How to Find Receptionist Jobs

Being a receptionist is often the first office job a person gets. These front-desk positions typically involve answering telephones and greeting visitors. They act as an introduction to the unique world of office work and can act as an entry-level position in many companies. There are lots of top executives who started out in receptionist jobs. Fortunately, these jobs are not hard to find.

Things You'll Need

• Resume

Instructions

Find Receptionist Jobs

1. Check out the want ads in your local newspaper. These jobs are usually found under the "clerical jobs" heading or the "general employment" heading.

2. Sign up with a temporary agency. Temporary agencies send substitutes to offices when the regular receptionists in those offices are out. You will normally only work for a few days in any one place. However, if an office likes you, they may remember you and hire you later when they have an opening.

3. Look for "Help Wanted" signs on office windows. Many times, small, privately run businesses advertise for help this way. If the business is looking for a receptionist, the sign will usually say so.

4. Stop by in person and deliver your resume to possible employers. Dress as carefully as you would if you were having an interview.

5. Send out your resume to the places where you would like to work. Even if you haven't heard they're hiring, it doesn't hurt to get your name and qualifications in front of the personnel department. That way, when a receptionist opening comes up, your information will already be there.

6. Ask your friends and relatives whether they know of any receptionist job openings where they work. Word of mouth such as this is often an excellent way to find out about available jobs before the general public.

7. Read local bulletin boards. Community bulletin boards are usually found in grocery stores, at recreation centers and in popular neighborhood gathering spots. Look for any flyers that have been posted indicating a local company is looking for a receptionist.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no formal education on training required to be a receptionist. In fact, many receptionists have little or no prior job experience. Most receptionists learn their jobs through doing them. A day or two of training once you are hired is likely to be the most you get.

• You need to be comfortable talking on the telephone to be a receptionist. A large part of your job will be taking calls, answering basic questions and routing calls to the appropriate person within the company.