Receptionist

Getting a college qualification may be helpful. Courses are widely available and include:

• Level 1 Award in Salon Reception Duties (beauty and hairdressing)
• Level 1 Certificate in Business and Administration (office administration)
• Level 2 Certificate in Front of House Reception (hospitality and catering)
• Level 2 Diploma in Reception Operation and Services (hospitality and catering)

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could get into this job through a hospitality team member intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could start as an admin assistant in an organisation, for example by doing temporary work, then apply for a permanent job as a receptionist when a vacancy becomes available.

Volunteering is highly valued if you want to apply for receptionist jobs.

You may not need any formal qualifications to apply directly for work as a receptionist.

Some employers will prefer you to have a good general education, with GCSEs and IT skills.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a receptionist in hospitality from the Hospitality Guild.

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• administration skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• greeting visitors and directing them to the correct person or department
• managing the visitors book and giving out security passes
• answering enquiries in person, by phone and email
• managing a room booking system and keeping rooms tidy
• dealing with incoming and outgoing post and deliveries
• arranging appointments and updating records on databases
• taking payments and handling invoices

You could work in a reception area, in an NHS or private hospital, at a fitness centre, in an office or in a hotel.