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Working Abroad Job Vacancies Job Hunting Guide Voluntary Work Working Part-time and Temping Useful Job Hunting Resources Working in Somerset Wages and Employment Rights Receptionists In Somerset CLCI: CAT CRCI: AD A receptionist is normally the first person you meet when you enter a company’s building. It’s a responsible job because first impressions are important. Apart from meeting and greeting people, the job can involve booking appointments, operating a telephone switchboard, word processing, taking minutes at meetings, handling cash, photocopying and sorting mail. To find out more look under the above CLCI/CRCI headings in your careers or Connexions library THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RECEPTIONISTS IN SOMERSET Throughout Somerset a wide range of companies and organisations employ receptionists. These include hospitals, schools, colleges, hotels, manufacturing companies, offices, councils, government departments, insurance companies, solicitors, accountants, medical centres and all sorts of other places. Virtually any big building has a receptionist. Jobs could be anywhere in towns, villages or the countryside. HOW DO I GET STARTED?   Get work experience when at school to see if it’s the career for you   Go to college full-time to do a business administration (or similar) course   Start as a trainee – or apprentice – and go to college as part of your job USEFUL QUALIFICATIONS   GCSEs in subjects like English and maths are required for some jobs   Business, administration and reception certificates and diplomas   Word processing, CLAIT, ECDL and IT qualifications   NVQs in business administration and/or customer service More about qualifications, courses and training can be found in Moving On (published by Connexions Somerset) DO YOU KNOW? You need to keep an eye on health and safety in your reception area. Unexpected things can happen in such a busy place! WHAT IS THE PAY LIKE? Around £80 per week (maybe more) if starting as a new employed trainee or apprentice. Most people start as receptionists when aged at least 18 with wages ranging from around £150 (at 18) to £250 or more (at age 21) FINDING A JOB   Connexions centres   Job centres   Through applying for work apprenticeships   School and college careers notice boards   Speculative letters/visits/emails   Newspaper and industry publications adverts   Adverts displayed at premises and on industry/company websites   Job offer after work experience   Word of mouth   A Guide to Job Hunting gives tips on CVs, interviews and job letters. To view click here OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS WORK   Some receptionists are on reception all the time. Others may share reception with colleagues on a rota basis   Jobs in hospitals, surgeries and other places open in the evenings and weekends mean you must be ready to work at these times   You need to be good with people and be able to handle awkward, unpleasant customers and callers   It can be stressful with things happening all at once   Most receptionists are aged at least 18. Maturity and experience are important   You have to be happy with telephone and computer systems and equipment   Being in a good mood all the time is an important asset! WHO DOES THE WORK? Karl (23) from Langport, works as a hospital receptionist. After GCSEs he did an apprenticeship in a local doctor’s surgery where he did general office work and gained NVQs in business administration and IT skills. Later Karl switched to reception work before getting his current job Traci (20) from Frome, is a hotel receptionist. After school Traci worked in a factory office where, because of her people skills, she was offered a job on reception. After a few months she saw an advert for a hotel job and successfully beat off lots of competition More info: A-Z of careers Careers information dates rapidly. Every effort has been made to ensure information is accurate but please check details before making firm decisions. Make text larger Make text smaller Text Only Display Privacy Policy/Terms of Use