Receptionist job?

Question

How often are employers willing to train someone to be a receptionist? I have no experience in this particular field but I've worked in a restaurant and A retail store (Fashion Bug).

Answer 1

Everyone prefers someone they can just drop into the chair and they'll know everything, but no matter what the job those candidates are as rare as unicorns. You have a fighting chance if you can relate your experience to the receptionist position.

So, in a restaurant or store, you'll likely have answered the phone, seated or directed customers, handled transactions and disputes, and minded the shop while people were out or you were short-handed. If you have some expertise in (usually) MS Office, say so loud and clear. Emphasize your diplomacy and professionalism, and therefore your suitability to be the first person at the company most callers and visitors encounter.

Your new employer will have to train anyone, experienced or not, on that particular office's policies and people, so it's to your advantage you won't be coming in with your own habits and affectations.

Good luck!