Receptionist skills & qualifications

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What are the technical skills required to become a Receptionist?

There are multiple technical skills necessary to become a successful Receptionist. These include:

Excellent communication skills
Possessing an eye for detail
Having the ability to manage and complete multiple tasks at once
Having proficient computer software skills (especially for organisational calendar applications and customer relationship management tools)

What are the soft skills required to become a Receptionist?

A successful Receptionist will also have excellent soft skills that include:

Being able to maintain a high level of customer service at all times
Being able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
Having the ability to work independently and autonomously
Being reliable, honest, friendly, and patient
Being proactive when communicating with clients and customers

What qualifications do Receptionists need to have?

Receptionists can be educated in Business Administration or have a Certificate III level in Reception Studies.

Individuals looking to become a Receptionist in specific industries will need qualifications that reflect the industry's needs. For example, in Financial Services, individuals must have completed the Certificate IV in Frontline Management or Certificate IV in Customer Engagement or Diploma of Frontline Management or Diploma of Customer Engagement.

Do you need to study or go to university to become a Receptionist?

Receptionist positions may require previous work experience combined with formal qualifications; however, the requirements will vary depending on the role.

For those looking to become a Receptionist, there are multiple training options available to gain the skills and knowledge required to enter the workforce as a successful Receptionist. Online courses such as those offered by Hays Learning allow individuals to study at home, in their own time, and complete within six months. Sign up here for free.

Short courses are another option for those who want to learn specific skills that could lead them into employment after completing the course. These short courses typically take five days or less and include topics such as Customer Service Skills or Telephone Techniques and Etiquette.

What does it take to be successful in becoming a Receptionist?

Receptionists are the first face that clients and customers will see when they walk into your business, so Receptionists must possess strong communication skills. They also need to be able to handle pressure well, provide exceptional customer service and have the ability to multi-task.

Having excellent computer literacy is also necessary for any role involving data entry. Businesses look for people who are willing to go above and beyond what is required of them by providing creative solutions which solve potential issues or problems. With some organisations looking to grow their teams with Receptionists, having proficient computer literacy and application skills can be advantageous to landing a role.

What do employers consider when hiring Receptionists?

Businesses generally look for applicants that can demonstrate excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, strong organisational and time management skills, the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

There are many organisations across Australia looking to hire Receptionists. Some industries where there is a high demand for Receptionist employment include: