly and adapt to changing situations.

Because receptionists are typically the employee who helps create first impressions with customers, vendors, and visitors, many companies require persons in this employment to have excellent interpersonal communication skills. The formal education requirements of this position are not particularly heavy, but the skills and talents required to perform it well are still greatly valued in many business settings. Most receptionists work regular business hours in an office environment. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Receptionist Tasks

• Greet and answer inquiries for general public, customers and visitors; announce and log visitors.
• Process outgoing mail and receive deliveries.
• Perform administrative support tasks; proofreading, typing, operating calculators, facsimile machine and computers.
• Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, route calls and relays messages.