Receptionist

As a receptionist, your tasks will depend on where you work. You could:

• greet visitors and direct them to the correct person or department
•  manage people signing in and give out security passes
•  answer enquiries in person, by phone and online
•  manage reservations, meeting room bookings and appointments
•  deal with incoming and outgoing post and deliveries
•  take payments and handle invoices

• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• administration skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

With training and experience, you could become a senior receptionist, front of house supervisor or personal assistant (PA).

In a GP surgery or health centre, you could train to become a medical secretary.