Description

Front desk receptionists perform a wide variety of front desk duties for an organization. They welcome and greet visitors or guests, ask if they have appointments and look at the schedule to confirm details of the visitors' appointments. They call the individuals that are expecting the visitors to let them know that they have arrived; if instructed, they direct the visitor to the appropriate location within the company. The front desk receptionist must follow all security procedures, as well as monitor the logbook of visitors and issue visitor badges if needed. They must maintain a clean reception area, as well as comply with their company’s procedures, rules and regulations at all times. Additionally, front desk receptionists must answer the phone at the front desk, routing calls and responding to questions.

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally the minimum educational requirement for front desk receptionist positions. Possessing a certificate in a relevant field from a trade or vocational school may be beneficial. Experience as a receptionist is generally required or preferred as well. Many employers require their front desk receptionists to be knowledgeable in basic computer software such as the Microsoft Office suite. Additionally, front desk receptionists must have excellent typing, communication and multitasking skills. They should be able to work effectively with a wide variety of coworkers and visitors.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Front Desk Receptionist with 3-6 years of experience in the AE, your main responsibilities include:

  • Greet and welcome guests, ensuring a positive and professional first impression.
  • Manage incoming calls and direct them to the appropriate department or person.
  • Receive and distribute mail, packages, and deliveries promptly and accurately.
  • Maintain a neat and organized reception area, ensuring it is clean and presentable at all times.

Qualifications & Work Experience

A Front Desk Receptionist is responsible for providing excellent customer service by greeting and assisting customers, answering phone calls, and directing visitors to the appropriate departments or individuals. They are the first point of contact for guests and must ensure a positive and professional experience. Additional duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining office supplies, and managing administrative tasks. The ideal candidate should have strong communication and organizational skills, a friendly and approachable demeanor, and the ability to multitask efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills For Front Desk Receptionist

1

Excellent Communication

2

Customer Handling

3

Office Management

Skills That Affect Front Desk Receptionist Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Customer Service

79%

Career Prospects

The role of a Front Desk Receptionist is crucial for maintaining a smooth and welcoming office environment. For individuals with 3-6 years of experience in the administrative field, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are four options to explore:

  • Office Manager: A role that involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office, managing administrative staff, and coordinating various tasks and projects.
  • Customer Service Supervisor: A position focused on leading a team of customer service representatives, handling escalated customer inquiries, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Executive Assistant: A role that provides comprehensive administrative support to high-level executives, including managing calendars, arranging travel, and handling confidential information.
  • Event Coordinator: A position involved in planning and organizing company events, conferences, and meetings, including coordinating logistics, managing vendors, and ensuring a successful event experience.

How to Learn

According to recent data, the growth prospects for the Front Desk Receptionist role in the United Arab Emirates market are positive. Over the past 10 years, this position has seen steady growth, with increasing demand from various industries. With the UAE's thriving economy and booming hospitality sector, the need for Front Desk Receptionists is expected to rise further in the coming years. The job role offers numerous employment opportunities, both in established companies and emerging businesses. With the increasing number of hotels, resorts, and offices being established in the UAE, the demand for Front Desk Receptionists is projected to remain strong in the future.