Receptionist

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Receptionists (Medical receptionist, front of house, doctor’s receptionist) are the first point of contact for visitors to organisations.

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You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

Getting a college qualification may be helpful. Courses are widely available and include:

  • Level 1 Award in Salon Reception Duties (beauty and hairdressing)
  • Level 1 Certificate in Business and Administration (office administration)
  • Level 2 Certificate in Front of House Reception (hospitality and catering)
  • Level 2 Diploma in Reception Operation and Services (hospitality and catering)

Entry Requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a hospitality team member intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry Requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.

 

Work: you could start as an admin assistant in an organisation, for example by doing temporary work, then apply for a permanent job as a receptionist when a vacancy becomes available.

Direct Application: you may not need any formal qualifications to apply directly for work as a receptionist.  Some employers will prefer you to have a good general education, with GCSEs and IT skills.

You’ll need the following skills:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • administration skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • greeting visitors and directing them to the correct person or department
  • managing the visitors book and giving out security passes
  • answering enquiries in person, by phone and email
  • managing a room booking system and keeping rooms tidy
  • dealing with incoming and outgoing post and deliveries
  • arranging appointments and updating records on databases
  • taking payments and handling invoices

 

You could work in a reception area, in an NHS or private hospital, at a fitness centre, in an office or in a hotel.

The following salaries are a guide only:

  • Starter: £12,000 
  • Experienced: £21,000 
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Working Conditions

  • You’ll usually work Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm in an office environment  You may work evenings or weekends. 

Additional Information

Next Steps SW

Prospects