Career Spotlight: Receptionist
At the front of any office is someone who greets customers and manages a variety of communication duties. This person is a receptionist, and they are responsible for interacting with people who visit the business and for completing various administrative tasks, including answering calls, organizing files, managing records, and scheduling appointments. You can find receptionists in almost every industry, from health care to law enforcement. They work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, hotels, law offices, schools, real estate companies, banks, and many other locations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, receptionists earned a median salary of $35,840 per year, with the highest 10% of earners making more than $47,000 annually. About 137,800 receptionist positions are expected to open up each year through 2033.
Entry Level Job with an Associate Degree in Business
If you’re interested in becoming a receptionist, you can do so with only a high school diploma; however, an associate degree will get you higher pay and help you stand out on your resume. Read on to explore more about this career.
What Do Receptionists Do?
Receptionists are responsible for a variety of tasks and responsibilities, from answering telephones to scheduling meetings. They typically do the following:
- Answer, screen, and forward telephone calls
- Greet customers and other visitors
- Copy, file, and maintain records
- Receive, sort, distribute, and prepare mail
- Ensure the reception area is neat and tidy
- Provide information about the business
- Follow safety procedures and control access via the reception desk
- Order office supplies
- Update calendars and schedule meetings
- Arrange travel and accommodations and prepare vouchers
- Maintain the general office filing system
- Coordinate internal and external events
- Manage the availability of meeting and conference rooms
- Supervise office services such as cleaners and maintenance staff
How to Become a Receptionist
Most entry-level receptionist positions usually require a high school diploma. Other employers may prefer you have a higher degree, like an associate degree in business or a related field. It’s important to check with your potential employer to make sure you have the right level of education.
It may also be a good idea to receive training in various entry-level jobs, including as a restaurant host, a bank clerk, or a volunteer in a community nonprofit. When you’re hired, you may also receive on-the-job training specific to the company so you know how to use its equipment and understand the inner workings of the office.
Additionally, though not required, a certificate may help you stand out from other job candidates and add to your knowledge. The Certified Front Desk Representative certificate and the Certificate in Reception and Office Support are two of the many available certification courses that can prepare you to perform a receptionist’s tasks efficiently and accurately.
Receptionist Educational Requirements
As mentioned, many receptionists usually have at least a high school diploma. An associate or bachelor’s degree in administrative services, business, communications, office management, or a related field will give you an edge over your competition.
Excelsior’s Associate in Applied Science in Administrative and Management Studies prepares you to be a receptionist as well as other business supporting roles like secretary, administrative assistant, inventory manager, customer service representative, facilities supervisor, personnel associate, and resource coordinator. Training includes common software like Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You’ll learn about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis and gain knowledge on human resource management, recruitment and hiring, and how to approach various legal and ethical workplace issues.
How to Become a Good Receptionist
In addition to the appropriate education and on-the-job training, there are certain qualities that can make you stand out as a good receptionist. Successful receptionists lean on the following traits and skills:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Emotional strength
- Typing skills
- Technical skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Customer service
- Organization
- Empathy
If becoming a receptionist sounds like a good fit for you, contact an Excelsior University admissions counselor about earning the business degree that will help you achieve your career goals.
