Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Receptionist
What receptionists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Open the front desk, check voicemail and review today’s appointments. From there, the day usually includes greet visitors and check them in, answer, screen and route phone calls, and schedule and confirm appointments. Most work full-time business hours. Part-time, evening and weekend shifts are common in salons, gyms and healthcare.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a receptionist working full time.
- Open the front desk, check voicemail and review today’s appointments.
- Greet clients and notify staff when visitors arrive.
- Answer a busy phone line and transfer calls.
- Schedule appointments and send confirmations.
- Sign for deliveries and distribute mail.
- Update the visitor log and restock brochures.
- Forward phones to the after-hours service and close the desk.
Where receptionists work
Receptionists work in offices, clinics, salons, hotels, dealerships, schools and other organizations, usually at a front desk. The work is mostly seated with constant interaction.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time business hours. Part-time, evening and weekend shifts are common in salons, gyms and healthcare.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Greet visitors and check them in
- Answer, screen and route phone calls
- Schedule and confirm appointments
- Take messages and relay information
- Sort mail and manage deliveries
- Maintain a clean, organized reception area
- Handle basic data entry and filing
Tools you’ll use every day
- Multi-line phone systems
- Scheduling and visitor software
- Email and calendar tools
- Copiers and scanners
- Badge printers
- CRM or appointment systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Easy entry with on-the-job training
- Steady indoor work
- Every industry needs receptionists
- Stepping stone to admin roles
What’s hard
- Repetitive tasks
- Handling difficult callers
- Being tied to the desk
- Modest pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like meeting people
- I have a friendly, professional manner
- I can handle phones and visitors at once
- I like keeping things organized
- I want to start working quickly
- I’d like to grow in an office career
Not sure? Take the free Receptionist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow building security and visitor procedures
- Know emergency and evacuation plans
- Keep the reception area clear of tripping hazards
- Protect confidential information on screens and papers