To become a receptionist requires you to be the first person potential clients, visitors, and customers see in an office, business, medical, healthcare facility, or any other organisation. They are responsible for providing a reception and administrative support function to personnel working in the office. Do you like working with people? Do you have good organisational skills and are detail-oriented? Consider becoming a receptionist if this sounds like a good career fit. This guide will provide the steps to becoming a receptionist, the qualifications you need, and the skills you should master.

What Does a Receptionist Do?

Receptionists help run the front desk and provide administrative assistance to companies by carrying out various tasks to ensure that daily operations at the office run smoothly and that clients have a pleasant experience. Some of their main duties include:

• Welcome Visitors: Receptionists greet clients, customers, and visitors, making them feel comfortable and answering or directing their queries or concerns.
• Handling Telephones: A receptionist’s main responsibilities include answering incoming calls, transferring them to the right department, and taking messages.
• Appointments Booking: In the hospital or company, the receptionist is responsible for arranging appointments, meetings, or events and ensuring the schedule functions properly.
• Managing Emails and Correspondence: Dealing with general email enquiries, sending responses, and forwarding information to required staff.
• Administrative Support: Receptionists perform clerical duties, such as filing, photocopying, scanning, and data entry, and may assist with project work.
• Customer Enquiries: Receptionists provide basic company information and details on products or services, either in person or over the phone.
• Maintaining the Reception Area: Keeping the reception area clean, organised, and orderly helps the business positively present itself.

Types of Receptionists

Receptionists work in various industries and are responsible for various tasks, depending on where they work. Types of receptionists include:

• Corporate Receptionists: Work in offices, welcoming visitors and managing office communications, appointments, and meetings.
• Medical Receptionists: Work in GP surgeries, hospitals, or dental practices, manning the front desk and scheduling appointments, taking patient records, and dealing with patients’ queries.
• Hotel Receptionists: Young people working in the hospitality industry, checking in and out guests, dealing with reservations, and providing guest services.
• Salon or Spa Receptionists: Work in beauty salons or spas, taking bookings, payments, and customer service.
• Legal Receptionists: Work as receptionists in law firms, booking client appointments, answering telephones, and opening and distributing legal documents.

Average Receptionist Salary in the UK

In the UK, the average salary of a receptionist can significantly vary depending on their industry, location, and experience. Entry-level receptionists can earn anywhere between £18,000 and £22,000 per annum.

After a few years, a mid-level receptionist can expect to earn between £23,000 and £27,000, with senior receptionists or those in higher-demand sectors, such as law or healthcare, earning upwards of £28,000 a year. High-end salaries can be higher still in specific locations, such as London, where the demand for more experienced receptionists is greater.

Key Skills for a Successful Receptionist

You must be technically competent and have some interpersonal skills to succeed as a receptionist. These skills include:

• Communication Skills: Receptionists should have excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate professionally with clients, customers, and staff.
• Customer Service Skills: Receptionists are often customers’ first point of contact with the company, so providing excellent customer service is key. A friendly attitude and a positive outlook will help create a good first impression.
• Organisational Skills: Good organisational skills are often needed to ensure schedules are kept, appointments are made, and admin flows smoothly.
• Attention to detail: Receptionists are required to perform a variety of tasks, including appointment scheduling and document management. If they aren’t meticulous, mistakes can be made.
• Multitasking: Receptionists often have to handle several different tasks at once, such as answering the phone, greeting visitors, handling emails, etc. Being good at multitasking is essential.
• IT Skills: The receptionists use several software, such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, email systems, and booking software. As IT is a significant part of our lives, it is essential to use basic IT.
• Problem-solving skills: As a receptionist, unexpected situations are always bound to arise: customers who are late, who want to reschedule, who are upset about something, and other such things. You have to think on your feet and quickly solve these problems.

Steps to Become a Receptionist in the UK

Here’s how you can become a receptionist in the UK:

• Obtain a High School Education: There are no formal qualifications required to become a receptionist, but most employers expect candidates to have GCSEs (or equivalent) in subjects such as English and Maths. Strong communication and organisational skills are highly valued, so excelling in these areas during your school years will help you stand out.
• Develop Relevant Skills: Many skills needed to be a receptionist, such as communication, multitasking, and customer service, can be developed through various part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work. Jobs in retail, customer service, or office administration can provide valuable experience. Consider taking short courses in business administration, office management, or customer service to develop your skill set further. Basic computer skills in programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook are also important.
• Gain Work Experience: Employers often prefer candidates who have experience in customer service or office environments. You could start by working in an entry-level position, such as a customer service assistant or administrative assistant, to gain hands-on experience. Internships or temporary roles in reception or front-desk positions can also help you build practical skills and get a feel for the role.
• Apply for Receptionist Positions: Once you’ve gained the necessary skills and experience, you can begin applying for receptionist roles. Look for opportunities in industries that interest you, such as healthcare, law, hospitality, or corporate offices. Tailor your CV to highlight your customer service, communication, and multitasking skills. Be sure to emphasise any relevant work experience or certifications you have earned.
• Consider Further Training (Optional): While additional qualifications are not always required, some receptionists choose to pursue further training in business administration or customer service to advance their careers. Certificates or diplomas in business administration can provide a deeper understanding of office management and improve your chances of securing more senior positions.
• Build Strong Networking Skills: Receptionists work in varied industries, and networking can be a valuable tool for advancing your career. Building relationships with colleagues, clients, and industry contacts can open doors to new opportunities, whether through promotions or recommendations.

Tips for Aspiring Receptionists

• Be Punctual and Time Efficient: Often, we are the gatekeepers for busy schedules and juggle multiple tasks. Having effective time-management skills is a valuable tool to use these skills to stay organised and get things done.
• Cool under fire: Reception desks can be busy in high-traffic areas like hospitals or hotels. You must stay cool under pressure and be professional at all times.
• Build your confidence: Receptionists often act as visitors’ first point of contact, so to put your best foot forward, you must communicate confidently. Try to communicate clearly and practise maintaining eye contact when communicating with them.

Get Qualified as a Receptionist

Receptionist Diploma, Fundamental Skills for Receptionists, Receptionist Essentials Workshop, Receptionist Essentials Diploma

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Become a Receptionist?

Working as a receptionist can provide you with a great opportunity to operate in a fast-paced, people-facing role. It is an excellent entry point into many industries that offer customer service, admin, and organisational duties. Receptionists play a key role in ensuring the right first impression is made and smooth communication for businesses, making this role a vital and valuable one.

Is a Career as a Receptionist Right for You?

A career in reception is a great choice for someone who enjoys dealing with the public, is a strong communicator, and can multi-task in a fast-paced environment. This job could suit you if you are organised and meticulous and like being at the front of the house.

What Are the Salary Prospects for Receptionists in the UK?

Entry-level receptionists can expect to earn between £18,000 and £22,000 a year; more experienced receptionists can expect salaries of between £23,000 and £27,000, and in some sectors or for senior receptionists, earnings can be more than £28,000. In London and other big cities, salaries are likely higher because more employers are looking for experienced receptionists.

What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a Receptionist?

There are no set qualifications to become receptionists, but having GCSEs in English and maths will be expected, along with experience working with customers, in administration, or in an office environment. Communication, organisational, and multitasking skills are all valuable and will help you be successful.

Do You Need Work Experience to Start a Career as a Receptionist?

Yes, it is a good thing to have some work experience. Customer service and office experience will help you to become a good receptionist. In hospitality and retail businesses, you need to have good customer service experience. In some administrative roles, you must be able to organise and manage. Many employers will want you to have had a similar role before.