Receptionist Resume: Examples, Job Description & Skills

Ready to make the front desk your own? Create a receptionist resume highlighting your professional presence and explaining why you are the perfect fit for the role.

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As a receptionist, you know the value of a great first impression. Your resume works the same—it’s your first and only chance to show employers why you fit the role. If you can use your skills and professional attitude in your resume, you’ll have a better chance of landing that interview.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write an outstanding receptionist resume that ticks every box and showcases your strengths. Let’s get started!

Receptionist Job Description for a Resume

Receptionists are the first point of contact for visitors and callers, providing a welcoming and professional experience. They manage appointments, direct inquiries, and perform administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of the office. Key skills include communication and customer service. 

When you write your receptionist job description for a resume, it’s best to list your duties and achievements in bullet point format. That breaks up the job description into more specific tasks, making your resume easier to read and helping you highlight the most critical information. 

Here’s a list of receptionist duties for a resume in bullet points that you can adapt: 

  • Greet visitors and clients in a friendly and professional manner, directing them to the appropriate person or department.
  • Answer incoming calls, provide information, or redirect calls to the relevant staff member.
  • Schedule and manage appointments, ensuring all meetings are confirmed, and resources are available.
  • Handle correspondence, including emails and postal mail, ensuring it goes to the correct recipient.
  • Maintain the reception area, keeping it clean and organized to create a welcoming environment for visitors.
  • Assist with administrative tasks, such as data entry, filing, and preparing documents as needed.
  • Monitor office supplies, ordering and restocking items to ensure the office runs efficiently.
  • Manage visitor logs and ensure proper security procedures are in place when visitors enter the premises.

Take a look at these receptionist resume examples to see impactful job descriptions in action:

Entry-Level Receptionist Resume Example

Norah Russell

Receptionist

(123) 456-7890

norah.russell@email.com

linkedin.com/in/norah.russell

 

Summary

Detail-oriented entry-level Receptionist with strong organizational and communication skills developed through student leadership and team collaboration. Successfully helped plan and organize 5+ school-wide events, increasing student participation by 30%, and served as the primary point of contact for 100+ students, gathering and presenting feedback. Coordinated schedules and meetings for student government, ensuring clear communication and efficient operations. Contributed to a 40% increase in yearbook sales by assisting with content collection, design, and meeting deadlines. Eager to apply my multitasking, event coordination, and customer service skills to support the success of Lighthouse Strategies.

 

Education

High School Diploma

Wheeling High School, Wheeling, IL

September 2020–June 2024

Student Government Member for 3 years

  • Helped plan and organize 5+ school-wide events, such as rallies and student assemblies, ensuring they happened on time and within budget.
  • Coordinated with a team of 10+ student leaders to communicate event details effectively, resulting in a 30% increase in student participation over the previous year.
  • Served as the primary point of contact for student feedback, collecting input from 100+ students and presenting it to the administration.
  • Managed scheduling and communication for weekly meetings, ensuring consistent and transparent updates to all members.

Yearbook Committee Member

  • Collaborated with a team of 12 students to design and publish the school yearbook, contributing to a 40% increase in sales over the previous year.
  • Coordinated the collection of content (photos, quotes, and articles) from 50+ students and staff.
  • Assisted with organizing photo shoots and coordinating layouts, ensuring 100% of deadlines were met. 
  • Managed the project’s digital content and helped with the design, improving the overall visual quality of the publication.

Skills

  • Event coordination and planning
  • Scheduling and calendar management
  • Team collaboration
  • Communication skills
  • Customer service and feedback collection
  • Time management
  • Digital content management
  • Multitasking and prioritization
  • Computer skills
  • Attention to detail

Certifications

  • Customer Service Fundamentals, Coursera, 2024
  • Office Administration Essentials, LinkedIn Learning, 2024
  • Advanced Microsoft Office, Udemy, 2023

Languages

  • English—Native
  • Spanish—Intermediate

Medical Receptionist Resume Sample

Connie Miskell

Receptionist

(123) 456-7890

connie.miskell@email.com

linkedin.com/in/connie.miskell

 

Summary

Detail-oriented Medical Receptionist with over 7 years of experience managing front-office operations and providing exceptional customer service. At Greenfield Medical Center, greeted and assisted 100+ patients daily, managed a multi-line phone system with a 95% satisfaction rate, and optimized appointment scheduling, reducing conflicts by 30% and improving patient satisfaction by 10%. Skilled in maintaining patient records with 100% accuracy and processing billing paperwork, reducing errors by 20%. Ready to contribute my organizational skills and customer-focused approach to support the success of the Oakview Healthcare Center.

