20 Receptionist Interview
Questions & Answers
(How to PASS a RECEPTIONIST interview!)

Receptionist Job Description & Person Specification

Receptionists are an integral part of any organization and to perform the role to the required standard you need a unique set of skills. The main tasks of a Receptionist include: welcoming visitors to the establishment and signing them into the visitors book/log; taking telephone calls and dealing with queries in an efficient manner; managing diaries and bookings; taking payments over the telephone and in person; responding to queries in fast and efficient manner; organising meetings and taking meeting minutes as and when required, and also carrying out general administrative tasks as required by your company manager or Director.

Receptionist Qualities and Attributes

• Manage multiple tasks concurrently to a high standard;
• Deal with customer, visitor and client queries professionally;
• Be able to work under pressure to complete difficult tasks;
• Concentrate on mundane and monotonous tasks on a daily basis;
• Be the initial point of contact for all telephone queries;
• Act as a positive role model for the organization and be representative of the company brand;
• Have a thorough understanding of any key products or services you may have to deal with;
• Direct people to the relevant departments as and when required;
• Follow strict rules and procedures as needed;
• Have strong computer skills and be able to work with all Microsoft applications;
• Work collaboratively with other members of the team to complete all tasks competently.

3 THINGS YOU ‘MUST DO’ BEFORE A RECEPTIONIST INTERVIEW!

If you have a receptionist interview coming up, it’s CRUCIAL you prepare properly. Receptionists play a vital role in any organization, and employers want to hire someone who is professional, organized, and excellent at customer service. In this article, I will give you THREE essential things you MUST do before your interview to make sure you impress the hiring manager and secure the job!

1. RESEARCH THE COMPANY & UNDERSTAND THE ROLE

Before your interview, spend time researching the company. Look at their website, social media pages, and recent news. What do they do? Who are their clients? What are their values? Knowing this information will allow you to answer questions like:

✅ “Why do you want to work here?”

✅ “What do you know about our company?”

✅ “How would you represent our brand as a receptionist?”

Additionally, study the job description carefully. Identify the key skills required—such as customer service, organization, and communication—and prepare examples of how you meet these requirements.

2. PRACTICE COMMON RECEPTIONIST INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

There are certain questions that always come up in receptionist interviews, including all 20 on this page. Prepare STRONG answers to:

✔️ “Tell me about yourself.”

✔️ “How would you handle a difficult customer?”

✔️ “What would you do if you were managing multiple phone calls at once?”

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your skills effectively.

3. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY & ARRIVE EARLY

First impressions matter! Wear smart, professional attire—nothing too flashy, but polished and well-groomed. Plan your journey to the interview location and arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to show punctuality and reliability.

Follow these three steps, and you will give yourself the BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE of securing the receptionist job. Good luck! 🚀