To become a receptionist with no experience, highlight transferable skills from previous volunteer, extracurricular, or work experiences, use contacts for referrals, register with temp agencies, and pursue employment opportunities for high school and college students. Short-term assignments and student worker positions can also provide experience.
Becoming a receptionist with no experience involves illustrating similar skills in previous volunteer, extracurricular, or work experiences; using contacts to get a referral; and registering with temp agencies, as well as pursuing employment opportunities extended to high school and college students. While past jobs did not involve receptionist duties, skills such as effective communication, organization and telephone experience can be highlighted. Passing by a supervisor, family member or acquaintance can also present opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. If persistent, a keen candidate can gain experience through short-term assignments at a temp agency, or as a student employee in a high school or college referral program, among other options.
You can use your previous volunteer, extracurricular, and professional experience to illustrate receptionist-related skills, even if you’ve never held that specific position. For example, volunteering at an animal shelter might involve answering the phone, or maybe you have the phone at the school band office at one point. Any student extracurricular or government activities, especially those where you’ve demonstrated communication, leadership, and telephone or organizational skills, can help. If you don’t have any of these experiences, volunteering at an organization you care about or working on an internship can give you a head start.
Not all positions are filled with job offers, and an employer may be willing to hire an inexperienced receptionist based on a positive referral from a trusted colleague or acquaintance. Contacting family, friends, and teachers, as well as volunteer supervisors, can be helpful. This works especially well when the person referring you knows your work ethic and personality.
Employment agencies that work with companies with temporary staff may sometimes hire an inexperienced receptionist and assign her to a short-term “trial” assignment to assess performance. Access to these opportunities requires registering with the agency, taking any skills assessment tests and completing an interview. You can notify the team of your intention to gain receptionist experience and willingness to accept short-term or entry-level positions to do so. If assigned a short-term opportunity, showing up on time, following all agency instructions, and being friendly and professional can help you land another assignment, adding to your experience.
A school that hires a student worker often offers an opportunity to an inexperienced receptionist. A secondary school may offer opportunities for part-time jobs in the community through a partnership or recruiting program, and most universities hire a multitude of students for study and employment positions. School departments are more likely to accept candidates with little or no experience, focusing on volunteer experience, class schedule and people skills in hiring decisions. These opportunities often require applying to the student employment office, and hours may be limited due to policies and funding.
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