Receptionist Resume: Your Complete Guide

Receptionists are the first point of contact in most companies, facilitating workflows and taking on essential functions in the office. Although this is an important role in virtually all companies, the saturation of the candidate pool can make finding a job challenging.

With a good receptionist resume, you can demonstrate your skills and highlight your value to employers looking for someone who can take on this essential role. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about formatting and writing an exceptional receptionist resume, including receptionist resume examples and a receptionist resume sample for reference.

General Tips for Receptionist Resumes

A strong resume that stands out to employers combines relevant content, a solid structure, and a deep understanding of what the employer seeks. The first tip to remember when crafting a solid receptionist resume is to customize it for each job application. While this may seem tedious, implementing the specific keywords employers are looking for significantly increases the likelihood of getting a phone call for an interview.

By studying different receptionist job postings, you can identify the specific skills, qualities, and experiences employers value, making it easier to tailor your resume to reflect that you have what they need. Moreover, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs) to screen resumes. These systems scan resumes for keywords the hiring manager included in the job description and may not move you forward in the application process if your resume doesn’t match up.

Proper formatting is as important as incorporating keywords. Using a professional template from Rocket Resume, a clear and professional font, and solid content is a winning formula for a strong application. And with Rocket Resume templates, you don’t have to worry about how to approach the structure, headings, and segment placement, giving you more time to focus on the content.

Don’t forget to showcase your experiences, skills, and education that align with the job description. When done right, your resume can open doors to excellent professional receptionist opportunities.

Essential Components of a Receptionist Resume

Now that we have the basics down, it’s time to take a look at a receptionist resume sample to help guide you on how to format your own. Receptionist resume templates may differ, but the content should have a purpose and showcase your skills and experience in the best way possible.

Janessa Doe

Administrative Professional

(123) 123-4567

Janessa.Doe@example.com

Organized and detail-oriented receptionist with over seven years of experience managing front desk operations in fast-paced, corporate environments. Highly skilled in providing exceptional customer service, maintaining records, and managing multiple tasks. Proficient in various administrative software and office equipment with strong adaptability to new technology. I seek to bring my organizational skills and proactive attitude to a new role where I can positively impact team productivity.

Skills

• Customer Service
• Professionalism
• Multitasking
• Data Entry
• Scheduling
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Communication
• Problem-Solving

Education

University of Reception Studies, Dallas, Texas - Bachelor of Science in Data Entry | May 2016

Experience

Receptionist, Halo Corp., Dallas, Texas | January 2017 - Present

• Greet clients in a professional, positive, and friendly manner
• Provide administrative support to company executives, increasing productivity by 15%
• Prepare spreadsheets and reports using Microsoft Office Suite
• Handle sensitive and confidential information professionally and discreetly
• Answer phone calls, direct inquiries to appropriate parties, and provide information
• Schedule appointments, meetings, and conference rooms
• Receive and distribute mail and packages.
• Maintain a clean and organized reception area
• Perform administrative tasks like data entry, filing, and photocopying

Certifications and Licenses

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

• Issuer: International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
• Date: July 2018

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification

• Issuer: Microsoft Corp.
• Date: August 2019

Tips for Writing Each Section of the Receptionist Resume Template

When writing a professional receptionist resume, you must consider how you’ll format each section. If you don’t know where to start, look for receptionist resume samples online to see how to approach your CV. You can also use a receptionist resume sample or browse receptionist resume templates from Rocket Resume.

Header

For the header, display your full name and professional title in bold and large font. Then, include your contact information, including your email address and phone number.

Professional Summary

Your professional summary gives your employer an overview of your skills and experience. It should be to the point, packed with information, and tailored to the job.

Skills

Your skills section should highlight your hard and soft skills. Try to add bullet points to aid clarity and readability and forgo skills that don’t apply to the job.

Education

Add your education in this segment in reverse chronological order, starting from the highest degree if you completed graduate studies. Always name the institution, the degree awarded, and your date of graduation.

Experience

Your experience section is where you’ll list your responsibilities, achievements, and prior work. Quantify your achievements where possible, and highlight tasks that align with the job description when applicable.

For example, a dental receptionist resume might emphasize experience scheduling patient appointments and processing dental insurance claims, while a hotel receptionist resume might highlight skills in reservations management and guest service. Remember always to include any relevant receptionist duties for the resume, as listed in the job posting.

Licenses and Certifications

Adding relevant certifications or licenses to your resume adds significant credibility to your application. List them separately, including the certification name, issuing party, and date awarded.

How to Customize Your Receptionist Resume Template for Specific Jobs

Customizing your receptionist resume template for specific jobs begins with a close and thorough reading of the job post. Every job listing, from a medical receptionist resume to a spa receptionist resume, should include a receptionist job description that outlines the most crucial skills and qualifications employers seek. This could include proficiencies in receptionist-specific software, multitasking abilities, communication skills, and more. Your receptionist duties resume should mirror these needs.

The first place to reflect these specifics is in your professional summary. For example, an office receptionist resume might have an objective like, “Detail-oriented office professional seeking a receptionist role to leverage my administrative and customer service skills.” But a veterinary receptionist resume might highlight, “Customer-focused receptionist with a passion for animal care and experience in a veterinary setting, seeking to apply my skills to enhance client satisfaction.”

