To be the best...

What are the top 3 traits or skills every receptionist must have to excel?

Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your receptionist expertise?

i am curious as to what skills you should possess to be a good receptionist.

I believe a receptionist gives the first impression of the company and should be professional, helpful, courteous, and able to help guests feel comfortable.

Host said: What are the top 3 traits or skills every receptionist must have to excel?
Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your receptionist expertise?

Try to leave your problems at home, always have a snile on your face when greeting the clients who enter the office, if coffee is available ask if they would like a cup while waiting, and if need be practice welcoming or greeting in a mirror at home so that you can see what you look like.

Being a receptionist for 30 years I leraned that a recepitonist needs to have a lot of fath because dealing with customers or clients who are rude and Obnoxious takes more than just skills. They don't realize that we have a job to do and being rude doesn't get you there any faster.

To be a good receptionist, one must be able to work well with the public. One must present themselves in a friendly way. After all, first impressions make a lasting impression. Being a receptionist, you are the first face and voice others see and/or hear. Therefore, your attitude can either make or break a business deal with other companies. Receptionist should be friendly, courteous, and willing to help those that call and/or stop by; after all, that's what you are getting paid to do.

Be attentive when guests/cients arrive. Stay focused when interacting. Always helpful and polite.
No yacking on personal phone calls unless on break or lunch.
Be the best you can be to represent your company.

A PROFESSIONAL!

Your must first know your system and how it works. Have people skills that empower your company and inform your caller with accurate information. You must perform all telephone skills with confidence and style. One more, respect yourself and your fellow workers.

A good Receptionist should be knowledgeable about the company in which she works. Smile and be courteous when greeting visitors, be a good hostess.

A receptionist should never be seen on a personal call while cutomers/guests/clients are in the office. They should never be gossipping at the front desk within ear shot of customers and supervisors, and never dress inappropriatly for an interview.

I started as a receptionist in a finacial firm and I was given generous raises and eventually promoted up the chain. If that is something you are considering I have some suggestions for you. Aside from all the comments above, which are all correct, a receptionist should anticipate needs ahead of time. Once you have worked with an office long enough, try to figure out where you can apply you skills in your free time. Go the extra mile above and beyond just being friendly. Ask yourself - is there someone you can help with, can you organize a filing cabinet, can you update the contacts, can you contribute some way to help the producers in the office. Even if it's something small take the initiative to find out what the need is and then do it. Don't just answer the phone, help solve problems and you will be like office gold.

What degree would they need to complete there job? high School demploma What else?
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The top 3 things to being a good receptionist?.......Ok, I know this is a setup for a string of jokes!

Laugh on people!

Well I want to know so, I could figure things out.

I think a good receptionist must be : beautiful, patient, and has an outgoing personality

a good receptionist Dont consider it an interruption of your busy day or the source of potential business? When the telephone rings dont think, "What do they want now?" do think "I wonder what awesome opportunity awaits me at the other end of the line?". make sure you tone of your voice telling customers and prospective customers that they are the most important thing in your life at that moment dont let your tone of your voice tell them that they are an unimportant interruption to your busy day make sure the way you answer the phone - and I'm not talking about what you say but how you say it - make people glad they called and cause them to want to develop an ongoing relationship with you and your business and do the little boring jobs you really dont want to do just do them because you never no that could get you into a hirer n better job than your in now.thats a good receptionist.

i think that a good receptionist should be willing to work hard and and be polite and well groomed for her line of work. She should also try to keep from complaining and just do whatever it is with speed and precion.

God, I hate the phrase "Take the initiative". To me it means that unless you are completely psychic to what your boss wants, then you are worthless.

A receptionist's job expectations should be mapped out in detail at the initial interview. If the boss wants the receptionist to learn something new, he should tell her!

I have been a receptionist at a marketing firm since November of 2006. I love my job. Dont get me wrong it is stressful at times but overall it is awsome. My best advice for anyone looking to get into this field is to learn everything you can. If you manager asks you to figure something out on your own or asks you to do something, figure it out. Do whatever you have to do to make it work. They will be amazed by your ability to solve the problems on your own and they will know they can count on you. He will know that he made the right choice in hiring you. And LEAVE YOUR PROBLEMS AT THE DOOR! This is HUGE if you come in to work in a bad mood your day will not go smoothly. Be as nice and cheerful as possible. And just have fun with it!

