6 Skills and Traits Employers Want in a Receptionist

6 Skills and Traits Employers Want in a Receptionist Over one million receptionist jobs exist in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for administrative professionals extends across most industries, from general practical medical clinics to Realtor offices. If youre looking for a job as a receptionist, sharpen these seven skills to give yourself a competitive advantage.1. OrganizationWhether theyre booking travel arrangements for executives, populating spreadsheets with data, greeting visitors, or answering phones, receptionists must stay on top of their to-do lists. Sometimes this means moving from one task to another at a moments notice.Exhibit your organizational skills by arriving for interviews on time. Take notes when you meet with employers to show that you value organization in your work life.2. FriendlinessReceptionists serve as the public faces of the companies that employ them. They welcome visitors through the front door, offer guests refreshments, and connect callers to the appropriate par ty.When interviewing for a job, show prospective employers your ability to put others at ease. A smile, a firm handshake, and a friendly personality help grease the wheels of employment.3. Active ListeningAccording to Psychology Today, social media and other influences have shortened attention spans to as few as 20 seconds. A receptionist needs active listening skills to quickly process requests from visitors and superiors.To improve your active listening skills, maintain eye contact with correspondents and ask clarifying questions. Remember the names of people with whom you speak and refer to them by name every so often to demonstrate your attentiveness.4. Technology AdaptabilitySeveral years ago, a receptionist who could create spreadsheets and respond to email could hold his or her own in this position. Now, however, receptionists use dozens of different software applications. They might manage their employers social media accounts or access web-based accounting programs.With the wide variety of computer solutions available to employers, you cant easily anticipate which program youll need to use on the job. Focus instead on familiarizing yourself with technology in general. Use the computer frequently and increase your comfort level with the user interfaces of different programs.5. MemoryHave you ever walked into a business, such as your bank or supermarket, and responded with a smile when an employee greeted you by name? Memory skills serve receptionists well because a good memory allows them to respond to and even anticipate others needs.If you suffer from frequent forgetfulness, start carrying a pad of paper and a pen wherever you go. Jot down notes to help you remember key details. Not only can you refer to your notes later, but actively writing down key information makes it more likely to stick in your mind. The U.S. Air Force reports that people remember 90 percent of the things they do (versus 75 percent of what they see and 20 percent of what they hear).6. CommunicationReceptionists write emails, answer phone calls, dictate memos, and meet with customers. They articulate messages between colleagues and correspond with business associates. All of these activities require advanced communication skills.If you struggle with communication, develop a familiar script for communicating with others. For example, when you greet visitors, use similar language to welcome them, ask them what they need, and invite them to sit down.

Intermediate Level Reading Comprehension

Intermediate Level Reading Comprehension The following intermediate level reading comprehension exercise focuses on the tourism industry, in particular on vocabulary related to accommodations. Valley View Camping Ground Many seasoned tourists find they dont like staying in hotels, and that they prefer to avoid large cities. Does this description fit you? If the answer is yes, The Mountain View Camping Ground is for you. Our camping grounds overlook the spectacular Hampson Valley. We rent tents, bungalows, and roulettes. If DIY yourself is your style bring your own tents or roulettes. All guests enjoy access to cooking facilities, bathrooms with bathing facilities, and a playground for the children. Our panoramic setting offers a wide variety of recreation activities as well as inspiring views of the mountains. Chisom, a quaint summer-resort village, is just 10 minutes by car. Take advantage of the many entertainments, shopping and relaxation opportunities including fitness centers, laundry/valet services, solariums and much more. Have lunch in one of the many restaurants and savor the tasty local cuisine. Mountain View Camping Ground offers fun, relaxation and opportunities for all types of outdoor activities. Call us today to find out how we can make your next holiday perfect. Key Vocabulary Bathing facilities- a place to take a shower or a bath and washBungalow- a small, detached type of accommodationCamping grounds- an area where people can use their tents, roulettes, etc. to campCuisine- style of cookingDIY- do it yourselfFitness centers- a place to get in shapeLaundry/Valet- a shop which will clean your clothesPlayground- a place where children can playQuaint- charmingRecreation- free time activityRoulette- a camperSeasoned tourist- a tourist who has traveled a lotTasty- very good foodTent- a portable enclosure made of cloth in which people can sleepTo avoid- to try to not do somethingTo fit someone- to be appropriate for someoneTo overlook- to have a view ofTo savor- to enjoy greatly Comprehension Quiz 1. What type of tourist is described at the beginning of the reading? A first-time touristAn old touristA tourist who has traveled a lot 2. The camping grounds overlook: A tall mountainAn area between mountainsA city center 3. What type of accommodation can you not bring with you? A rouletteA tentA bungalow 4. Who cooks dinner? The guestsThe chef at the camping ground restaurantDoesnt say 5. What does Valley View offer besides the inspiring views? Laundry/valet servicesA fitness centerRecreation activities 6. Where can tourists try the local cuisine? At Valley View Camping GroundIn ChisomIn a bungalow Comprehension Quiz Answers 1. What type of tourist is described at the beginning of the reading? ANSWER: A tourist who has traveled a lot 2. The camping grounds overlook: ANSWER: An area between mountains 3. What type of accommodation can you not bring with you? ANSWER: A bungalow 4. Who cooks dinner? ANSWER: The guests 5. What does Valley View offer besides the inspiring views? ANSWER: Recreation activities 6. Where can tourists try the local cuisine? ANSWER: In Chisom