Top 7 Receptionist Skills and Qualities for an Awesome Front Desk

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently 1,053,700 front desk jobs in the marketplace, and that number is expected to grow at a rate of nearly 10% each and every year. Of course, with more jobs comes more competition in terms of applicants. So how can you know which candidates to shortlist? Start by looking for these seven top receptionist skills and qualities.

Professionalism – The front desk clerk is often the first impression a prospect or customer gets of a business, either in person or over the phone. As such, the ability to represent that company in a professional manner is absolutely essential. This is why a high degree of professionalism tops the list of most important receptionist skills and qualities for an employer to look for.

Communication – The ability to communicate well, both in writing and verbally, is something every good front desk agent should possess. Be sure to look for candidates who have a proven track record of strong, effective communication with management, co-workers and, of course, customers.

Multitasking – Being a great receptionist requires the ability to juggle many balls and wear many hats, often at the same time. Those who are capable of handling complex situations with calmness and efficiency are the ones who will make the best front desk team members. When reviewing receptionist skills and qualities, look for individuals who have experience managing multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines and balancing relationships with both colleagues and clients.

Technical Knowhow – Regardless of what industry you happen to be in, technical knowledge should be among the top receptionist skills and qualities you look for in a front desk agent. Seek out candidates who have basic technical front desk skills, such as the ability to manage phone systems, office equipment, and scheduling software, just to name a few. Hands-on experience is always best.

Interpersonal Skills – Some of the most underrated receptionist skills and qualities include certain “soft skills,” which can really be a differentiator. For instance, the ability to show empathy toward customers or collaborate across multiple departments can mean the difference between a decent receptionist and a superstar.

Problem Solving – Even a well-run office will experience the occasional problem from time to time, whether it’s a conflict amongst coworkers, internal miscommunication or a disgruntled customer. Because the receptionist is typically front and center in these situations, employers should look for candidates who can think on their feet, remain calm under pressure and solve problems as they arise.

Dependability – Without dependability, it really doesn’t matter if your candidates possess all of the important receptionist skills and qualities listed above. If they can’t be counted on to show up on time, every day, as expected and get the job done, those skills aren’t worth anything. That’s why you should look for candidates who demonstrate that they can be counted on to do what they say they will do. A solid work history and strong professional references are a great place to start.

While some of these receptionist skills and qualities may seem like no-brainers, if you’re not specifically looking for them in your job applicants, you could easily be missing out on a rock star employee. By knowing what to look for, however, you’ll have a much better chance of assembling a team that will give your business the leg up it needs to stay a step ahead of the competition.