 

Experience

Medical Receptionist

Greenfield Medical Center, Atlanta, GA

July 2020–Present

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

  • Greeting and assisting an average of 100+ patients and visitors daily, ensuring a welcoming and professional atmosphere.
  • Managing a multi-line phone system, answering and routing over 80 calls per shift, and resolving inquiries with a 95% satisfaction rate.
  • Scheduling and confirming 50+ patient appointments weekly, coordinating with medical staff to optimize daily workflows and reduce wait times by 15%.
  • Maintaining patient records and updating database information with 100% accuracy, adhering to HIPAA compliance regulations.
  • Processing billing and insurance paperwork for an average of 30 patients daily, ensuring prompt submission and reducing errors by 20%.

Key Achievement:

  • Streamlined the appointment scheduling process, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30% and improving patient satisfaction scores by 10%. 

 

Receptionist

Riverbend Office Solutions, Savannah, GA

May 2017–June 2020

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

  • Answered and directed over 60 calls daily, ensuring prompt and accurate communication across departments.
  • Welcomed and registered an average of 50 visitors daily, maintaining a professional front-desk presence and assisting with inquiries.
  • Scheduled conference rooms and managed bookings for 20+ weekly meetings, ensuring seamless operations for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Handled incoming and outgoing mail, organizing and distributing correspondence for a team of 50 employees.
  • Assisted with administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, and preparing reports.

 

Key Achievement:

  • Reduced costs of office supplies by 15% through bulk purchasing agreements.

 

Education

High School Diploma

Savannah High School, Savannah, GA

September 2012–June 2016

 

Skills

  • Patient check-in and check-out
  • Appointment scheduling and calendar management
  • Medical billing and coding
  • Patient records management
  • Phone handling and message taking
  • Insurance verification
  • HIPAA compliance knowledge
  • Communication skills
  • Customer service

 

Certifications and Courses

  • Medical Billing and Coding Certification, American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), 2024
  • HIPAA Training: Health Privacy & Security Compliance, LinkedIn Learning, 2020
  • Electronic Health Records (EHR) Training, Health IT, 2020

Front Desk Receptionist Resume Example

David Henkel

Front Desk Receptionist

(123) 456-7890

david.henkel@email.com

linkedin.com/in/david.henkel

 

Summary

Customer-focused Front Desk Receptionist with 4+ years of experience and a proven track record of enhancing guest experiences and streamlining front desk operations. Welcomed and assisted 120+ guests daily, improving satisfaction scores by 18% and reducing wait times by 15% through proactive preparation and efficient processes. Coordinated reservations and event scheduling, increasing occupancy rates by 10% during peak seasons. Managed over 150 daily calls, cutting response times by 25%, and addressed guest concerns with a 96% resolution rate within 24 hours. Excited to bring exceptional organizational and customer service skills to support the success of The Grand Hotel.

 

Experience

Front Desk Receptionist

Luxe Hotel, Oklahoma City, OK

November 2022–Present

 

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

  • Welcoming and checking in 120+ guests daily, improving guest satisfaction scores by 18% through exceptional service and efficient processes.
  • Answering and routing over 150 calls daily, reducing average call response times by 25% through effective communication techniques.
  • Coordinating reservations and scheduling events for the hotel, increasing room occupancy rates by 10% during peak seasons.
  • Maintaining an inventory of office supplies, reducing costs by 12% through strategic vendor negotiations.
  • Addressing guest concerns, achieving a 96% resolution rate within 24 hours.

Key Achievement:

  • Streamlined the guest check-in process by proactively preparing key documents in advance, reducing average wait times by 15%.

 

Front Desk Receptionist

Regal Business Suites, Tulsa, OK

August 2020–October 2022

 

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

  • Managed daily front desk operations, greeting 80+ clients and visitors daily and maintaining a professional atmosphere.
  • Scheduled and coordinated 100+ weekly meeting room bookings, achieving a 99% booking accuracy rate.
  • Processed client inquiries and complaints, resolving 90% of issues within one business day.
  • Handled cash and credit transactions for service fees, reconciling accounts daily with zero discrepancies over 2 years.

