Having no questions to ask shows a lack of interest and/or preparation. Receptionists, just like secretaries or personal assistants, may be privy to a lot of sensitive information pertaining to the employees or the work a business does. Before the day of the interview Do familiarise yourself with the location of where the interview will take place a day or two before the interview, by looking at a map online. Being a receptionist is no slack job. 3) Address guests and team mates by name at all possible opportunity. It’s a good idea to avoid listing any unrelated hobbies or interests in your resume. Frazzled receptionists leave the impression that the company doesn’t have matters under control. Refrain from speaking loudly or using off-color language. 15 Don’t Before Job Interviews or Dos and Don’t Before Job Interview. DO… 1. Keep personal calls and conversations to a minimum in the waiting area. Your sofas need to be clean, your entire reception area needs to be uncluttered and tidy, your walls need to be bright and welcoming, and your receptionist needs to be highly trained and polite at the very least. That includes smiling and greeting each person who enters the office. Trim Your Greeting 1) Establish Eye contact while speaking to guest. Listen carefully to the caller's request. Oubria Tronshaw specializes in topics related to parenting and business. Remember that your reception area promotes your company and should look professional -- don't overload your desk with trinkets, funny gadgets, photos or desk toys. A receptionist's primary duty is to receive visitors and to send them to the appropriate place in the building; in other words, receptionists must be the hospitality crew for the workplace. Even if you aren’t sure you really want this job, your goal is to be impressive enough that the employer will extend a job offer. At one reception there were blue—colored M&M’s in a little mesh bag at each place setting. You can use the following tips to help you avoid these resume don’ts: Avoid including unrelated or irrelevant hobbies and interests. Doing a criminal background check too early in the hiring process can get you in trouble. What follows is a digest of their research findings. Our minds take too long trying to connect the dots when we hear something we don’t expect. DO carry water; During the summer days in Vietnam, a lot of water intake is required to help rehydrate. The Do’s And Don’ts Of Job Interviews. Don’t attempt to do everything yourself or have your friends do it. That is, until the receptionist waltzes in one sweltering day in shorts, a tank top, and gladiator sandals. At my last office job, a couple of our new hires were bright and chatty … Be courteous. 4) When guest ask for direction always guide the way. Resumes & Cover Letters. Even the best hotels are far from perfect. 1. You uploaded your updated resume on job portals and finally get the call for your dream job. Don’t Begin with an Attitude. Greet customers in a friendly, personable manner that instantly softens their mood. Ruby Receptionists: Is Your Receptionist a Gatekeeper or a Brand Ambassador? If it's a law firm where workers wear suits and ties, the receptionist needs to do the same. You are scheduled to come in for an interview. If you're considering working as a receptionist, keep a few basic guidelines in mind. Whether you’re walking around on foot or take part in a … Apologize to customers who have been waiting a while, and keep clients informed with frequent status updates to keep their patience from wearing thin. Hold up a finger to indicate you’ll be with them in a moment, and gesture them towards a seat. This way, the callers with the utmost urgent issues can skip the entire process and speak to a live human as soon as possible. Ask the customer … To do this well, the receptionist needs to know each person's workflow and needs. Nicole Vulcan has been a journalist since 1997, covering parenting and fitness for The Oregonian, careers for CareerAddict, and travel, gardening and fitness for Black Hills Woman and other publications. Keep your clothes, hair and nails neatly groomed, and keep mints on hand for fresh breath. They need to gauge when it's OK to talk about an employee's activities or work, and when to stay quiet. Listen well, pay attention to detail, and ask people to repeat and spell as necessary. That includes smiling and greeting each person who enters the office. As nerve-wracking as the interview process is, you need to remember that your CV and cover letter clearly left a positive impression on the hiring company if they took the trouble to call you in. This is required by law. Rather than simply saying, “Plevin Company,” smile and say, “Good morning, Plevin Company, this is Lynn speaking, how may I help you?” Now the caller feels like you’ve helped him already, and he’s more inclined to be friendly towards you in return, even if he was initially upset. The bottom line is that the person sat behind that reception desk holds the power to actually make or break your business! Administrative Arts: For Beginners: Receptionist Tips I. So we’ll run you through some of the very important Dos and Don’ts before a job interview. You can then try to call them during that time to get them on the line. This delicate matter takes a lot of good judgment and communication among receptionists and staff. The don’ts to avoid in your resume. It makes for a more pleasant experience for everyone. Answer it like you care, like you want to help them, not like they’re interrupting you and they’re bothering you. Receptionists are often pulled in several different directions at once, but it's imperative to keep your cool. Do’s + Don’ts Before a VO Session Being professional means being prepared. Keep your clothes, hair and nails neatly groomed, and keep mints on hand for fresh breath. Don’t: Lose touch with your wife. