Receptionist Job Description Template and Tips

A receptionist greets clients.

By: Martina Mascali, Monster Contributor

A professional and welcoming receptionist is essential for creating a positive first impression and maintaining an organized office environment. A well-crafted receptionist job description will help you attract candidates who excel in customer service, communication, and administrative support.

Below, explore a detailed receptionist job description template outlining essential responsibilities, qualifications, and success criteria tailored to the role. After the template, explore expert tips to help you customize each section to reflect your unique office culture and needs, helping you stand out to qualified candidates.

A receptionist greets clients.

Customizable Receptionist Job Description Template

Job title: Corporate Receptionist – Front Desk

Seniority: Entry-Level

Location: Houston, TX

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

About [Your Company Name]

[Your Company Name] is a dynamic, fast-paced organization dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients and fostering a professional and supportive workplace for our employees. With a strong reputation for excellence, we pride ourselves on creating innovative solutions that meet the needs of our clients while maintaining a positive and collaborative work environment.

Our team is the foundation of our success, and we are deeply committed to supporting their growth and overall well-being. We offer comprehensive training programs, encourage cross-department collaboration, and provide opportunities for career advancement. As the first point of contact for our visitors and clients, the corporate receptionist plays a vital role in upholding our company’s values of professionalism, integrity, and exceptional service.

Joining our team means contributing to a workplace that champions diversity, inclusion, and creativity. We believe that every employee contributes to our culture of innovation, where new ideas are encouraged and celebrated. At [Your Company Name], we are not just building a company; we are creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Job Responsibilities

As a corporate receptionist at [Your Company Name], you’ll be instrumental in maintaining a professional and welcoming front desk environment while supporting administrative operations. Key responsibilities include:

  • Greeting clients, visitors, and staff with a professional and courteous demeanor and managing check-ins with efficiency.
  • Managing a multi-line phone system to answer and redirect calls promptly while maintaining professionalism.
  • Coordinating conference room bookings and ensuring meeting spaces are prepared and well-equipped for use.
  • Handling mail and deliveries, including sorting, distributing, and scheduling courier pickups as needed.
  • Maintaining a clean and organized reception area that reflects the company’s commitment to high standards.
  • Assisting with administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, and preparing documents or reports for meetings.
  • Monitoring and ordering office supplies in collaboration with the facilities or procurement team.
  • Supporting the HR and Operations departments with scheduling interviews or onboarding new hires as necessary.
  • Adhering to security protocols by managing visitor logs, issuing access badges, and monitoring building entry procedures.

Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Must-have:

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to handle client interactions and professional correspondence.
  • Proficiency in using office software, including Microsoft Office Suite and scheduling tools.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail for managing appointments and office tasks.
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage last-minute changes efficiently.

Nice-to-have:

  • Previous experience as a receptionist or administrative assistant in a corporate environment.
  • Familiarity with multi-line phone systems and visitor management software.
  • Knowledge of corporate protocols, such as handling VIP guests or coordinating executive schedules.
  • Experience coordinating travel arrangements or managing executive calendars.
  • Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software or other enterprise tools.
  • Ability to speak multiple languages to assist with diverse clientele.
  • Knowledge of security protocols or experience handling sensitive data.
  • Post-secondary education is a plus.

Success Criteria

To excel as a corporate receptionist, you should:

  • Consistently deliver outstanding customer service by creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere.
  • Manage scheduling and administrative tasks with precision, avoiding scheduling conflicts or delays.
  • Demonstrate a proactive approach to supporting team operations and resolving issues before they arise.

Compensation

Salary: $15.51 – $22.35 per hour

Benefits

[Your Company Name] offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your career growth and well-being. Benefits include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) and company-observed holidays.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
  • Professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement.
  • Discounts on company products or services and access to wellness initiatives.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the corporate receptionist role. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date for an initial interview. For questions, contact [Your HR Contact Information]. This job posting will remain open until [date].

Tailoring Each Section of Your Receptionist Job Description

Crafting a compelling receptionist job description takes more than just filling in the sections—each part should clearly convey the responsibilities, expectations, and unique aspects of the role. Whether you’re hiring a corporate receptionist, medical receptionist, or hotel receptionist, our tips below will help you refine your listing and attract top talent suited to your industry.

