Filling the Job of a Receptionist

Filling the Job of a ReceptionistFilling the Job of a ReceptionistTop candidates dont stay in the job market for long, which makes filling the job of a receptionist tough. As a result, its important to identify the qualities youre looking for in a receptionist before you start your search for the perfect person to be what could be your companys initial point of contact. By using very clear criteria, hiring managers can identify the right prospect faster and act more quickly to avoid losing a great receptionist to competing job offers. According to the annual OfficeTeam Salary Guide, companies with an efficient hiring process like this have a better chance of landing highly skilled job seekers.The job of a receptionistWhat are the typical duties of a receptionist? Well, they can vary from workplace to workplace, but generally speaking, receptionists handle the followingGreeting visitors and?accepting deliveriesHandling incoming calls and operating a switchboardMaintaining arbeitszimme r directoriesAssisting other administrative staff with overflow work, including word processing, data entry and researchConsidering this range of important duties, you want someone who can make an immediate impact, has a track record of showing initiative, is willing to collaborate, and possesses the ideal balance of experience and potential for future advancement.As you make your hiring criteria more specific, be sure you include the following six traits as you look to fill the job of a receptionist1. Effective communicationNaturally, a receptionist should have excellent verbal communication skills. Active listening and great customer service skills also are a must. A talented receptionist can connect callers and visitors with the right employees, as well as handle basic customer service problems and requests adeptly.Find out more about in-demand technical skills for administrative professionals. 2. ProfessionalismAs the first person your customers, visitors and future employees en counter, the receptionist needs to make a good first impression. You want someone on the front lines who has a professional appearance and attitude. So consider each candidates polish and poise during the interview process.3. Interpersonal aplombGood interpersonal skills go beyond basic communication abilities. Look for a candidate who collaborates easily, can give and receive criticism gracefully, and rises above petty office politics. Soft skills like friendliness and likability are especially important for the receptionist role.Todays administrative professional must juggle multiple demands. Read more on this topic in our Office of the Future report with International Association of Administrative Professionals.4. Multitasking capabilities Receptionists have multiple responsibilities, which they must often juggle simultaneously. These could include handling incoming calls, screening callers and managing call traffic while running a busy reception area. Receptionists might also as sist other administrative staff with general work overflow - or help with special projects that require word processing, data entry and online research. So your receptionist needs to be adept at managing multiple tasks without getting flustered.During the interview, ask candidates how they prioritize several tasks throughout the day. Look for clues that theyre organized, calm, detail-oriented and responsible about tying up loose ends.5. Organizational abilitiesOrganized people develop processes to keep them on track, even when they encounter the unexpected. Great receptionists show a knack and enthusiasm for organization. They can find files and phone numbers at a moments notice, and maintain a tidy work area. To assess organizational skills, ask candidates to explain a filing system they implemented or how they prefer to set up calendars and contacts.6. Technical prowessAny receptionist should be comfortable using phone systems, copiers and printers. And the more experience they h ave, the better. yep processing skills are a must, while familiarity with Excel, desktop publishing, social media or industry-specific software can be an asset. If special technical skills are required for the role, make sure the candidate is a good match.Interview receptionist candidatesOnce youve outlined the duties of a receptionist and youre ready to hire, we can help make the process easier. See profiles of skilled receptionist candidates in your area using our online database. Tell us who catches your eye, and we can arrange an interview or placement ASAP.Find receptionist candidates in Austin, TexasFind receptionist candidates in Boise, IdahoFind receptionist candidates in Charlotte, N.C.Find receptionist candidates in Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Calif.Find receptionist candidates in Tucson, Ariz. Tags