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Clerical > Receptionist

Salary National Average

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32160.0000 37980.0000 43430.0000

Change from Previous Year:

+6%

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Candidate Supply: 11,303 Job Openings: 98,694

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Short Description:

Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at the establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, provide information, take messages, or schedule appointments.
  • Greet persons entering the establishment, determine the nature and purpose of the visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
  • Transmit information or documents to customers using a computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
  • Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
  • Perform administrative support tasks, such as proofreading, transcribing handwritten information, or operating calculators or computers to work with pay records, invoices, balance sheets, or other documents.
  • File and maintain records.
  • Provide information about the establishment, such as the location of departments or offices, employees within the organization, or services provided.
  • Collect, sort, distribute, or prepare mail, messages, or courier deliveries.
  • Process and prepare memos, correspondence, travel vouchers, or other documents.
  • Receive payment and record receipts for services.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Coordination: Adjusting actions concerning others' actions.
  • Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the audience's needs.
  • Monitoring: Monitoring/assessing the performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
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Job Zones

  • Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Related Experience: Some previous work-related skills, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Job Zone Examples: These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: (4.0 to < 6.0)

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