What Does a Receptionist Do?
A receptionist is the first point of contact for visitors, clients, and callers at an organization. They answer phones, greet guests, manage schedules, and perform clerical tasks to support office operations. Receptionists ensure smooth communication between staff, clients, and external partners while maintaining a professional and welcoming environment.
Receptionists play a vital role in creating positive first impressions. In addition to administrative duties, they may handle office supplies, coordinate mail, and provide customer service support. Depending on the industry, receptionists can work in corporate offices, medical practices, legal firms, hotels, or other service-focused environments.
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Receptionist Core Responsibilities
- Greet and direct visitors, clients, and staff in a professional manner
- Answer and route incoming calls to the appropriate departments
- Manage scheduling, calendars, and meeting room reservations
- Handle incoming and outgoing mail, deliveries, and courier services
- Maintain and update records, logs, and office directories
- Provide administrative support such as filing, copying, and data entry
- Ensure reception and lobby areas remain clean, organized, and welcoming
- Support company events, client visits, and other front-office activities
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) or Google Workspace
- Experience with phone systems, scheduling tools, or office equipment
- Data entry and basic recordkeeping abilities
- Knowledge of customer service practices
Soft skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Professional demeanor and positive attitude
- Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities
- Dependability and time management
- Interpersonal skills for working with diverse groups of people
Education
- High school diploma or GED required; associate’s degree in business administration or related field preferred
Certifications
- Not required, but administrative or office software certifications (e.g., Microsoft Office Specialist) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in an office or customer service role
- Familiarity with scheduling software or CRM systems
- Bilingual or multilingual communication skills
- Experience in industry-specific receptionist roles such as medical or legal settings
National Average Salary
Receptionist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Receptionist is:
$40,275
Sample Job Description Templates for Receptionists
Entry-Level Receptionist
Position Overview
We are looking for an entry-level receptionist to serve as the first point of contact for visitors and callers. This role is perfect for candidates who are professional, organized, and eager to build experience in administrative support while contributing to a welcoming office environment.
Responsibilities
- Greet and assist visitors, directing them to the appropriate staff or department
- Answer and transfer phone calls using a multi-line phone system
- Perform basic clerical tasks such as filing, copying, and data entry
- Handle incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries
- Maintain a tidy and organized reception area
- Support office staff with general administrative tasks
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace
- Ability to operate standard office equipment (printers, copiers, phones)
- Data entry and recordkeeping abilities
Soft skills
- Professional demeanor and communication skills
- Attention to detail and organizational abilities
- Friendly, customer-focused approach
- Willingness to learn and take direction
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
Certifications
- None required; Microsoft Office Specialist certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous customer service or office experience
- Bilingual communication skills
Mid-Level Receptionist
Position Overview
Our company is seeking a mid-level receptionist to manage front-desk operations, assist with scheduling, and provide administrative support. This position requires prior experience in a receptionist or office assistant role and the ability to handle a fast-paced environment with professionalism.
Responsibilities
- Answer, screen, and route phone calls efficiently
- Manage visitor check-in and maintain security logs
- Schedule appointments, meetings, and conference room reservations
- Process incoming and outgoing mail, deliveries, and packages
- Assist with document preparation, filing, and office supply inventory
- Support staff with administrative tasks and special projects
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace
- Experience with scheduling software or CRM systems
- Strong data entry and record management abilities
Soft skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Professional appearance and demeanor
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a busy office
- Strong problem-solving skills
Education
- High school diploma required; associate’s degree in business administration or related field preferred
Certifications
- Not required; administrative or office software certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of receptionist or office support experience
- Familiarity with phone and calendar management systems
Senior Receptionist
Position Overview
We are hiring a senior receptionist to oversee front-desk responsibilities, mentor junior staff, and provide high-level administrative support. This role requires an experienced professional who can manage complex scheduling, maintain confidentiality, and ensure a smooth daily flow of office operations.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily reception activities and provide guidance to junior receptionists
- Manage executive and department calendars, scheduling meetings and travel
- Handle sensitive documents and maintain confidentiality in communications
- Act as the first point of contact for high-profile visitors and clients
- Assist in coordinating company events and internal communications
- Ensure compliance with office procedures and customer service standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and scheduling software
- Ability to handle confidential documents with discretion
- Strong organizational and recordkeeping abilities
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring skills
- Excellent interpersonal and client-facing communication
- Strong time management and multitasking abilities
- Professional judgment and discretion
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field preferred
Certifications
- Not required; Microsoft Office Specialist or administrative certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years of experience in receptionist or administrative roles
- Prior experience supporting executive-level staff
Lead Receptionist
Position Overview
As the lead receptionist, you will supervise the reception team, manage front-office operations, and ensure visitors and clients receive exceptional service. This position combines administrative expertise with leadership responsibilities to maintain an efficient and professional office environment.
Responsibilities
- Supervise reception staff and assign daily front-desk tasks
- Train and mentor junior receptionists and office assistants
- Establish and enforce reception policies and procedures
- Monitor office supplies and coordinate with vendors
- Handle escalated client or visitor concerns
- Provide high-level administrative support to managers and executives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with office software, scheduling systems, and CRM tools
- Ability to manage staff schedules and assign responsibilities
- Strong organizational and reporting abilities
Soft skills
- Leadership and team management skills
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
- Excellent communication with staff, clients, and executives
- Professional demeanor with customer service focus
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business administration preferred
Certifications
- Not required; office administration or management certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous supervisory experience in a receptionist or administrative role
- Experience in multi-office or corporate settings
Office Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking an office manager to oversee daily administrative operations, manage staff, and ensure the office runs efficiently. This role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to balance administrative duties with team management responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Manage reception and administrative staff, assigning and reviewing tasks
- Oversee office budgets, supply orders, and vendor relationships
- Develop and implement office policies and procedures
- Coordinate company events, meetings, and communications
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and security standards
- Serve as the main point of contact between office staff and senior management
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of office administration, budgeting, and vendor management
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and scheduling tools
- Strong recordkeeping and reporting abilities
Soft skills
- Leadership and team-building skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Strong decision-making and organizational skills
- Ability to multitask and resolve conflicts effectively
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field preferred
Certifications
- Not required; office management or project management certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in administrative or office management roles
- Proven success in supervising teams and improving office operations