As a result of this fact, the number one requirement for a receptionist is a friendly, personable manner. Efficiency is a near second, though. It is so important that you—as a receptionist involved in accounting jobs, or counseling jobs or agencies—make a very good impression on your employer—because if you do not have good person skills, you probably won’t make it in the receptionist world. But if you do have a friendly disposition, and you are a fast learner and have good communication skills, becoming a receptionist may be the perfect choice for you.
What does a receptionist do? Basically, a receptionist is there to greet visitors, and get them the help or assistance they need. In addition to this, a receptionist answers the phone, takes messages, and juggles the day’s itinerary for their employer. They also compose documents and reports, and mail office-related letters. This remains true for any receptionist. Again, there is not a very large difference. But picking which place of employment you want—that is where the bigger difference lies.
Obviously if you choose to become a receptionist at a large company, it would help to have a better or deeper knowledge of business. If you decide to seek employment as a dental receptionist, it would probably be in your best interest to consider if you would be able to work in a dentist’s office. (Does the drilling sound terrify you? Would you be able to function efficiently in that setting?) It is important to choose the right setting for you, because a receptionist must be able to be at ease, and not appear over-stressed. If you love animals and have a desire to become a receptionist, it probably won’t be difficult choosing to become a veterinarian receptionist.
Veterinarian receptionist jobs not only have the chance to exercise so many different secretarial skills, but also have the chance to be in an atmosphere that is both unique, and exciting. A veterinarian’s office is full of life and unusual activity, as generally opposed to a regular doctor’s office. Working in this capacity, you would be able to perform your regular duties as a receptionist, but you would also get to work with animals. You would be able to interact with children and adults alike, and of course be in a position to help make animals and humans both feel more comfortable in the waiting room setting. People who work for veterinarian receptionist jobs make appointments, and oftentimes would also be in charge of maintaining a clean waiting room area. As you can see, the work of a receptionist in this capacity takes care of many different things, and their work varies depending on the day.
A receptionist’s education is not primarily an issue. Most companies in this day and age like to see a college degree, but many consider that overkill in respects to a receptionist. If you graduated from high school and display the ability to learn and adapt happily to a company’s personal style, you have everything you need to secure that job. You do not need a history in this field to be accepted—most receptionists are trained on the job. Former experience alone won’t necessarily give you the job. It is considered more important for a receptionist to have the skills mentioned above. Things that would help you succeed in this career, however, can be easily deduced.
In any receptionist capacity, writing will be a prominent part of your work day. Letters, reports, simple memos or emails—you will be required to write quite a bit. You don’t need an English degree, though, to succeed in the writing aspect of this job. As long as you know the basics, you should be just fine. Good communication skills, again, will help you immensely. Whether in person or over the phone, you will be dealing with so many different people. You will need to be able to take messages, relay information, and above all remain pleasant.
A receptionist makes around $22,000 per year, and finding employment would not be difficult. Almost anywhere you care to go has need of a cheerful receptionist.