Always answer the phone with a smile, The person on the other end will notice this. Acknowledge every single person who comes in to your office, mailman, your boss, whoever. Oh and ORGANIZATION and PRIORITZING are very very important.

well good luck for all those looking for office work!!! it can be rough out there...

1. Polite
2. Proffesional
3. Helpful

Smile,, even when answering the phone, believe it or not, people can tell if you are smiling on the phone.
Eager,, make sure your boss and any co-workers you answer to, have exactly what they need at all times.
Attention to detail,, make sure that, that phone number is right when you take down a message, name and company should also be right.
I have been a receptionst for private and public companies for over 25 years. It is a glorified customer service rep, and there are a lot more than three things that make a good receptionst.

I "ditto" many of the descriptive words that have already been used in this forum. I also want to add that it is imperative to wear professional attire to project a professional image. It is imperative to wear a smile all day long and to smile "through the phone" as another mentioned.
Acknowledge with a positive greeting - everyone that comes through the receptionist area! ALWAYS BE POSITIVE.

A positive attitude
A good work ethic
A willingness to be helpful

Those three qualities are important in all jobs, but especially for a top notch receptionist.

Host said: What are the top 3 traits or skills every receptionist must have to excel?

Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your receptionist expertise?

I believe the four top traits or skills would be Good Communication Skills, Must be Multi-talented, Good Personality and Public Relation Skills.

I suggest to develop your receptionist expertise is: plenty of sleep each night, no matter how mad a person is on the phone or face to face - you listen and try to relief some of the customers anger towards the company. Always, remember that no matter how much people think you are the bottom of the totum pole, that you are really the heart beat of the company. All major deals, sales, any customer relations starts with the receptionist. YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT.

hahhaahahha

Host said: What are the top 3 traits or skills every receptionist must have to excel?

Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your receptionist expertise?

tHREE TRAITS OR SKILLS WOULD MOST DEF. BE COMPUTER SKILLS. TO HAVE A BRIGHT SMILE,SMILE,SMILE.!!!!!!talking to customers skills and answering phone calls kno your boss real good.!!!!!

to be courteous,always smile,smile,smile. Have excelent computer skills while on the phone... Also taking notes and sending messages. Accurately professinally verbal skills.!!!!!!

I am 51. I have learned a lot from my huge job responsibility of being "back up' receptionist.

Most important from my vantage point are:
(1) Flexibility
(2) Humility
(3) A strong desire to go the 'extra mile' to meet the goal the "visitor" had when he/she arrived!

I spend part of my day doing receptionist work at a place where there are long periods of time with nothing to do. During these periods, I either do housework, or read. I know that I should not read when there are customers, or when they come in; but sometimes they come in, and I put the book up or hide it under something when they come in. Does this create an unfavorable impression, or would the customers understand? I've seen some receptionists do crossword puzzles when they have no work.

I have recently accepted a position as receptionist for a screening center who provides services to an excess of 100 people in a 10-hour work day. I am very outgoing but am constantly criticized for being too social. In my experience with "customers" especially at this volume, many of them just want to talk with someone. How do we, as receptionists, minimize the socialization with those who do want to "cut up" or laugh while in your waiting area? I'm always on the defensive and getting more and more disappointed with my job everyday. I love the work and interaction with people as always, however, those who appreciate your "outgoing" personality are not as apt to call in and compliment as those who are dissatisfied because you were laughing with another. It's absolutely amazing how those complaining twist the story to suit their needs. Maybe I guess it creates a more desperate situation to over dramatize the issue. If anyone has any advice, that is helpful, please feel free to share. Keep in mind, I see over 400 people a week and want to learn how to be a GOOD RECEPTIONIST. Not a grump.

Tonya White in Dublin, GA said: To be a good receptionist, one must be able to work well with the public. One must present themselves in a friendly way. After all, first impressions make a lasting impression. Being a receptionist, you are the first face and voice others see and/or hear. Therefore, your attitude can either make or break a business deal with other companies. Receptionist should be friendly, courteous, and willing to help those that call and/or stop by; after all, that's what you are getting paid to do.