Key Achievement:

  • Reduced scheduling conflicts by 25% by implementing a more organized calendar management system and improving coordination with internal teams.

 

Education

BA in Hospitality Management (in progress)

Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, OK

September 2022–May 2026 (expected)

 

High School Diploma

Tulsa High School, Tulsa, OK

September 2016–June 2020

 

Skills

  • Greeting guests
  • Handling calls
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Multitasking
  • Using MS Office
  • Data entry
  • Customer service
  • Organizational skills
  • Operating office equipment
  • Handling confidential information

 

Certifications

  • Professional Etiquette and Communication Skills, Skillshare, 2023
  • Office Administration for Front Desk Professionals, LinkedIn Learning, 2021

 

Languages

  • English—Native
  • German—Advanced

1. Use the Right Format for Your Receptionist Resume

Before you start writing, make sure your resume looks the same. A professional, clean-cut appearance is as essential on your resume as in your job. 

Your best bet is choosing an accepted, universal resume format that recruiters know like the back of their hand. If they can navigate your resume easily, they’ll have no trouble spotting your best achievements and skills! 

There are multiple formats, but the best pick for receptionist resumes is the reverse-chronological resume format. This standard resume layout focuses on work experience, giving your most recent duties and achievements the best chance of standing out. 

The alternatives include the functional resume and the combination format, which place more emphasis on your skills. They’re viable options if you’re changing careers, have no experience, or need to downplay any gaps in employment. However, they can confuse recruiters and probably won’t be as efficient at showcasing your strengths. 

This guide uses the reverse-chronological format—it’ll suit everyone, from new grads to seasoned pros. 

The first step is to outline your resume based on these sections: 

  • Header with your name and contact details
  • Resume summary or objective paragraph
  • Work experience, detailing your accomplishments in each job
  • Education, listing the details of your highest completed level of education
  • Key skills, with up to 10 of your most relevant abilities
  • Additional sections, such as certifications, courses, volunteering, and so on

Each section should have a clear heading to help the reader find key information at a glance. 

Other tips for boosting your resume’s readability include:

  • Choose a simple font for your resume, like Arial or Verdana, and set it to 10–12 points (14–16 for headings). Decorative fonts are distracting and can look unprofessional. 
  • On your resume, add. Using 1.15 line spacing and one-inch margins on your resume will prevent the page from feeling white space. This way, the page won’t feel too overcrowded with text. 
  • Submit your resume as a PDF unless the job advertisement specifies a different format. PDFs look the same on every device, so you can be sure your formatting and layout won’t get messed up. 
  • Keep it short. A resume for receptionist roles should be one page long, so stick to the most essential, relevant information. 

All in all, aim for a sleek, minimalistic look with your resume. Images, decorations, and tables can distract the reader and add no value to your resume. Plus, they can make your resume incompatible with ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). That is software that most companies use to manage hiring processes, including scanning incoming resumes. 

Pro Tip: If you intend to submit your resume in person, print it on paper that’s slightly higher quality than the standard office kind. It’ll look extra-professional and won’t get lost among other paperwork as easily. 

If you’re searching for a ready-made receptionist resume template or just want to see examples of well-formatted resumes, we’ve got you covered—take a look at these:

Entry-Level Receptionist Resume Example

Receptionist resume template

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Medical Receptionist Resume Sample

Receptionist resume example

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2. Place Your Contact Details in the Header

A resume header is the section at the top of your resume that includes your basic contact information. Word-processing software often allows inserting a header and footer in a document, but it’s best to avoid using this feature. 

Instead, place all sections of your resume within the document’s main body. That will ensure your contact details are visible in every format and help your resume pass ATS checks.

Here’s the contact information to include on your resume:

  • Your full name and job title
  • Your phone number
  • Your email address
  • (optional) Your LinkedIn profile URL

Skip other personal details, like your address or date of birth. The LinkedIn URL is worth including, but only if your profile is well-optimized and up-to-date. It should show off your professional side and provide more details on your experience and skills. 

The following section after the header is the resume summary, which—as the name implies—sums up your experience and accomplishments. Even though it’s a kind of introduction, it’s easiest to write it last. When you finish writing the main sections of your resume, creating a summary will be as simple as picking out the best parts. 

So, leave space for one paragraph below your header, and let’s move on to writing your work experience resume section!

