The importance of a receptionist as the person who delivers a first impression to callers and visitors is difficult to overstate. A receptionist with poor manners sets a negative tone before a meeting and fails to inspire confidence in potential clients. On the other hand, a receptionist who observes business etiquette gives a strong sense of professionalism and efficiency. This not only enhances the company's image to outsiders but also helps other workers feel as though their office is a professional place to work.
Receptionists represent their employers in a variety of ways. Answering phone calls and greeting visitors are two of the most common duties for receptionists, and both require proper etiquette. Company policy might require receptionists to use a predetermined telephone script when receiving calls and contacting different types of clients. In other cases, receptionists are allowed to use their own discretion in handling each interaction with a different, though appropriate, level of formality and professionalism. Individuals who work in the office sometimes pass on additional rules to a receptionist, such as when and how the receptionist may contact them.
While some offices require receptionists to hold a high school or college degree, much of a receptionist's etiquette training occurs on the job. Receptionists might start out working in an office with a position that doesn't require interaction, such as a data entry job or an office assistant. An attention to company policies and how receptionists behave might qualify new employees for a first-time receptionist position, which will generate experience that can be useful in pursuing other receptionist jobs.
Even though every office is different, receptionists can still benefit from some of the same tips. Multitasking is essential to good job performance, but when someone enters the office it's important to give her your full attention. This means placing calls on hold or completing them...