Absoutely right, I have worked in reception/clerical/adm. asst./office manager field for over 10 years. You have to become a professional friend to customers, clients, associates, etc. You are the first person they see coming in, and in most cases the last person they see going out. It essence same as in interview status. You may a good impression for the company or for whomever you work, treat the public with respect and friendliness and it will get back to the inside. I love being in this area. I love associating with people. I am not nurse material, however, this is the next best field in my opinion to relate to all types of people, and you do in this business. Learning to adapt to different personalities is also a key factor.

Pam
McDonough, Ga
Administrative/ Helper and loving it!

Host said: What are the top 3 traits or skills every receptionist must have to excel?

Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your receptionist expertise?

I feel that the top three traits or skills that every receptionist must have to excel is people skill, telephone ettiquette, and the ability to make an outstanding first impression either over the phone or in person.

Dani in Rockford, IL said: i am curious as to what skills you should possess to be a good receptionist.

Good people skills, good phone skills, organizational skills, and the ability to make a good first impression over the phone or in person.

Wow you really must hate being a receptionist! If that is the case why do you stay in that position. I have been a receptionist for over a decade and know exactly what it entails, but I want my foot in the door for another position. That is how it starts.

i am a new receptionist and have been working for over two weeks and i love it. i have met the occasional moody ones but i keep a smile on my face and help them out as best as i can. does anyone have any advice about working as a receptionist in a hotel as i'm applying for another job as this is temporary. and this is my first ever job.

You must have a super pleasant phone and speaking voice. It must never come off as being rude.

Well, the field of reception has changed a lot over the years. Receptionist now are expected to have administrative skills. And some may even be required to do some light bookkeeping. So it really depends on the firm that employs you. But I think overall, you must be positive and have a great telephone voice. You must be patient (and trust me, it will be tested at times). You must be gracious to everyone who comes through your door. Whether it be a client or the mail delivery person. Remember, you are setting the image for the entire company. Do NOT EVER gossip. Many of you will find the front desk acts as a sort of confessional as well. Whatever you hear, keep it to yourself!!

K. Ayne in Chagrin Falls, Ohio said: God, I hate the phrase "Take the initiative". To me it means that unless you are completely psychic to what your boss wants, then you are worthless.

A receptionist's job expectations should be mapped out in detail at the initial interview. If the boss wants the receptionist to learn something new, he should tell her!

WOW: I totally disagree...if you work in a company long enough you should be able to read your boss. That is true office gold! Your BOSS is usaually too busy to keep baby sitting you! Maturity is key! That is what it takes to take charge

amanita in Salt Lake City, Utah said: your dumb

actually it would be "You're" your refers to possession, as in use YOUR brain before you insult someone.

A receptionist should be
1)aprochable
2)neatly dressed always
3)respectable
4)humble
5)trust worthy
6)polit
7)beautful

10 Top Reasons To Think About Being a Receptionist:
1) Do you like being thought of as the bottom of the totem pole, so to speak. Well, as the receptionist, people will barely acknowledge you as the wonderful human being you are. Sad, but true.
2)Do you like chapped lips and a bladder stretched out like a party balloon? Finding someone to take your place to pee is a major production. So, therefore, drinking any liquids is out of the question....God forbid, you have an upset stomach!
3)Stupid people who assume you are stupider than they are because you are a receptionist. Enough said.
4)Staying at the office when everyone has gone early for holidays. So you can tell callers everyone has left early for the holiday....
5)Hearing the same thing over and over and over and.....
6)Being the only one in the office who can't EVER take a day to go do something personal without it turning into a giant fiasco of who's going to take over the phones while you're out. I think they assume receptionists never need to go to the doctor, the dentist, another job interview...
7)Being responsible for the most mundane, humiliating tasks..."GiGi, we're out of toilet paper in the men's room!" Oh, Yeah!! Wow, I'm writing that one down on my resume: Restocking men's room supplies.
8)Being yelled at by callers. For reasons you can't fix for them. Because you're just the receptionist.
9)UPS-FedEx-USPS hitting on you daily. Every day. Same guys. With no positive response from you. And still, they keep trying.
10)Hearing a phone ringing in your sleep. And you will.
Bottom line. All this PollyAnna crap other people are trying to feed you on here is just blowing sunshine up your arse. This is a terrible job that you will loathe and despise after just a few months.

ltussey@yahoo.com in Thornville, Ohio said: Wow you really must hate being a receptionist! If that is the case why do you stay in that position. I have been a receptionist for over a decade and know exactly what it entails, but I want my foot in the door for another position. That is how it starts.

