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Receptionists and Information Clerks

Also called: Front Desk Receptionist, Greeter, Office Assistant, Receptionist

What they do:

Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.

On the job, you would:
  • Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
  • Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
  • Receive payment and record receipts for services.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service
  • administrative services

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Basic Skills

  • talking to others
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Social

  • looking for ways to help people
  • understanding people's reactions

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Concern for Others
  • Cooperation

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Word processing software

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Word

Data base user interface and query software

  • Claim processing system software
  • FileMaker Pro

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will have large numbers of openings.

Median Annual Salary: $33,960

Education

High school diploma/GED or some college is usually needed.