What are receptionists and information clerks?
A receptionist or information clerk is a professional who serves as the first point of contact for an organization. They greet visitors, answer and direct phone calls, schedule appointments, and provide general information to the public. They are the face of the company, playing a crucial role in creating a positive and professional first impression and ensuring smooth office operations.
Typical Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education, with most skills acquired through on-the-job training.
Salary Range (United States)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for receptionists and information clerks was $39,870 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,810, while the highest 10% earned more than $53,230.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Receptionists: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Day in the Life
How to Become a Receptionist or Information Clerk
- Obtain a High School Diploma: This is the primary educational requirement.
- Gain Relevant Experience: Experience in a customer service or office setting is highly beneficial.
- Learn Office Software: Become proficient with word processing, scheduling, and email applications.
- Develop Key Skills: Focus on improving your communication, organization, and interpersonal abilities.
Essential Skills
- Communication: The ability to communicate clearly, politely, and effectively with a wide range of people.
- Organizational Skills: Meticulously managing schedules, files, and messages.
- Customer Service: Providing a welcoming and helpful experience for visitors and callers.
- Computer Proficiency: Competency with office software and multi-line phone systems.
- Problem-Solving: The ability to address and resolve a variety of inquiries and minor issues.
Key Responsibilities
- First Point of Contact: Greeting visitors and directing them to the appropriate person or department.
- Phone Management: Answering and routing incoming phone calls.
- Scheduling: Managing and scheduling appointments for staff.
- Administrative Support: Performing various clerical duties such as filing, data entry, and sorting mail.
- Information Dissemination: Providing general information about the organization and its services to the public.
Common Interview Questions
- "How do you handle a high volume of calls and visitors at the same time?" (The interviewer is looking for your multitasking and prioritization skills, as well as your ability to stay calm under pressure.)
- "Describe a time you had to deal with an upset or difficult visitor." (This is a behavioral question that assesses your professionalism, patience, and ability to de-escalate a tense situation while providing good customer service.)
- "What's your experience with scheduling software and office management tools?" (The interviewer wants to gauge your technical proficiency and your ability to quickly learn and use the systems that are central to the role.)
- "How do you ensure that messages and information are passed to the correct person accurately and on time?" (This tests your organizational skills and your attention to detail, which is crucial for preventing communication errors.)
- "Why do you think the receptionist role is important to a company's success?" (This assesses your understanding of the role's value. A good answer will show you see it as more than just answering phones—it's about being the first impression and a key part of the team.)
Questions?
Ask in our Career Community.