Front Desk Receptionist
The front desk receptionist is usually the first face of an organization. The front desk receptionist must be a professional at all times. It is expected that a front desk receptionist have the same or closely related abilities as an administrative assistant or secretary. The front desk receptionist must be prepared to handle a change of administrative duties at a moment's notice.
Function
The front desk receptionist filters, intercepts and sometimes prioritizes the company's daily face-to-face, phone-to-phone business. He is often the roadblock that keeps unwelcome visitors, either in person or on the phone, from taking up critical time with essential personnel. The front desk receptionist accepts deliveries, points visitors in the right direction, and answers basic inquiries regarding job openings.
Expectations
A front desk receptionist often requires training, and in come companies confidentiality is a must. Background checks are sometimes part of the hiring process. Competency levels in Microsoft Office or other office automation is expected. It is also expected that the front desk receptionist know the basic information about the company, understand protocol, and be professional in dress and speech.
Basic Duties
Some common duties of the front desk receptionist are typing, answering phones, greeting customers and clients, filing, providing backup support of other departments, entering information into the computer using the computer keyboard, accepting deliveries, and often sorting and distributing mail.
Different Settings
Front desk receptionists work in a variety of settings: medical, legal, government, police, and other civil service departments such as the military. Although the level of confidentiality and security for these positions may differ, the basic training is the same. Additionally, expectations do not vary much between the industries.
Earning Potential and Opportunities
Front desk receptionists are trained to operate a wide range of office technology, which makes them an asset to any office. Job advancement for a front desk receptionist generally is into other administrative positions, including administrative management positions. As of 2010, the potential earnings for front desk receptionist within an office environment ranged from $9.69 to $17.07 an hour.
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