3. Write Impactful Receptionist Job Descriptions for Your Resume Experience Section

When listing your work experience, start with your current or most recent job. Follow it with your previous role, the one before, etc. Try only to include relevant experience on your resume—meaning roles directly related to receptionist positions. Other jobs are only worth including if you’re applying for your first receptionist role and have no related experience. 

For each position you list, include your job title, company name and location, employment dates, and 3–5 bullet points with an eye-catching receptionist resume description.

We’ve already touched on how to write receptionist duties on resumes at the beginning of this guide, but let’s go through the process in more detail. Here’s how to make sure your bullet points stand out: 

  • Describe your achievements instead of just listing essential duties. Each bullet should highlight the positive impact of your role, whether it’s handling high volumes of phone calls, managing check-ins with exceptional efficiency, or streamlining front desk operations in some way. 
  • Begin each bullet point with a powerful action verb to create a more engaging and dynamic description of your work. Words like “managed” or “enhanced” demonstrate your active role in achieving success. 
  • Wherever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages. Metrics show your impact in previous roles, making your achievement statements more concrete. 
  • Customize your receptionist job descriptions for each application. Different employers will have distinct needs and priorities, so it’s essential to adjust your bullet points to match the specific requirements of each receptionist role. For example, one company may prioritize customer service skills, while another will focus on administrative tasks or managing office technology. Tailoring your resume allows you to highlight the experience and skills that matter most to each employer.

You can still fill this section with relevant information if you’re writing a resume for receptionist jobs without experience. Include your internships, volunteer roles, or jobs in other professions, focusing on highlighting your transferable skills. You used or developed these skills elsewhere, but they apply to a receptionist role. 

The idea is to use these seemingly unrelated experiences to demonstrate related skills. For example, any customer-facing role will hone your customer service and communication skills, essential in receptionist jobs. So, when you describe that unrelated job on your resume, emphasize achievements that show those receptionist skills. 

4. Provide Details of Your Education

When listing education on your resume, include: 

  • The name and level of your highest completed level of education
  • Where you obtained it—specify the name and location of the school or college
  • Your dates of attendance (month and year; no need to list the exact days)

If you’re completing a degree or diploma, include it on your resume as well—just make it clear that it’s still in progress. Provide the expected graduation date in place of the attendance dates. 

As a candidate with relevant work experience, you can leave it and move on to the next section. Your job history will interest recruiters a lot more than your school activities! 

However, if you’re a recent graduate with only a short list of professional experiences, you can use your education to your advantage. Fill your education section with bullet points showcasing relevant skills like communication, time management, and customer service. 

You can use experiences like relevant coursework, projects, and extracurricular activities on your resume. Just like with work experience, try to add numbers and focus on writing achievement statements to show that you can drive success wherever you go.

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5. Tailor Your Receptionist Skills Resume Section to the Job

There’s no universal list of skills to put on a resume for receptionist jobs since it depends on your skill set and the job’s specifics. Here’s a list of examples to help you build your list, though: 

Receptionist Resume Skills

The best way to choose relevant receptionist skills for your resume is to look closely at the job ad. What skills does the employer mention? Pick 8–10 of these and add them to your resume, aiming for a mix of soft and hard skills

Soft skills refer to how you interact and work with others, including abilities and traits like communication and teamwork. Hard skills for a receptionist resume are job-specific abilities, like customer service, computer skills, or calendar management. Successful candidates must manage their tasks efficiently while professionally interacting with customers and colleagues. 

Pro Tip: Incorporating skills and phrases from the job ad into your resume helps it align with the job posting. These keywords in your resume will be recognized by both automated systems and recruiters, increasing the relevance of your application.

6. Include Additional Sections on Your Receptionist Resume

Create new sections for any additional information you want to include on your resume, such as:

This information is not obligatory, and chances are that you won’t include every section from this list, but it’s a good idea to add at least one. You never know what will make you stand out from other applicants with similar experience—it could be your conversational Spanish or a leadership course you took! 

