How to Become a Receptionist

There are no set academic standards or entry requirements for becoming a receptionist. Your job, however, will entail performing a variety of tasks like answering phone calls, taking messages, greeting visitors, answering questions, opening and routing mail, filing, emailing, faxing and scheduling appointments. On the job training is usually provided but a good general education and some specific job skills will ensure that you get the receptionist job you are seeking and can successfully perform your duties once you begin working. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Prepare For a Career as a Receptionist

1. Improve your communication skills. A receptionist spends a good part of their day greeting people and answering the telephone. If you want to become a receptionist and you think your communication skills are not up to par, consider taking a communication class at your local community college.
2. Learn to speak a foreign language. In today's multi-cultural society it is always helpful to be able to converse with foreign visitors. Bilingualism is an important asset in almost any industry when you become a receptionist.
3. Learn basic office skills. As part of the job description, a receptionist needs to multitask. You may be asked to type letters and memos and even do some basic bookkeeping. A course in Accounting 101 and learning computer software programs like Microsoft Office will put you ahead of the game.
4. Decide what industry interests you the most. Being a receptionist gives you the opportunity to work in almost any type of business that you want. Someone who loves animals may want to work as a veterinary receptionist, while someone who is fascinated with filmmaking and likes hanging around with celebrities might want to seek a receptionist position with a major motion picture company or an independent producer.

Interview for Receptionist Jobs

5. Present yourself professionally at your initial job interview. The receptionist is usually the first representative of a company that clients interact with. They make a "first impression" for the entire organization. Be sure that your prospective boss sees that you have the personality and the proper appearance to represent his business.
6. Show an interest in finding out more about the company when you are interviewing. Employers want to hire a receptionist who cares about the company and who will enjoy working there. Be aware that working as a receptionist can often be a stepping-stone to other positions in the company.

Tips & Warnings

• To find out if you really want to become a receptionist, try volunteering your time to a non-profit agency. They always need extra help and it will give you the opportunity to find out if receptionist work is really for you. If you like it, you'll have also gained valuable experience and are in a position to ask for job referrals and letters of recommendation.