Receptionist Jobs

First impressions are critical, and receptionists are usually the first person a customer encounters at a company. If you have stellar interpersonal skills and a knack for organization, a career as a receptionist may be a good fit for you.

Duties of a receptionist
A receptionist's specific duties may vary widely between organizations, but certain tasks are common to nearly every position. Receptionists typically answer the phones, take messages, greet customers, handle incoming and outgoing mail, and provide information to the public. When they're not communicating with customers, receptionists may keep busy with office duties like bookkeeping, faxing, and filing.

Where to find receptionist jobs
Receptionists are a vital part of nearly every business, so their job prospects cover a wide range of industries. A receptionist may manage the scheduling at a large corporation, gather insurance information at a hospital, or arrange appointments at a hair salon. Receptionists may find work in just about any field, including schools, small businesses, transportation, museums, and government offices.

Receptionist programs
Receptionists usually only need a high school diploma or equivalent, although prior office experience or on-the-job training will greatly improve your prospects. Most importantly, receptionists are expected to have excellent customer service skills and the ability to effectively communicate information.

Demand for receptionist jobs
In theory, voice mail could reduce the need for receptionists -- but as anyone who's waited on hold with an automated answering service can attest, there's no substitute for a live receptionist. Job prospects are expected to grow by 17 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you have good computer skills, an outgoing personality, and the ability to juggle several tasks at once, you'll enjoy a rewarding career in this stable field.

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