Receptionist

In the construction industry, receptionists act as the first point of contact for clients, subcontractors and suppliers. As a receptionist, you’ll be at the forefront of the organisation, greeting guests and contractors, and responding to phone and email enquiries. You’ll need excellent people skills to provide high-quality customer service.

Office
Digital-IT
Secondary qualifications
Very organised

What does a receptionist do?

As a receptionist you could be:

Greeting visitors and handling enquiries
Answering the telephone promptly and courteously
Responding to emails
Organising incoming and outgoing post and deliveries
Carrying out basic clerical duties
Updating database records
Booking transport and making travel arrangements
Maintaining the reception area
Managing the visitors book and distributing security passes
Providing refreshments
Organising meeting rooms
Dealing with payments and invoices

How to become a receptionist

There are several routes to becoming a receptionist. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a college course or apprenticeship. You may also be able to apply directly to an employer if you have relevant skills.

You should explore the options to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options will list qualification requirements many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer business administration courses. You could study for a Level 1 Certificate in Business and Administration.

Traineeship

If you are aged between 16 and 24 you may be eligible for a traineeship. This is a short course (2 weeks - 6 months) which helps you to gain work experience in your chosen role.

Find out more about traineeships

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship in business administration is a good way to start on your career path into the construction industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Work

If you have experience in customer service or administration you may be able to apply directly for receptionist vacancies. Many employers will then provide further training to help you in your career path.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a receptionist. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone looking to become a receptionist include:

Excellent administration skills
Customer service skills
Confident using a computer
Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Excellent attention to detail
Sensitivity and understanding
Strong verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

England

To become a Receptionist, you could complete a:

Level 1 Certificate in Business and Administration (office administration).

You'll need:

2 or GCSEs at grades 3 - 1 or equivalent.

Scotland

To become a Receptionist, you could complete a:

SCQF Level 5 Office Skills and Services.
PDA Office Administration SCQF Level 7

You'll need:

2 or GCSEs at grades D - G or equivalent.

Wales

To become a Receptionist, you could complete a:

Level 1 Certificate in Business and Administration (office administration).

You'll need:

2 or GCSEs at grades 3 - 1 or equivalent.

How much could you earn as a receptionist?

The expected salary for a receptionist varies as you become more experienced.

Newly trained receptionists can start at £19000
Trained with experience receptionists can earn up to £31000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources