What is the role of a receptionist?

The primary role of a receptionist is to perform administrative and coordination tasks at the front desk of an office or work department. Greeting guests and customers and answering phones are core responsibilities. In these roles, the receptionist must establish and maintain rapport.

Receptionists also direct visitors in an office to the right area, such as to an employee's work space. Many receptionists perform basic clerical tasks, such as filing, preparing and copying documents. The receptionist may also distribute mail to the employees in the office and makes sure that the outgoing mail gets to the post office. Managing basic correspondence is another responsibility.