***
you said you've been a receptionist for over a decade, is it for the same company? i asked because i never thought i'd be receptionist for the same company for almost 10years now. there's no new things to do and aside from the financial side of it -- people who've moved up in their careers by leaving the company and learn that i'm still stuck in the same position for the same employer thought i'm playing safe and don't have enough brains and skills to even move one position up.

And yes, I've recently sat for my state exam and received my mortgage broker's license and am now about to sit for my state exam for my realtor's license.

Hmm now i feel a bit stressed with all these different comments, particularly some of the negative ones. I have a job interview today for a reception role at a real estate agency. I have no real previous experience in working in an office..except a few hours which I did back in school as Admin Assistant to help the teachers out. Its weird I kind of hope I get the job but I also hope I dont get it...the only reason I need it now is to help support and pay for my flight lessons. Other than that I dont think I will like the job much. I also think I am a bit worried about this role because I dont really like answering phones too much due to my last job I had where the manager (b!tch) would constantly tell me off for making minor mistakes, and this never helped me improve. Im outgoing yes, especially in face to face with customers, and I can be over the phone too, Im not shy. I just think now I kinda dread the idea of taking phone calls frmo people, especially being new on the job and not being able to help them enough because I'd still be learning how to take their inquires etc..

Jaxta,
You can take the job knowing it will be short-term while you are getting on to something else. You have bills to pay and school to pay for, so an income is needed. But if you know you hate answering phones, and there is another job you can take, then don't take the reception position. I worked for a real estate firm when I was much younger and it can be fun. You get to meet people from all over and they're generally in a good mood when looking for a home. But there is quite a bit of phone time.

I have been a medical receptionist for thirty five years. Fist thing is to love your job, respect your boss and love your patients. Difficult people are dealing with a problem you do not know about, a little bit of kindness and they usually open up. Be professional, friendly, efficient, helpful-give 120%, empathic and yourself. Leave your problems at home, you are here to look after others. If you have return clients, add to their appointment anything of importance they have told you, ie birthday, birth of grandchild, holiday and particularly death of a partner. Remember their names, greet them as a valued client, patient etc. Most of all treat them as you would like to be treated yourself. If you are doing the job just for money, FORGET IT, go pump gas or something that doesn't take any effort on your part. Being a receptionist is one of the greatest opportunities to do good.

Host said: What are the top 3 traits or skills every receptionist must have to excel?

Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your receptionist expertise?

Anyone who doesn't recognize being a receptionist is the most important "first impression" a company makes will not do well in this position. Yes it can be considered the lowest starting point in a company, but it is the most visible and most important to make an impression on new and existing clients. Be interested, sincere, helpful, direct and to the point all with a smile "a genuine smile". This will translate through the phone and you'll have the clients coming back for more. You will be assigned more duties to alleviate administrative backlog for the company. This is good experience, the more you make yourself valuable or add to your resume (keeping track) for your review you will be perceived as a greater asset to your employer. If you remember to have "FUN" while being the first impression for your company you will enjoy this opportunity. This is a stepping point to a much greater future whether with your current employer or another firm, in another capacity (promotion built from the skills you've gain working as a receptionist). Enjoy today!

It's not really a comment but a question. I work at a financial institution as a receptionist. I take care of the members and their questions and direct them to our loan officers and other needs. When I am talking face to face with a member about concerns or anything they are upset about, my phone rings with one of the tellers which are directly behind me and can see I am with a member and keeps calling till I pick up. I may also add we have a call center which takes all out of office calls. The tellers will not answer their phones if they are with a member but I'm expected to interrupt the needs of the member to answer a teller calling me to tell me someone wants to open an account, in which I also direct. My question is, who should be getting my attention?