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The Role of a Receptionist

In: Business and Management

Submitted By Anemi
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5. The role of a receptionist:

A receptionist is a very important part of any company. In most cases, the receptionist is the first person that the customers see when they come into an office and also the first person that a caller would speak with if contacting the company by phone. In other words, the receptionist is often the first point of contact any incoming customer or caller has with that company.
Since the receptionist is in such a highly visible position, it is important that they make a good impression and represent the company in a positive way.
She/he is expected to be knowledgeable about the company and is often seen as a source of information for co-workers and customers.
If a customer is treated poorly by the receptionist, it is likely that they will have a negative image of that company and may not return. However, when the customer is treated with respect and friendliness, they will have a positive image of the company and will kindly do business with that company in the future.
The receptionist is required to act as an ambassador for the company and he/she is responsible for representing the company in a positive manner.
If a receptionist presents him/herself in a negative way, the customer will have a negative image of the company as well. Therefore it is important that a receptionist gives attention to his/her appearance, tone of voice, facial expressions, personal hygiene and the way they make eye contact.
Traditional duties performed by a receptionist include answering the telephone, screening and directing calls to other staff members, providing basic information to callers, sorting incoming mail, meeting and welcoming visitors, and keeping the reception area tidy and well organised.
With the increased use of computers, the role of a receptionist has changed a lot over the years and they often do more complex tasks than in the past.

A receptionist does much more than just answer the phone and often they are willing and able to take on more tasks. There are many skills required in order to be a good receptionist and to be considered valuable by employers. Most importantly they must have a professional image, both in person and over the phone.
In conclusion, everything that I have said above about the role of a receptionist comes down to one very true sentence: The receptionist is in reality a manager in charge of first impressions, responsible for shaping the interactions that a customer will continue to have with the company .

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