Receptionist

Receptionists are often the first person someone meets when they enter an organisation. If you have strong people skills and a friendly face, you could really thrive in this role.

As a receptionist, you'll greet visitors as they arrive at the organisation you work for. You'll show them where to go and answer any questions they have.

Receptionists deal with lots of different people. Sometimes, visitors may be difficult because they're impatient or upset. In these scenarios you'll need to be polite but firm.

You could work in all kinds of locations. These include businesses, schools, hospitals and sports centres. You could also become a hotel receptionist.

As a medical or dental receptionist, you'll arrange people's appointments and take payments for treatments.

Some large organisations and office buildings contain several companies. In this type of setting, you may combine your reception duties with security officer work.

If the reception area isn't busy, you may be given other tasks. For example, you could organise meeting rooms, do basic clerical work or handle cash.

Your tasks might include:

• greeting visitors and directing them to the right person or place

• looking after the visitors' book and issuing security passes

• answering enquiries in person, on the phone and by email

• providing information or sending it in the post or by email

• managing a booking system

• serving refreshments and keeping the reception area tidy

• NHS Careers – check out this medical receptionist job profile

• Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists – learn about this professional membership organisation