Introduction

The receptionist is often the employee most visitors to the council see first. Receptionists work in all council buildings and it is important for them to be friendly and welcoming – their attitude can affect a visitor’s perception of the entire organisation.

Work Environment

Most receptionists work behind reception desks in the foyer area of council buildings. Sometimes they may be required to wear a uniform.

Receptionists are likely to work a standard 37-hour week, although in some cases they may be asked to work particular shift patterns covering evenings and weekends.

Daily Activities

Duties may vary according where you work and in which building or department, however you may be involved in some or all of the following tasks:

• greeting visitors, taking their names and checking who they have come to see;
• ringing the appropriate person to let them know their guest has arrived; or if they are unexpected visitors, that someone is waiting to see them;
• signing visitors in when they arrive and out when they leave;
• issuing visitor security badges;
• operating a security door into reception, which will ensure that only authorised personnel gain entry;
• answering and re-directing phone calls, both from inside the building and externally;
• taking messages for council employees who are not in the building or at their desk;
• signing for parcels and packages delivered to council staff;
• helping with mail allocation and/or distribution;
• ensuring that the reception area is kept clean and tidy;
• administrative and secretarial duties such as typing letters and updating records;
• booking taxis and couriers;
• taking bookings for meeting rooms;
• ordering stationery.

Skills & Interests

Receptionists need to be:

• friendly, with a welcoming manner,
• excellent communicators with a wide range of people,
• able to pass on messages clearly and succinctly,
• able to keep calm under pressure, for example, when phones are ringing and people are waiting at the reception desk,
• good organisers, with the ability to prioritise tasks,
• adaptable and able to switch from one task to another as the need arises,
• professional, with good customer service skills,
• able to use a computer competently.

Entry Requirements

There is no set entry route into reception work. Often, previous experience in a customer service environment and personal attributes such as enthusiasm and good communication skills are more important than qualifications. However, most employers will want a good general educational background, such as GCSEs/S grades or equivalent, including English and maths.

It may be possible to work towards N/SVQs or Apprenticeships in Business Administration or Customer Service once employed.

Estimated salary range

£12,000 – £17,000 per year, depending on the post.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There is no one promotional route to be followed from this role – a job as a receptionist is a good way to build up a variety of skills, which could lead you into a number of areas. You may decide to move into an administrative role within a specific department, or to develop a career in customer services.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Supporting Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Institute of Customer Service www.instituteofcustomerservice.com

You may find more information on this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library under AD.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Receptionist vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.