Writing a Job Title That Reflects the Role and Industry

Your job title should clearly specify the type of receptionist role and include any relevant specializations. For example:

  • Corporate Receptionist – Front Desk
  • Medical Receptionist – Family Practice
  • Hotel Receptionist – Luxury Guest Services

By including industry-specific terms like “medical,” “veterinary,” or “guest services,” you ensure your receptionist job description reaches candidates with the right experience and expectations. Avoid vague titles like “Office Assistant,” as they may attract unsuitable applicants. Equally, don’t be tempted to embellish further with unnecessary details that belong in the rest of your job description, such as “Corporate Receptionist – Front Desk (Big Company, Great Benefits, Immediate Start!)”.

Specifying the Location and Environment

Receptionist roles typically require on-site presence, making it essential to specify location details. If the role includes multiple sites or requires occasional travel, mention this in your receptionist job specification. Transparency helps candidates understand workplace expectations. For instance:

  • A corporate receptionist may work exclusively on-site at a specific office location.
  • A hotel receptionist might require flexibility to work across multiple locations or assist at the concierge desk.
  • A veterinary receptionist could operate in a clinic environment, interacting with both clients and animals.

Highlighting Hours and Availability

Receptionist roles frequently require flexibility, but the specifics vary by industry. Clearly stating scheduling requirements helps attract candidates whose lifestyles align with your business needs. Customize this section to illustrate the unique requirements of your organization in order to ensure success:

  • Corporate receptionist: “Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional evening events.”
  • Medical receptionist: “40 hours per week, including some evenings and Saturdays to accommodate patient schedules.”
  • Hotel receptionist: “Rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, with morning, afternoon, and overnight shifts available.”

Creating an “About Us” Section in Your Receptionist Job Description

The “About Us” section sets the tone for your company and helps candidates connect with your organization’s values. When employees and employers alike share values, it often results in higher retention.

So, this section should reflect your company’s unique mission and culture while resonating with the candidates you want to attract. Adjust this section based on your industry, for example:

  • For a corporate receptionist, emphasize professionalism, growth opportunities, and collaboration.
  • For a medical receptionist, focus on compassion, patient care, and teamwork in a clinical environment.
  • For a hotel receptionist, highlight customer service excellence, diversity, and a fast-paced, guest-focused culture.

Outlining Receptionist Job Duties by Industry

Receptionist job duties differ significantly based on the type of workplace. Including tailored examples makes your receptionist job description more engaging as well as ensuring it’s accurate. Use specific, actionable language to describe day-to-day duties, such as:

  • Corporate receptionist: “Answer and redirect calls using a multi-line phone system, coordinate conference room bookings, and manage visitor check-ins.”
  • Medical receptionist: “Schedule patient appointments, verify insurance information, and assist with patient check-ins and billing inquiries.”
  • Hotel receptionist: “Welcome guests, handle check-ins and check-outs, and provide concierge services, including booking transportation or restaurant reservations.”

Listing Job Requirements for a Receptionist

Avoid overly rigid requirements unless they’re essential, as this can limit the diversity of your applicant pool. Separate “must-have” skills from “nice-to-have” ones, keeping industry requirements in mind. For example:

  • Corporate receptionist
    • Must-have: “Proficiency with office software like Microsoft Office; strong multitasking abilities; and excellent communication skills.”
    • Nice-to-have: “Experience handling visitor management software or familiarity with basic bookkeeping tasks.”
  • Medical receptionist
    • Must-have: “Knowledge of medical terminology and proficiency in insurance verification processes and scheduling software.”
    • Nice-to-have: “Bilingual skills to support diverse patient populations.”
  • Hotel receptionist
    • Must-have: “Customer service experience, familiarity with booking systems like Opera, and attention to detail.”
    • Nice-to-have: “Proficiency in at least one foreign language to assist international guests or experience with concierge services.”