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts that hotel guests ought to live by. With this in mind, here's a quick list of dos and don’ts for your referral between now and Labor Day: Do: Greet everyone —from the CEO to the receptionist— formally and daily. She received a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Chicago State University. (Yep. The Don’ts of Auto Attendant Scripting . This may lead to serious confusion and misunderstandings between you as a professional and your customer who expects a proper service. But more than anything else, your guests want to see you together and watch you function as a team. She's also a lifelong athlete and is pursuing certification as a personal trainer. SOP – Do’s and Don’ts in Front Office. This is so important! Receptionists are typically responsible for dealing with the phone calls -- and sometimes the generic emails -- that come into a workplace. Background check Dos and Don’ts. And that’s fine for a while; no need for smothering interaction. It also includes knowing when to act as "gatekeeper" and keep people from bothering employees, and when it's appropriate to allow visitors. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Vulcan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from the University of Minnesota. Be professional and personable. Multitasking capabilities. A receptionist’s behavior is extremely important, even when she isn’t speaking directly to clients. Sometimes we naively follow everyday-life rules while executing professional duties. Killer Do's and Don'ts for Job Interview Success. 2. PhotoAlto/Eric Audras/PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections/GettyImages. Staff can make mistakes. She currently teaches English at Harper Community College in the Chicago area. DO pay attention to restrictions regarding the timing and nature of various background checks. “I do think that it’s OK to text your hairdresser for a last minute appointment (i.e. Resumes typically provide the first impression of your qualifications to a prospective employer. Don’t forget that the other person can’t see you, so you can’t rely on facial expressions or body language as you would in person. Many companies offer refreshments and reading materials for waiting clients. A little smile goes a long way in the business world, both in person and over the phone. If you’ll have a seat, I’ll be with you shortly.” Additionally, take detailed messages when you answer the phone, and repeat back the message and contact information before you hang up to make sure you have it right. Do answer the phone like a receptionist. Since they're often the first person a client or customer sees, another important factor for a receptionist is her attire. Plenty of companies—especially those operating in small, casual, or creative environments—are content to work without a formal dress code. Since receptionists are the face of the company, having a “can do” attitude creates the impression that the company is resourceful and reliable. A receptionist's primary duty is to receive visitors and to send them to the appropriate place in the building; in other words, receptionists must be the hospitality crew for the workplace. While dos are to be done, don’ts are to be avoided. DO inform candidates if a background check is part of the hiring process. Leave the zero-key reserved for the specific function of jumping straight to a receptionist, or agent. If you do not have the interviewer's direct phone number, make sure to clearly state who you are trying to reach to avoid any confusion or misdirection. DO treat hotel staff politely. After a winter hiatus since northern European Edinburgh piece, 10 Do's and Don'ts return by traveling south to Athens as in Athens, Greece not Georgia.We owe this guided tour of Athens to Alexandra Stratou. Now it’s the time to put your best foot forward. In an insightful article in Canadian Business, writers Andy Holloway, Erin Pooley and Thomas Watson proposed some invaluable dos and don’ts about how to make your retirement happy and fulfilling. A receptionist’s behavior is extremely important, even when she isn’t speaking directly to clients. Studying these 11 crucial second interview dos and don'ts can help you make a lasting impression on your interviewer while avoiding common interview missteps. DO prepare to ask intelligent questions about the job, the employer, or the industry . VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS: THE DOS AND DON'TS WHEN YOU TRAVEL IN VIETNAM DOs. If you’re busy when visitors enter, immediately smile and make eye contact with each one. Do use caution when dealing with food or other materials that could