Receptionist
Receptionists greet visitors, answer phones, schedule appointments and give information, often serving as the first point of contact for an organization.
What does a receptionist do?
Receptionists make a first impression for medical offices, law firms, salons, hotels, schools and many other workplaces. They welcome visitors, answer and route calls, book appointments, handle mail and help with basic office tasks. A warm, steady manner and good organization matter more than formal education.
Typical responsibilities
- Greet visitors and check them in
- Answer, screen and route phone calls
- Schedule and confirm appointments
- Answer common questions
- Handle mail, deliveries and simple paperwork
- Keep the reception area tidy
Skills and qualifications
Useful skills
- Friendly, professional communication
- Multitasking
- Scheduling software and basic computer skills
- Discretion with confidential information
- Calm with busy or upset visitors
Common qualifications
- A high school diploma or equivalent is typical
- Short on-the-job training is common
- Medical offices may prefer familiarity with medical terms and insurance
Working conditions
- Where the work happens
- Front desks in offices, healthcare facilities, hotels, gyms, schools and other public-facing workplaces.
- Physical demands
- Mostly seated at a desk, with some standing and walking to greet visitors.
- Remote work
- Rare. Most of this work is done in person.
- Part-time work
- Common. Many listings offer it. Part-time receptionist & front desk jobs
- Pay
- Pay varies by employer and location, and we don't estimate it. Current listings that state pay show it on each job. For national figures, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (opens in a new tab).
How to get started
- Highlight past work that involved greeting people, answering phones or scheduling.
- Practice with common scheduling and email tools if they are unfamiliar.
- Look at settings you know: a former healthcare worker may fit a medical office, a former teacher a school front office.
- Apply for part-time or fill-in roles, which are common at front desks.
- Prepare to describe how you handle a busy desk with several people waiting.
Experience that transfers
- Retail or hospitality: Welcoming customers and handling questions are central to both.
- Administrative work: Phones, scheduling and filing are shared tasks.
- Customer service: Calm problem solving with the public carries over.
- School office work: Managing a busy front office with many visitors is familiar.
Frequently asked questions
Is receptionist work a good part-time job after retiring?
For many people, yes. Medical offices, salons, gyms, churches, schools and other organizations often need part-time or fill-in front desk help. The work is mostly seated and people-focused. Ask about the schedule, phone volume and software used.
Can receptionists work remotely?
Rarely. Most receptionist jobs are in person. Some companies offer virtual receptionist work, answering calls remotely for businesses. Those roles are closer to customer service or virtual assistant work. Check remote listings carefully for scams.
Do I need special training?
Usually not. Employers typically train you on their phone and scheduling systems. Comfort with email, calendars and basic computer tasks helps. Medical offices may value knowledge of insurance and medical terms.