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Reception Work

9

Is there anyone here who knows anything about getting reception work? It appeals to me more than retail, but im not sure if I would find work as I dont have any experience in this.... are there any specific qualifications you need?

Reply 1

sleepyeba

9

mini_munchkin

Is there anyone here who knows anything about getting reception work? It appeals to me more than retail, but im not sure if I would find work as I dont have any experience in this.... are there any specific qualifications you need?

I don't think they give receptionist qualifications... just have a nice telephone voice, be cheerful/friendly/helpful/presentable and you're halfway to the job I would imagine.

Although it would depend on the business that you were receptioning. Experience wouldn't hurt, but I nearly got a job with none.

Reply 2

Elles

17

sleepyeba

I don't think they give receptionist qualifications... just have a nice telephone voice, be cheerful/friendly/helpful/presentable and you're halfway to the job I would imagine.

seems pretty true to me.

'presentable' is an issue, especially for the more image conscious of companies / superficial of MDs or CEOs.. :rolleyes:

& an ability to keep calm & be organised & have a decent memory is also pretty useful when you're working a busy switchboard & having to divert calls & take memos etc.

with regards to experience - it'll probably depend on the company. i got my first go as a deignated receptionist filling in an afternoon for an agency at very short notice - ie. they were desperate basically! but since then have got longer receptionist work..

so you could try an agency to begin with? but TBH i'd chose directly applying to a permanent job over temping any day once you've got some experience.. pay should be much better. HTH :smile:

Reply 3

bubbalicious_28

1

ive worked as a secretary 4 the summer-i didnt want 2 spendthe summer doin retail-was really bored of that!

it depends on an office wthere they require expereince or not. lots do because its jus easier than havin 2 train ppl up. however, others dont (they speicifically ask 4 sch leavers) as they think it isnt necessary and inexpereinced workers get can get paid less.

2 be a receptionist/secretary u need 2 b organised, efficient n brill at it!

if u have ne other qs-then feel free 2 pm me!

Reply 4

bubbalicious_28

1

mini_munchkin

Is there anyone here who knows anything about getting reception work? It appeals to me more than retail, but im not sure if I would find work as I dont have any experience in this.... are there any specific qualifications you need?

jus read ur profile!u got 2 strodes in egham?
thats down the road from me!

Reply 5

Trousers

11

This is one job where temping can get you some good experience. There are loads of good receptionists out there though, so try to set yourself out from the crowd: increase your typing speed with an online course or by teaching yourself to touch type. When you sign up with a temping agency for this type of work, you will have to do a typing test that measures speed and accuracy, so you're more likely to get work if you're good.

You should also have a good telephone manner, so make sure that you speak politely and clearly when you go to see the temping people.

Once you've got a bit of experience, you can apply directly to companies and make a bit more money.

Reply 6

Fruit-cake

OP

9

bubbalicious_28

jus read ur profile!u got 2 strodes in egham?
thats down the road from me!

yeah i do lol. i dont want to work as a receptionist full time or anything, but im applying to vet med to start at uni nxt yr, but if i dont get in i do NOT want to work in a shop for a year!! so im taking a wordprocessin course at college which includes touch typing... and just wondered how hard it is to get work!!

Reply 7

bubbalicious_28

1

if i were u, i would put most of my focus on applyin 2 uni- think positive.

y not try n aply 4 a temp. job bein a receptionist 4 next summer?

apply with as many agents as u can!

Reply 8

asifbymagic

It's not that hard to get receptionist work but sometimes you need experience to get your foot in the door- pay is way better than retail though (in London no agency pays less than about £7/hr). My first summer receptionist job I got because I had done work experience at the company and they liked me; then I got a temping agency and I've been temping during my gap year. I like temping because you never have to stay somewhere too long, I get paid as much as the people doing permanent work where I am too.

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