make a mess, especially on hot days. Accuracy is one of the most important attributes of an efficient receptionist. Receptionists have multiple responsibilities, which they must often juggle … Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. DO: Be prepared: Before your visit, make sure you have your insurance card and confirm that the office or hospital you plan to visit is in-network and accepts your insurance. Follow these “do’s and don’ts” before, during and after your next appointment to make the most out of your visit. Receptionists perform many duties, but their primary responsibility is to create an engaging and friendly atmosphere for the companies they represent. Both are interview killers! Speak clearly and cheerfully. Receptionists need to maintain the same level of professionalism as the other workers in the office. DO use one or the other, and be consistent throughout the whole script. If you still don’t have a formal policy, you’re not alone. Your staff should be familiar with the do’s and don’ts of all forms of communication so that they can best represent your company well. 2) Greet everybody you meet and see, with a smile. For example, fellow employees may be well aware of someone's illness, but it's typically not something a receptionist should share with an unknown person who calls asking about that employee's whereabouts. Refrain from speaking loudly or using off-color language. If your receptionist is boastful about his “brutal honesty” it might be harder for him to get tact down. They need to know proper phone etiquette. To be a good receptionist, start by acknowledging visitors with a friendly and professional greeting, such as “Good morning! Instead, say, “Let me find someone who can answer your question.” If you’re asked to do something you can’t do, say, “Let me find someone who can do that for you.” Regardless of your limitations, always try to assert your -- and by extension, the company’s -- capabilities. Speaking clearly and in a pleasant voice creates instant rapport and ensures the caller gets a good impression of you and your business. Basic Etiquettes Required for Hotel Staff, List of Front Office Staff Etiquettes and Manners, Food and Beverage Staff Etiquettes and Manners list, Always greet guest and colleagues with a smile, Maintain a friendly and pleasant expression. Even when it's the most entry-level position in a company, the job requires you to maintain a certain level of professionalism, and to follow certain rules of etiquette. There are several guidelines to follow when writing your resume that will make it clear, organized and comprehensive. Take care of the people on the phone first, and give an honest estimate as to how long they’ll have to hold. This should not be an excuse to be rude or to yell at them. DO practice answering the most common job interview questions, with a focus on answers customized for this employer and this job. To keep from feeling overwhelmed, focus on one person at a time. Since receptionists are typically the first people clients see or speak to, businesses are often judged based on the skills (or flaws) of their gatekeepers. It’s your special day—put it in the hands of a competent professional. Stand upright, do not fold your arms in front of the guest. Listen to why they are calling and get them scheduled. You may have piles of paper to work through, but these shouldn't be spread all over your reception area. Truth! You represent not only the talent agency that booked you but also your own brand, so do your prep work. Receptionists should always offer what they have -- even if it’s only a glass of water -- to create an atmosphere of professional warmth and hospitality. 1.DO prepare S-T-A-R answers. Try not to admit that you don’t know the answer to a client’s question. Keep personal calls and conversations to a minimum in the waiting area. Do focus on taking care of the new patient the right way. By Susan P. Joyce. As a job candidate, you go into every job interview interview with 2 goals: Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. All Business: Ten Tips on Greeting Office Visitors. Offer What You Have Second interviews can be challenging, but these second interview tips will help you get ready. Business Etiquette Rules for a Receptionist, Cite HR: Etiquette of Office Behaviour II -Art of Reception. Naturally, this means being friendly and welcoming, but also knowing which calls get sent to an employee's voice mail and which ones get directly connected to the receiver. What to Say at a Dental Receptionist's Interview→. It’s easy to get torn in opposite directions—her with her cousins, you with your brothers. Keep a clean and tidy desk, even if you have other tasks to do besides dealing with visitors. Congrats you have done it. You now … Receptionists should always try to treat customers the way they, themselves, would like to be treated. Do: Have a toast prepared. 8 Resume Do's and Don'ts November 23, 2020. Keep a notepad and pen with you at all times to write down client names, messages and special instructions. WHY – We expect to hear one or the other, so it’s confusing to the caller. "Do" Listen to the Caller's Request. —John Luchtel of University Plaza Hotel. Wife.) 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