How to Apply for a Receptionist Job
Receptionists help ensure the smooth functioning of many companies in office, retail and industrial settings. Competition for receptionist positions can be heavy, so when you are applying for a receptionist job, know the best ways to impress upon your potential employer that you will not only be a great receptionist, but the best choice for the company.
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Instructions
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Make a list of your relevant receptionist experience. Include any positions in reception but also include jobs with duties that are often included in or similar to reception positions, such as phone center work, office administration, counter service or front desk hospitality.
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Create an additional list of experience relevant to the field you're applying in. In addition to the skills required for any receptionist job, companies generally prefer to hire a receptionist familiar with their industry and who knows what it's like to work within it. Feel free to include not only professional industry employment but any knowledge you might have from personal experience. For example, if you are applying for a receptionist position with a real estate office and grew up as the child of a real estate agent, you can include this to demonstrate your general knowledge of the field.
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Tailor your resume for the position. Highlight your most relevant employment experience by either listing it first (if you are not using a chronological format) or by devoting more space and words to the descriptions for those positions. Include your educational experience to indicate the highest degree or certificate you've completed. Also include any relevant education and abilities such as computer and office software proficiency and typing skills as well as coursework or major related to business and administrative skills or related to the field in which you're applying.
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Write a cover letter for each job. Make brief references to your most relevant work experience and include any relevant personal information in this document.
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Print both cover letter and resume on matching resume paper.
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Carefully proofread and edit your documents. This is good to do when applying for any job but is especially important for a potential receptionist (who may be given tasks involving writing) to demonstrate good basic writing skills and mastery of spelling, grammar and punctuation.
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Fill out any company application forms. Take advantage of this process to demonstrate that you can follow instructions precisely. Use your best handwriting to show that you can write any office communications clearly and legibly.
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Talk to someone from the company on the phone or in person if you get the chance. Take advantage of any early opportunity to demonstrate that you have good phone etiquette, a clear and cheerful speaking voice, and a professional demeanor and appearance. This will help you stand out in the minds of the people who are hiring as someone who is appropriate for a reception position.
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