The skills section of your resume should have some of the qualifications listed in the job posting. For a front desk receptionist resume, this could mean highlighting your ability to manage incoming calls and greet guests. In contrast, a legal receptionist resume might emphasize discretion and legal terminology.

Different types of receptionist jobs require unique skill sets. For instance, in a gym receptionist resume, it might be helpful to feature your knowledge of fitness programs and member engagement. A salon receptionist resume, on the other hand, could highlight your ability to sell beauty products and schedule stylist appointments, while a doctor office receptionist resume should focus on medical terminology, patient data management, and scheduling appointments.

If you’re working on an entry-level receptionist resume, leverage transferable skills from other industries, academic achievements, or volunteer work. Even if you don’t have much receptionist experience, these skills can help you stand out.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of a professional cover letter. Your cover letter for a receptionist resume should highlight your fit for the specific role and company. You can also use this opportunity to share anecdotes about your experience and discuss what attracts you to the role.

Additional Tips and Tricks for Crafting a Strong Receptionist Resume

Once you finish your first draft, it’s time to review your resume to ensure that everything is correctly formatted and that there are no errors. Spelling or grammatical errors convey carelessness and a lack of attention to detail. Read your resume multiple times, editing and re-formatting until you get it right. No matter how long this step takes, it is one of the most important post-resume writing ones to take because even a single spelling mistake can affect the hiring manager’s perception of you as a candidate.

Visually, your resume should be clean, clear, and easy to read. Sticking to professional, straightforward designs is best, as ATS software cannot read unusually formatted documents. A well-structured, visually appealing receptionist resume template from Rocket Resume can help you make a solid first impression.

Lastly, following up after submitting your resume shows initiative and genuine interest in the role. It’s best to wait a week before you do so, as the hiring manager may be looking at several resumes.

How to Apply for Receptionist Jobs

Now that your receptionist resume is ready, it’s time to search for available positions.

The first place to look is online through job search platforms and social media pages. You can also use search engines to look for local companies that are hiring. If you have a specific company in mind, visit their website and look through the careers page. Or, if you’d prefer to work at a small business, you can email the owner and attach your resume.

Another place to look for receptionist jobs is to check social media sites. Although LinkedIn is the most popular one for landing a job, don’t underestimate the potential of other platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

When you find a job posting that aligns with your interests and qualifications, review the job description and requirements carefully. If you feel you’re a good fit for the role, apply by uploading your resume and answering the questions in the application, if applicable. Having a strong cover letter is also a way to boost your chances of getting a job. The more effort you put in, the higher the chance of finding a job you love in less time.

Remember that patience and persistence are essential in the job search process. Don’t be discouraged by rejections or slow responses. Instead, use them as learning experiences and stay focused on securing a receptionist position.

H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What to put on a resume for a receptionist?

For a receptionist resume, you can include your contact information, a professional summary or objective, a skills section, work experience, and education. Tailor these sections to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.

How to describe a receptionist job on a resume

Describe your responsibilities in terms of achievements and contributions. The more you quantify them and describe both your duties and how you managed your role, the better your chances will be of attracting attention and standing out among other candidates.

How to describe receptionist skills on a resume

List your skills in a separate section of your resume and provide examples of how you used them in the experience section. Your skills may include communication, multitasking, software proficiency, and customer service. You can also look at other receptionist resume samples to better understand what you can include and omit.

How to make a receptionist sound good on a resume

Emphasize your accomplishments and your impact in your role, using quantifiable metrics where possible. Tailor your resume to the job description, highlighting relevant skills and experience.

How to write a resume for a medical receptionist

In addition to traditional receptionist skills, highlight your familiarity with medical terminology, patient scheduling software, and handling sensitive patient data. Include any relevant certifications as well, increasing your chances of a better outcome.

How to make a receptionist resume stand out

Tailor your resume to the job description, quantify your achievements, maintain a clean and professional format using a Rocket Resume template, and include a robust professional summary.

What is a good objective for a medical receptionist resume?

A good objective example should be clear and concise, while also emphasizing your unique capabilities. For example, you could include something like, “Experienced receptionist with a solid understanding of scheduling and medical terminology, seeking to improve patient satisfaction and streamline administrative processes in a hospital or clinical setting”.

What to list as experience on a resume for a medical receptionist?

List positions where you’ve handled administrative tasks, customer service, patient scheduling, or working in a healthcare setting.

What can you write in your resume if you were a receptionist?

Detail your job duties, skills, and achievements during your time as a receptionist. Tailor this information to the job you’re applying for and include it in your cover letter as well. If you’re changing to a new career field, translate the skills you built as a receptionist into something employers in your new industry will find valuable.

How to summarize a receptionist job on a resume

Provide a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements in your role. Don’t include irrelevant information, and highlight any certifications and licenses you have in this section. Hiring managers look at this section to determine if they should continue with the rest of the document. Grab their attention by marketing yourself well in the summary.

How to list relevant skills on a resume for a receptionist

Identify and list the most essential skills from the job description in a dedicated skills section. Then, provide evidence of these skills in your work experience section.

Ready to land your next receptionist role? Choose one of our recruiter-approved receptionist resume samples, and our resume builder will walk you through customizing it to your background. You can craft a professional resume in minutes, so get started now.