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Receptionist skills that required
1. Communication
Receptionists are always in contact with people, whether by phone, email or in person. Good
communication skills are therefore at the top of the list of desirable qualities. A good receptionist
is able to convey information clearly, speaks clearly and loud enough, and masters the art of non-
verbal communication.
2. Multitasking
On the busiest days, the phone at the front desk is ringing off the hook. Meanwhile, people may
be waiting to be greeted personally. Appointments are to be made, messages to be passed on, and
administrative tasks to be completed.
A receptionist is constantly juggling all kinds of tasks. It’s important they can switch between
tasks smoothly, while considering everyone’s needs and not becoming overwhelmed or
frustrated themselves.
3. Social skills
A receptionist must also possess quite a few social skills to build relationships with clients,
colleagues, and visitors. A bad experience at the reception can leave a negative impression in no
time. Welcoming guests warmly and with a smile is thus a core task.
4. Organization
Looking around in an office building, the reception area is often the neatest place. And so, it
should be. A desk full of paperwork not only makes a bad impression on visitors, but it is also a
prelude of problems: documents go lost easily and data lying around is a violation on data
protection rules.
The perfect receptionist is therefore highly organized. They must be able to come up with files
and telephone numbers instantly. A tidy workspace is a must.
5. Technical skills
Complex phone systems, email, word processing programs and photocopiers hold no secrets for
most receptionists. But in a world where everyone is going digital, being up to speed with the
latest technologies is a great asset. Systems for managing rooms, smart parking and registering
visitors: receptionists have to know them all.
6. Resistance to stress
Receptionists must have nerves of steel. They often must work under great pressure, as they have
to handle several tasks and visitors at the same time. While doing their tasks they are often
interrupted by people requesting information, by a phone call or by a new visitor, and then go
back to their work. Yet they must remain calm and focused.
7. Problem solving
An unsatisfied customer, a missed appointment, a visitor who is unwell… Dozens of problems

can arise every day. It is the receptionist’s job to remain calm and find a solution. In emergency
situations, receptionists are also often the first people who must react and decide what to do.
8. Empathy
Occasionally, every organization faces the occasional visitor who is dissatisfied, stressed, or
frustrated. To put these visitors at ease, receptionists must listen to them, be calm and
empathetic, and try not to deny the problem.
9. Reliability
Because receptionists have contact with almost every customer and employee, it is very
important that you can rely on them. No company can afford to have a phone call to go
unanswered or to have a visitor waiting at an empty reception desk.
A receptionist must be able to work independently, be punctual, return from breaks on time, take
responsibility and solve problems as they arise.
10. Visitor management
Receptionists are largely responsible for visitor management. They must keep an eye on who
enters the building to ensure security. Checking in visitors and keeping track of their records is
also part of their duties.
In 2022 many companies use visitor registration software. By automating the registration of
visitors and the management of their data, receptionists can concentrate on their many other
tasks, such as ensuring a warm welcome and creating a positive first impression.
A receptionist or front office clerk is someone who manages the reception desk of an
organization. He or she welcomes visitors in a company, hotel or hospital and performs
administrative duties.
The job of a receptionist is vital in an organization. The receptionist is the first person a visitor
meets. It is his/her responsibility to provide top-notch customer service and make a good first
impression. A receptionist is in other words the face of the company.
Receptionists have many responsibilities. Automating certain tasks frees up time for their most
important job: giving visitors a warm welcome and ensuring an outstanding first impression.
One way to do this is to work with digital visitor registration. Visitors can check themselves in
on a tablet, while the receptionist can focus on providing the perfect welcome.
Which qualifications does a receptionist need?
The job of receptionist does not require any specific education or training, although requirements
may vary per company.
Education: Usually a high school diploma suffices, but some companies expect their
receptionists to have a bachelor’s degree in communications or business management. Some
industries - such as hospitals or the legal industry - may require additional diplomas.
Training: Receptionists are in most cases trained on-the-job. Training is focused on the needs of
the sector or the company.
Experience: Knowledge of computer programs and software, such as Microsoft Office, comes in

handy as these applications are used for many receptionist tasks. Knowledge of telephone
systems is a plus. In addition, some companies have specific requirements based on their unique
needs, such as experience with a specific software system.
What does the future hold for receptionist jobs?
Some tasks are already being automated today, but don’t be afraid that technology will
completely replace receptionist jobs. On the contrary, these tools allow receptionists to do their
jobs more efficiently.
Visitor management software for example allows visitors to sign in themselves, print visitor
badges and automatically stores the necessary data. This gives receptionists more time to focus
on their important tasks.
Receptionists still are the first point of contact for visitors and callers, and thus take on an
important role within the company. Receptionists will always be needed, but the job does evolve,
and so do the skills a receptionist needs.
A good example is the trend of flexible working. The fact that staff members are now working
more remotely has also brought about a change for receptionists. Skills such as verbal
communication and a clear voice, good listening and problem-solving skills are more important
today than ever.
How to improve receptionist skills
Are you looking for a job as a receptionist? There are several things you can do to improve your
skills to become a great receptionist.
1. Train your communication skills

As communication is key for a receptionist, it is important that you train your communication
skills whenever possible. Practice your active listening skills on the telephone, paying attention
to what the other person is saying and summarizing this information. You can also practice your
communication during meetings with others.
2. Work on professionalism
Receptionists must maintain professionalism throughout the day. A good way to practice this is
by communicating on the same professional level with everyone you meet. For example, greet
the mailman with the same courtesy as an executive in your company.
3. Take notes
When you take notes and document everything, you will be better organized and more focused
on details.
4. Work on reliability
Receptionists should always be at their desk to greet customers, answer phone calls and perform
other tasks. Make reliability a priority by ensuring you are always available to help.

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Receptionist skills that required

An unsatisfied customer, a missed appointment, a visitor who is unwell… Dozens of problems

10. Visitor management

Which qualifications does a receptionist need?

Experience: Knowledge of computer programs and software, such as Microsoft Office, comes in

What does the future hold for receptionist jobs?

How to improve receptionist skills

1. Train your communication skills

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