Receptionist
On this page
- What's it like to be a Receptionist?
- How to become a Receptionist
- Latest Receptionist jobs
- Top skills and experience for Receptionists
- Is Receptionist the right role for you?
- Receptionist role reviews
What's it like to be a Receptionist?
A Receptionist (Kaiwhakatau Manuhiri) is often the first point of contact for visitors and callers to organisations. They interact with clients or patients in person, on the telephone and via email. Most Receptionists manage bookings and maintain customer or patient records, and they may be required to do general administrative tasks such as filing and handling mail and courier deliveries.
Tasks and duties
- Answering, screening, and forwarding telephone calls.
- Greeting walk-in customers and other visitors and escorting them to specific destinations.
- Copying, filing, and maintaining documents and records.
How to become a Receptionist
You can work as a Receptionist without a formal qualification. Many Receptionists secure a role in an organisation, then train on the job. Previous experience in customer service work in stores and cafés may be useful.
Consider completing short courses in reception, general office skills, and customer service which are available through polytechnics and private training providers. The New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 3) may also be useful.
Secure a junior level role to build experience.
To improve your employability in medical, legal, or hotel reception consider taking a short course aimed at that specific role.
