Receptionists and Information Clerks

Career Overview

Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.

Also Known As

Front Desk Receptionist
Greeter
Office Assistant
Receptionist

Alternate Job Titles

Appointment Clerk
Appointment Scheduler
Appointment Setter
Automobile Club Information Clerk (Auto Club Info Clerk)
Bilingual Receptionist
Call Center Agent
Call Center Operator
Call Center Representative (Call Center Rep)
Call Taker
Clerk Specialist
Clinic Receptionist
Customer Care Representative (CCR)
Dental Receptionist
ER Clerk (Emergency Room Clerk)
Front Desk Associate

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
Receive payment and record receipts for services.
Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
File and maintain records.

Emerging Responsibilities

As this field evolves, you may also:

Enter and update databases of contact information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

Customer and Personal Service
Administrative
English Language

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

Speaking
Active Listening
Service Orientation

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

Oral Expression
Oral Comprehension
Speech Recognition
Speech Clarity
Written Comprehension
Written Expression
Near Vision
Selective Attention
Time Sharing
Far Vision

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

Cooperation
Dependability
Social Orientation
Attention to Detail
Empathy

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

Relationships
Support
Achievement
Independence
Working Conditions

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

Google Docs
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Word

Tools & Equipment

Credit card processing machines
Data input scanners
Desktop computers
Dictation equipment
Electric typewriters
Filing Cabinets
Handheld calculators
Laser facsimile machines
Multi-line switchboards
Multi-line telephone systems
Personal computers
Photocopying equipment
Postage machines
Public address PA systems
Scanners

Work Environment

Telephone Conversations
Contact With Others
Frequency of Decision Making
E-Mail
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$28,280
Median	$37,230
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$48,870

Workers Employed Nationally: 964,530