Defining Success Criteria in a Receptionist Job Description

These specific criteria help attract goal-oriented individuals who thrive on measurable achievements. Outline measurable success metrics to set clear expectations for candidates:

  • Corporate receptionist: “Maintain a professional and organized reception area while efficiently managing meeting schedules.”
  • Medical receptionist: “Ensure a smooth patient check-in process with minimal wait times and accurate appointment scheduling.”
  • Hotel receptionist: “Achieve guest satisfaction ratings of 95% or higher and manage check-ins with an average time of 3 minutes per guest.”

Setting Transparent Compensation Expectations

Avoid vague phrases like “competitive salary,” instead be transparent about pay to build trust and attract serious candidates. Use the Monster Salary Tool to benchmark salaries for your role and location. Here are a few examples on how to customize the compensation section of your receptionist job description:

  • For a corporate receptionist, include a salary range and mention bonuses tied to office performance.
  • For a medical receptionist, specify hourly wages and overtime opportunities based on patient volume.
  • For a hotel receptionist, highlight hourly wages, tips, and bonuses for guest satisfaction.

Showcasing Industry-Specific Benefits

Receptionist roles can include unique benefits depending on the workplace. Use this section to highlight any industry-specific perks to demonstrate your commitment to employee well-being. Here are a few examples:

  • Corporate receptionist: “Comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) with employer match, and career development programs.”
  • Medical receptionist: “Access to discounted medical services and training in electronic health records (EHR) software.”
  • Hotel receptionist: “Employee discounts on hotel stays, flexible scheduling, and wellness programs for hospitality staff.”

Explaining How the Application Process Works

Clear instructions and deadlines help streamline the process and show respect for applicants’ time. End with a clear, concise description of your application process. For example:

  • Corporate receptionist: “Submit your resume and cover letter by [date]. Qualified candidates will complete a two-step interview process.”
  • Medical receptionist: “Include your resume and certifications in your application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person skills assessment.”
  • Hotel receptionist: “Submit your application online, successful candidates will be contacted for a group interview and orientation.”

Best Practices for Writing a Receptionist Job Description

An effective receptionist job description goes beyond listing tasks—it communicates the value of the role and what sets your workplace apart. To make your job listing stand out and resonate with top candidates, follow our best practice tips. These insights apply to receptionist roles across industries, whether corporate, medical, hospitality-focused or anything else.

1. Be Specific About the Role’s Purpose

By clearly articulating the role’s impact, you help candidates understand why their contribution matters. Tailor this section to show candidates how they’ll make a difference within your organization.

For example, a corporate receptionist supports operational efficiency by coordinating meetings and managing the front office. In contrast, a hotel receptionist ensures seamless guest experiences, directly influencing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

2. Use Clear, Accessible Language

Receptionist job descriptions should be professional yet accessible. Use straightforward language that reflects the tone of your workplace. For instance, a law firm might emphasize professionalism with phrases like “maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive client information,” while a creative agency could highlight a collaborative culture with language such as “foster a welcoming atmosphere.”

The language you choose can subtly signal your company’s culture to prospective applicants. This is important because when your cultures align, new hires are more likely to stay for the long term.

3. Emphasize Growth and Learning Opportunities

Receptionist roles often serve as entry points for career growth within a company. Highlight available training programs, mentorship opportunities, or potential career advancement paths.

For example, a corporate receptionist may transition into administrative management, while a medical receptionist might gain experience for patient coordination or healthcare administration roles. By showcasing these opportunities, you can attract ambitious candidates eager to develop their careers in your business.

4. Tailor the Compensation and Benefits to the Role

Receptionist roles can include varied compensation structures depending on the industry. Beyond salary, mention benefits that resonate with candidates.

For instance, hotel receptionists may value perks like discounted stays, while corporate receptionists often appreciate wellness programs or retirement savings plans. Being upfront about compensation details creates trust and shows your commitment to supporting employees.

5. Use an Inclusive and Inviting Tone

Receptionist roles often involve engaging with diverse groups of people, making inclusion a critical part of the job. Reflect this in your receptionist job description by avoiding potentially exclusive terms like “energetic” or “young” when talking about your team. Instead, emphasize qualities such as adaptability, professionalism, or excellent interpersonal skills. If your workplace celebrates diversity, highlight that commitment in the description to attract candidates who align with your values.

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