Regardless of the position, you are applying for; you should build a compelling resume. This is especially true where resumes for “first contact” positions are concerned – like that of a receptionist.
Since a receptionist is considered the face of a company, the employer carefully scrutinizes job applications and resumes to hire just the right receptionist.
Let us now determine what skills a good receptionist possesses – pleasant demeanor, exceptional organization skills, and perfect communication abilities are the necessary perquisites for this position.
So when you write a resume for this position, you will need to make sure that your resume portrays this information.
How you begin your resume depends on where you are applying.
So if you feel that the job advertisement that you are responding to is focused on skills, you may want to start by giving a potential employer an eyeful of your skills.
Alternately, you can begin with a resume objective or a professional summary.
Related: Receptionist Resume Sample
How to Make a Receptionist Resume
A receptionist resume consists of most relevant information about the candidate which is written under different sections. Following is the detail of these sections:
Professional Summary
You will need to look through the job description thoroughly and pick up words to use when writing the professional summary section of your resume.
Most job descriptions for a receptionist position will possess key phrases such as “customer service experience,” “ability to use business terminology accurately,” and “office technology savvy.”
This is the section where you need to highlight all your transferable skills and personal attributes.
Core Competencies / Areas of Expertise
Add some job-related keywords in this section using bullets or table. The primary purpose of this section is to help your resume pass through computerized scrutiny.
This section will also be helpful for the employer to ask questions during an interview. Examples include Communication, Customer Service, Front Desk Handling, Calendar management, pleasant demeanor, and the like.
Accomplishments
Many employers make crucial hiring decisions after reading a candidate’s accomplishments section.
Therefore, you must pay particular attention to this part. Look back and determine what you can write in this section. This could include:
• Reduced front desk expenses by 50% by identifying and employing cost-effective methods for variable costs
• Revamped the client billing system by introducing electronic billing thereby reducing the billing time by 35%
Notice that both these examples have a percentage mentioned. This will make prospective employers sit up and take notice so use numbers and percentages as much as possible.
Work Experience
This part is quite self-explanatory. You need to list all the duties that you have performed as a receptionist in a previous role.
This may include greeting customers, directing them to the concerned department, maintain calendars, make travel arrangements, handle customer billing, and provide administrative support for special projects.
Education
This too is quite self-explanatory. Provide information about your last degree or diploma along with the year you completed it in and the school/college that you attended.
Additional Skills
It is another essential part of a resume, especially where receptionists are concerned. It is a good idea to look for keywords or phrases from the job advertisement.
So make use of phrases such as “quick-minded,” “ability to multitask,” “excellent attention to detail” and “methodical approach to working” which are the essence of a receptionist’s work capabilities.