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Receptionist Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated 11 June 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Receptionist interview questions and answers.

  1. How capable are you of working in a fast-paced environment? See answer
  2. What do you do to stay organised? See answer
  3. How do you prioritise tasks to stay focused even when busy? See answer
  4. How do you handle difficult or upset clients? See answer
  5. What software or technology do you have experience with? See answer
  6. How do you make a good first impression on clients? See answer
  7. Can you describe a time when you improved a process? See answer
  8. How do you approach working with diverse teams? See answer
  9. How do you handle confidential information? See answer
  10. What skills do you have that make you a good receptionist? See answer
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Hire your next Receptionist today.

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Hire your next Receptionist today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

10 Receptionist Interview Questions and Answers

How capable are you of working in a fast-paced environment?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle multiple tasks and stay calm under pressure, which is essential for a receptionist’s role. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience handling high-pressure situations.
  • Strategies for staying organised and composed.
  • A focus on customer service even during busy periods.
Example:

"In my previous role, I often managed high call volumes and in-person client interactions simultaneously. I stayed organised by prioritising tasks, maintaining a calm demeanour and ensuring that all clients always received my full attention, no matter how busy it was."

What do you do to stay organised?

This question evaluates the candidate's organisational skills, which are essential for managing schedules, correspondence and office tasks. What to look for in an answer:

  • Use of tools like calendars or task lists.
  • A methodical approach to staying on top of responsibilities.
  • Examples of successful organisation strategies.
Example:

"I rely on digital calendars and to-do lists to organise my day. I start by listing tasks in order of priority and set reminders for deadlines. For example, I used a shared calendar to manage client appointments to make sure that nothing was overlooked."

How do you prioritise tasks to stay focused even when busy?

This question gauges the candidate's ability to juggle multiple responsibilities efficiently. What to look for in an answer:

  • A clear system for task prioritisation.
  • Awareness of which responsibilities take precedence.
  • Experience handling competing deadlines effectively.
Example:

"I prioritise my work tasks by urgency and impact. For instance, if I have a client waiting and a non-urgent email to respond to, I attend to the client first. I also like to break down larger tasks into manageable steps to allow me to make steady progress."

How do you handle difficult or upset clients?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to manage conflict and stay professional in challenging situations. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
  • A calm and empathetic approach.
  • Focus on achieving a positive outcome.
Example:

"Once I had a client who was upset about a scheduling error. I listened to their concerns, apologised sincerely and resolved the issue by finding them an alternative time that worked better. My approach helped defuse the situation and retain their trust."

What software or technology do you have experience with?

This question evaluates the candidate's familiarity with tools commonly used in receptionist roles and their ability to adapt to new technology. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of office tools like Microsoft Office, CRMs or scheduling software.
  • Experience using specific systems relevant to the company.
  • Willingness to learn new tools.
Example:

"I have extensive experience with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and scheduling tools. In my last role, I also managed a customer database using an industry-standard CRM, which helped streamline client communication."

How do you make a good first impression on clients?

This question assesses the candidate’s customer service skills and professionalism. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strategies for welcoming clients.
  • A friendly and approachable demeanour.
  • Attention to detail in client interactions.
Example:

"I believe first impressions are very important, so I always greet clients with a smile and offer assistance immediately. I also make sure that the reception area is tidy and inviting to create a positive atmosphere."

Can you describe a time when you improved a process?

This question evaluates the candidate’s initiative and problem-solving skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to identify problematic areas.
  • Creative solutions that led to improvements.
  • Measurable outcomes.
Example:

"In my last role, I noticed an issue with our appointment booking system in that appointments were often double-booked. I suggested switching to an online scheduling tool, which reduced errors and improved our efficiency by 30%."

How do you approach working with diverse teams?

This question explores the candidate’s ability to collaborate and adapt to different personalities and backgrounds. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience working in diverse environments.
  • Strategies for fostering inclusivity and teamwork.
  • Emphasis on clear communication.
Example:

"I've worked with colleagues from various cultural backgrounds and believe open communication is key. I always strive to understand different perspectives and ensure that everyone feels valued."

How do you handle confidential information?

This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of confidentiality and data security in the workplace. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of privacy policies.
  • Strategies for safeguarding sensitive information.
  • A responsible and professional attitude.
Example:

"In my previous role as a medical receptionist, I strictly followed privacy protocols by making sure that patient files were securely stored and only accessible to authorised personnel."

What skills do you have that make you a good receptionist?

This question helps employers assess whether the candidate’s skills are a good match for the role’s requirements. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strong skills such as communication, organisation and customer service.
  • Real-world examples demonstrating these skills.
  • A willingness to learn and adapt.
Example:

"My communication skills allow me to build rapport with colleagues and clients alike, while my organisational abilities ensure that tasks of any kind are carried out efficiently. These skills helped me consistently deliver excellent service in all my previous roles."

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