Receptionists and Information Clerks
Receptionists and information clerks answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at the establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.
The receptionist's job includes operating the telephone to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments. They gather, classify, dispense, or develop mail, messages, or courier deliveries. An information clerk is one who professionally works with accounts, letters and records as an office worker while a receptionist is an employee who receives visitors and/or calls, typically in an office setting.
An entry-level receptionist generally needs at least a high school diploma in addition to related work experience. Few positions need a minimum of an associate or bachelor's degree. Many go for vocational training and certifications through online training in the form of tutorials and other courses like office software and other relevant skills to earn a decent amount as a receptionist's salary.
Soft skills are very important for a receptionist's job. Receptionists should have excellent verbal communication skills, active listening and great customer service skills. A positive attitude, pleasing personality, multitasking ability, pertinent technical skills and high emotional intelligence are the key skills to succeed in the receptionist career.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Certificate Office Assistant
- Diploma Office Assistant
- NSQF Level 3 Office Assistant
Tasks
- Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
- Receive payment and record receipts for services.
- Perform administrative support tasks, such as proofreading, transcribing handwritten information, or operating calculators or computers to work with pay records, invoices, balance sheets, or other documents.
- Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
- Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
- File and maintain records.
- Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
- Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
- Analyze data to determine answers to questions from customers or members of the public.
- Provide information about establishment, such as location of departments or offices, employees within the organization, or services provided.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to any of our Premium packages and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.