Receptionist Job Description Template

A Receptionist, sometimes called a Front Desk Specialist, operates the front desk of an organization, hotel or similar establishment.

Their duties may vary from employer to employer, but typically they will:

• Greet and welcome guests and visitors
• Make appointments
• Keep track of schedules

To attract top Receptionists to your establishment, we created a customizable template.

You can tailor it to your needs, post the job add and find the most qualified candidate.

Explore the steps and create a Receptionist job description template that works for you.

Receptionist Job Description Example

We at [Company] are looking for a dedicated Receptionist to operate the front desk at our establishment.

The duties include operating the front desk area, answering phones and inquiries, welcoming visitors and administrative tasks.

Ideal candidates should have a strong ability to multitask, excellent communication skills and at least a year in a similar role.

Salary: $18–$22/hour

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, can include weekends and holidays

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, paid time off

Duties and Responsibilities

• Answer phones
• Schedule meetings and appointments
• Keep track of schedule
• Handle incoming and outgoing mail
• Data entry

Skills and Requirements

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Previous experience in a similar role
• Proficiency in operating office equipment
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Education and Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in a similar role preferred

Receptionist Responsibilities

Write a clear and concise list of duties and responsibilities of the role. You want to keep the length anywhere between 251 and 500 words, as this length meets the average reading time of one minute and 39 seconds (which is the average reading time for a job description).

Writing a job description within this range means you will engage your audience more effectively.

You also want to present the responsibilities and other aspects of a job description in a bulleted format — this will allow potential candidates to easily see what’s expected of them.

Some of the common Receptionist responsibilities include:

• Greeting and welcoming visitors and answering their inquiries
• Answering calls and questions and forwarding calls
• Scheduling meetings and appointments and keeping track of the schedule
• Administrative tasks (vary based on employer)

Receptionist Skills and Qualifications

You want to make a bulleted list of skills and qualifications that would allow potential candidates to quickly assess whether their expertise aligns with the role.

Some of the key items you should include:

• At least [number of year/s] of experience as a Receptionist or a similar role
• Experience managing a front desk with a busy workload
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in operating office equipment
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Receptionist Education and Certifications

While you can choose the desired level of educational attainment and certifications for prospective employees, it’s worth noting that most Receptionists (close to 50%) have a high school diploma.

This pie chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the graph to see detailed data.

Typically, a Receptionist role is an entry-level position, but you can also require your potential employees to have certifications which prove they have formal training for office-related tasks. Some of the main certifications for Receptionists include:

• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
• Certified Front Desk Representative (CFDR) certification
• The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

So, when talking about a Receptionist’s education and certifications, you may want to include the following:

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Additional certifications

Receptionist Salary Expectations

While some Receptionists can earn as little as $12.95 hourly, others with more experience can earn $22.77 hourly.

The Receptionist salary can vary based on multiple factors, such as the industry, geographic location and level of experience.

For a full breakdown of how much can a Receptionist earn, refer to our comprehensive Receptionist salary page.