What skills does a receptionist need?

Receptionists need to be friendly, detail-oriented and able to multi-task. The main tasks of a receptionist is to greet clients and customers as they come into the business and answer the phones, directing calls as necessary. In smaller businesses, the receptionist may also be responsible for filing out basic paperwork and confirming appointments.

Receptionist positions may not require any specialized education, but most employers will want the receptionist to hold at least a high school diploma. Keyboarding proficiency and a working knowledge of most Microsoft Office programs is also beneficial. A background in customer service or the hospitality industry is a plus.