7. Stand Out with a Compelling Receptionist Resume Summary or Objective

The time has come to circle back to the beginning of your document and write a professional receptionist summary for your resume. This short paragraph, placed just below your header, briefly introduces your top strengths and qualifications as a receptionist. Start by reviewing your resume and identifying 3 or 5 standout skills or accomplishments that align closely with the receptionist role you're applying for. For example, highlight your expertise in managing front-desk operations, scheduling appointments, or providing exceptional customer service. Combine these highlights into a concise, engaging paragraph. Finish your resume summary with a statement about how you’ll contribute to the company's success. Mention the employer’s name to personalize it, showing that you’ve tailored your application specifically for their needs. That demonstrates both your attention to detail and your enthusiasm for the role. Here’s an example summary of a receptionist's resume:

Detail-oriented Receptionist with 5 years of experience providing exceptional customer service and optimizing front desk operations. Greeted and assisted an average of 100+ clients and visitors daily, improving guest satisfaction ratings by 20% through efficient service and a professional atmosphere. Managed high-volume phone lines, answering 80+ calls daily and reducing response times by 30% through effective communication and problem-solving skills. Coordinated meeting room schedules and client appointments, ensuring 99% accuracy and on-time service delivery. Ready to contribute organizational and customer service skills to support the success of Silverstone Dynamics.

8. Attach a Cover Letter to Your Receptionist Resume

You’re nearly finished—now it’s time to write a cover letter to accompany your receptionist resume. While your resume offers a snapshot of your overall work experience, your cover letter allows you to dive deeper into key moments demonstrating your suitability for the role. Use this opportunity to highlight specific experiences, such as providing excellent customer service or mastering scheduling tools, that make you an ideal candidate. A well-crafted cover letter can help persuade the recruiter to invite you for an interview. Here’s an example to help you get started:

Dear Ms. Clark,

I am excited to apply for the Receptionist position at Bright Horizon Enterprises. With over three years of experience in front-office support, I have consistently improved office operations and enhanced customer satisfaction. Implementing a more efficient filing system reduced document retrieval time by 30%, and my proactive approach to managing office supplies cut costs by 15%. I’m eager to apply my organizational, communication, and customer care skills to your office’s smooth functioning.

At Coastal Consulting Group, I manage front-desk operations, which include handling 40+ calls per day, greeting clients, and scheduling meetings for a team of 12 professionals. I introduced a new visitor check-in system that reduced wait times by 25% and helped improve office flow. Additionally, my efforts in maintaining a 98% scheduling accuracy resulted in zero missed appointments, ensuring that team productivity remained high. I also manage the distribution of incoming and outgoing mail and assist with office supplies, helping increase overall office efficiency by 20%.

I am drawn to Bright Horizon Enterprises because of your commitment to innovation and fostering a dynamic, collaborative work environment. I am excited about the opportunity to support your team and contribute to your goal of providing exceptional service to clients and employees.

I would appreciate further discussing how my experience and skills can contribute to Bright Horizon Enterprises’ continued success. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the chance to speak with you.

Sincerely,

Ava Peterson

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Receptionist Resume Dos and Don’ts

Dos
  • Keep it concise and professional. Recruiters spend only a few seconds on each resume, so make every word count. Stick to one-page resumes if possible, and focus on the experiences and achievements most relevant to the role.
  • Use a clean format with easy-to-read fonts, logical sections, and consistent spacing. A tidy, visually appealing layout leaves a great impression.
  • Center your work experience around what you achieved in each role. Build your bullet points around relevant accomplishments and use numbers to quantify your positive impact.
Don'ts
  • Overcomplicate the design. Bright colors, fancy fonts, or excessive formatting might seem creative, but they can be unprofessional. Keep your resume simple and elegant to maintain a polished impression.
  • Submit a generic resume. A one-size-fits-all resume shows a lack of effort. Customize your resume for each receptionist role to emphasize the skills and experiences that fit the company’s needs.
  • Forget to proofread. As the face of an office, a receptionist must have excellent attention to detail—and your resume is the first test. Carefully review for typos, grammar errors, or inconsistent formatting to make sure it’s flawless.

Considering applying for other, similar jobs? Take a look at these resume guides—they feature examples and tips from our career experts: 

Sources

  1. What resume paper should I use? Hope Hahn, Cornell Human Ecology Career Exploration Center, Cornell University, accessed December 9, 2024, https://hecec.human.cornell.edu/2016/09/07/what-resume-paper-should-i-use/
  2. Receptionists and Information Clerks, Next Steps Idaho, accessed December 9, 2024, https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/browse-careers/43-4171.00

 

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WRITTEN BY Ho

Ho is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and editor with two decades of experience in content strategy, creation, and development. He holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University and his background includes experience aiding military veterans as they transition to civilian careers.

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