What does a receptionist do?
A receptionist plays a central role in ensuring a workplace is organised and welcoming. They are primarily responsible for front desk tasks such as greeting visitors, directing enquiries and handling phone calls, as well as keeping the reception area presentable, always with the goal of ensuring that all interactions make a positive impression on customers and clients alike.
In addition to customer service duties, receptionists often provide administrative support by managing post and emails, scheduling meetings and performing some data entry duties. Their role is especially important in industries like medical, corporate business, hospitality and law, where professional and efficient front desk operations are essential.
Receptionists may also be asked to perform security-related tasks such as managing visitor logs and issuing access passes.
Receptionist skills and qualifications
A successful receptionist needs to have strong communication, organisational and interpersonal abilities. Here are some of the essential skills and qualifications required.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact professionally with clients, employees and visitors.
- Strong organisational abilities to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and keep the office running smoothly.
- Good customer service skills to ensure that in-person visitors and callers have a positive and professional experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other administrative software, such as scheduling or CRM systems.
- Ability to multitask while staying professional and friendly at all times.
- Excellent time management skills to be able to prioritise tasks effectively and promptly respond to enquiries.
- Professional appearance and presentation, as receptionists are the first impression visitors have of the company.
Receptionist experience requirements
Receptionist roles are often an entry point into administrative or customer service careers. While many employers do not require any prior experience, having worked in customer service, administration or hospitality previously can be an advantage. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a proven track record in managing front desk operations, handling phone calls and providing customer support.
For entry-level receptionists, on-the-job training is common and allows them to learn about front desk procedures, phone systems and company-specific policies. Receptionists with one to three years of experience may be expected to handle more complex administrative tasks, such as appointment scheduling, managing corporate correspondence or assisting with office management.
In larger organisations or highly regulated industries, receptionists may need to have previous experience in handling confidential information, working with specific industry-typical software or assisting senior executives. For example, receptionists in medical settings might require experience with patient appointment systems, while those in law firms may need knowledge of legal terminology and file management.
Receptionist education and training requirements
Most receptionist roles do not require formal education beyond a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, although some employers may prefer candidates with vocational training in business administration, customer service or office management. Some receptionists choose to pursue a Certificate II or III in Business Administration or Certificate III in Customer Engagement to improve their skills.
In many cases, training is provided on the job and covers aspects like company policies, phone etiquette, scheduling systems and visitor management procedures. Receptionists working in specialised sectors may need to undergo additional training in industry-specific software and processes.
In addition, employers will typically look for receptionists with proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM software and scheduling systems, as these tools are widely used in front desk operations. Therefore, candidates who can demonstrate strong communication and customer service skills, combined with the relevant technical knowledge, are often preferred.
Receptionist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a receptionist in Australia is approximately $56,855 per year, but this varies depending on location, industry and level of experience. Entry-level receptionists typically earn less than, for example, experienced receptionists in corporate, legal or medical settings.
Job description samples for similar positions
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Receptionist job description FAQs
What makes a good receptionist?
A good receptionist is professional, organised and able to handle multiple tasks at the same time while maintaining a friendly demeanour. What’s more, strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude and the ability to adapt to various situations are an advantage.
What should you look for in a receptionist resume?
Employers might want to look for experience in customer service or administration, proficiency in office software and excellent communication skills. Candidates with good time management skills, attention to detail and a professional appearance are usually a sound choice.
How can you make your receptionist job description stand out?
To attract the right candidates, it is worth highlighting the essential skills and attributes required for the role, such as communication, multitasking and organisational abilities. If applicable, industry-specific software knowledge, training opportunities and company culture could be mentioned to make the position more appealing.
Who does a receptionist report to?
A receptionist typically reports to an office manager, administration manager or front desk supervisor, depending on the structure of their organisation.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
