Having the right Receptionist skills on your resume is the key to securing an interview.

A lot of people create a resume and then send it to every job they apply to – that's a significant waste of time and will only get you ghosted by companies. 

Why?

Because of the applicant tracking system. 

The best thing you can do, even if it takes a bit of extra time, is to ensure your resume stands out from the crowd and gets past the ATS by highlighting specific top receptionist skills. That will also make a world of difference in catching a recruiter's eye. 

This article will help you understand which skills are essential and how to present them effectively on your resume.

Why Receptionist skills matter

Writing your resume with a target job in mind requires having a clear understanding of the job's skills and proficiencies.

A well-crafted resume skills section highlighting your relevant skills for a receptionist position will help your resume beat the applicant tracking system – ATS, which is the first step to getting your application noticed. 

Use the Receptionist top skills and proficiencies below to help you effectively write your resume.

Top Receptionist skills to highlight

Every job out there has a particular set of skills employers wish to see. The same is true for a Receptionist. You'll notice that the top Receptionist skills are a mix of technical proficiencies (i.e., hard skills) and interpersonal abilities (i.e., soft skills). 

Receptionist hard skills

Here are a few hard skills that you might need on your Receptionist resume. 

Data Entry and Record-Keeping

Accurate data entry and meticulous record-keeping are essential skills for a receptionist. They ensure that all information is correctly documented and easily accessible.

  • Information sharing: When you enter data correctly and consistently, you improve everyone's access to correct details of customer records and inventory reports, among other things.

  • Confidentiality: Record-keeping also has to do with handling sensitive information with discretion and integrity.

Language Skills

Today's work environment is diverse and often multicultural. Knowing additional languages can be a significant asset. So, if you are bilingual or multilingual, be sure to highlight this on your resume.

  • Multilingual Proficiency: Communicating through speech or in writing effectively with clients and colleagues in multiple languages.

  • Translation Skills: If you're one of the only people in your office who can speak additional languages, you might be asked to assist with translations and interpretations.

Technical Proficiency

The computer will probably be one of the most important tools you use as a Receptionist; therefore, being tech-savvy is a must. Employers seek candidates comfortable with various office software and equipment.

  • Office Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

  • Office Equipment: Familiarity with operating photocopiers, fax machines, and multi-line phone systems.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is at the heart of a Receptionist's role. You must clearly articulate directions to visitors. That also requires you to listen attentively and give appropriate responses to inquiries.

  • Verbal Communication: You have to make sure that the people you interact with completely understand what you're telling them. 

  • Written Communication: Correspondence is at the forefront of a Receptionist's job, and most of it is written – in the form of memos and emails, making written communication a top Receptionist skill.

Organizational Skills

A lot of Receptionist jobs will require you to be able to work on more than one thing at a time. This makes your ability to stay organized utterly important. You have to be able to highlight your organizational skills to stand out from the crowd and impress the hiring manager. 

  • Scheduling: One of the main tasks in the Receptionist job description is managing appointments and calendars effectively. Keeping appointments straight involves extensive organizational skills.

  • Filing Systems: On top of that, filing is a top Receptionist skill. Being able to keep documents and records well-organized will help you perform your job better.

Receptionist soft skills

Let's take a look at some of the soft skills you'll need on your Receptionist resume

Problem-Solving Skills

Problems are inevitable, but how you handle them sets you apart. Showcasing your problem-solving skills can enhance your resume.

  • Quick Thinking: Addressing issues promptly and effectively.

  • Resourcefulness: Finding innovative solutions to unexpected challenges.

Customer Service Skills

A receptionist must provide excellent customer service, ensuring all visitors feel welcomed and valued.

  • Interpersonal Skills: As a Receptionist, you'll need to prove that you can build rapport with clients and colleagues.

  • Conflict Resolution: Conflicts are bound to happen; show prospective employers that you can handle complaints and conflicts gracefully by adding this Receptionist skill to your resume.

Adaptability

The ability to adapt to changing situations and handle unexpected challenges is vital in a receptionist role. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to embrace new tasks and responsibilities.

  • Flexibility: Being open to taking on new tasks and adjusting to shifting priorities.

  • Resilience: Remaining calm and effective under pressure or during busy periods.

Time Management

Effective time management ensures tasks are completed efficiently and deadlines are met.

  • Punctuality: Being on time and managing schedules efficiently.

  • Deadline Management: Completing tasks within given timeframes.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail can prevent errors and enhance the overall quality of your work.

  • Accuracy: Ensuring all information is correct and up-to-date.

  • Thoroughness: Completing tasks diligently without overlooking any details.

Initiative

Taking initiative and being proactive in identifying and solving problems can greatly enhance office efficiency. Employers value receptionists who can anticipate needs and take action without being asked.

  • Proactiveness: Anticipating needs and addressing potential issues before they arise.

  • Independent Work: Demonstrating the ability to work independently and make decisions confidently.

Additional Qualifications

Outside of the top Receptionist skills you need to showcase on your resume, the ATS will also be scanning your education and other qualifications to make sure you have what it takes to succeed in the role. Be sure to include the relevant qualifications on your resume, too. 

Educational Background

While specific educational requirements can vary, a high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement. Some employers may prefer candidates with additional certifications or coursework in office administration or related fields.

Certifications

Certifications can bolster your resume, demonstrating your commitment to professional development.

  • Certified Administrative Professional: CAP

  • Microsoft Office Specialist: MOS

Tailoring Your Resume

Even though you now have a better idea as to which Receptionist skills to highlight on your resume, it's crucial to tailor your resume to the job you're applying for because each company will want something a bit different. 

Let's take a look at a couple of different Receptionist job descriptions to compare. 

Receptionist job description #1:

Act as the face of the office, greeting and guiding visitors

Duties & responsibilities:

  • Answer multi-line phones
  • Respond to client inquiries
  • Welcome on-site visitors
  • Provide excellent customer service
  • Perform administrative and clerical duties like filing, copying, and mail runs

Qualifications:

  • Minimum High School diploma or G.E.D.
  • 1-3 years of experience
  • Excellent phone etiquette
  • Working knowledge of computers, internet access, and MS Office Suite

Receptionist job description #2:

Seeking a professional, courteous, and organized Receptionist for the front desk environment. Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Responsibilities:

  • Answer and screen incoming calls
  • Handle mail – sort, distribute, and reply
  • Maintain office supply inventory
  • Update and maintain records and logs

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Bilingual a plus
  • 1+ years of experience
  • Articulate communicator
  • Able to work independently or as a member of a team

Do you see the differences? Both jobs want you to answer the phone and greet customers, but job #2 wants you to handle office supplies inventory. That would be a critical Receptionist skill to include on your resume. 

As you dissect the job description, looking for the right Receptionist skills to include on your resume, you'll want to keep a few things in mind:

  • Customize Your Resume: Use the exact verbiage from the job description to talk about Receptionist skills on your resume.

  • Use Action Words: Start bullet points with strong action verbs (e.g., managed, organized, coordinated).

  • Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your accomplishments (e.g., managed a multi-line phone system receiving 100+ calls per day).

The right Receptionist skills win interviews

Securing a receptionist position requires more than listing generic skills. Highlighting specific receptionist top skills such as communication, organization, technical proficiency, and customer service can make your resume stand out. 

Remember to tailor your resume to each job application, emphasizing the qualifications that match the job description. With the right skills and a well-crafted resume, you'll be well on your way to landing that interview and starting your career as a receptionist.

TopResume can double-check to make sure your resume has the top Receptionist skills to help you win an interview. Upload your resume today for a free review by expert resume writers.

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