Receptionist job description
Cloutra team · Last updated October 12, 2026
A receptionist welcomes visitors, answers the phone and keeps the front desk running smoothly. Use this receptionist job description template to attract qualified candidates, and adjust the duties and requirements to fit your office.
Receptionist responsibilities include:
- Greeting visitors and directing them to the right person
- Answering and routing phone calls and messages
- Handling mail, scheduling and front desk administration
Job brief
We are looking for a Receptionist to manage our front desk and be the first point of contact for visitors and callers.
In this role you will greet guests, answer and route calls, handle mail and deliveries, and help with scheduling and general office tasks. You will work with people across the company, so you will need to know who does what and where to send each request.
To succeed, you should be welcoming, organized and dependable, with a professional manner on the phone and in person.
Responsibilities
- Greet visitors, sign them in and let the right person know they have arrived
- Answer, screen and route incoming phone calls
- Take accurate messages and pass them on promptly
- Respond to general questions in person, by phone and by email
- Receive, sort and distribute mail and deliveries
- Schedule appointments and book meeting rooms
- Keep the reception area tidy and stocked with supplies
- Follow visitor and building security procedures
- Update contact lists, calendars and visitor records
- Help with filing, data entry and other office tasks as needed
Requirements and skills
- Proven experience as a Receptionist, front desk assistant or in a similar role
- Professional and welcoming manner in person and on the phone
- Clear written and spoken communication
- Good working knowledge of email, calendars and office software
- Experience with multi-line phone systems and office equipment
- Strong organization and the ability to handle interruptions
- Discretion with confidential information
- High school diploma or equivalent experience
Hiring a receptionist?
Paste this job description into Cloutra. Its agents score every resume against it, run the first-round interview with each candidate, and write up the evidence. You review it and decide.
Frequently asked questions
What does a receptionist do?
A receptionist welcomes visitors, answers and routes phone calls, handles mail and deliveries, and takes care of basic administrative tasks at the front desk.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a receptionist?
Typical duties include greeting and signing in visitors, answering calls, taking messages, sorting mail, scheduling appointments, booking meeting rooms and keeping the reception area in order.
What makes a good receptionist?
A good receptionist is friendly, organized and reliable, communicates clearly, stays composed when the desk is busy and treats confidential information with care.
Who does a receptionist work with?
Receptionists usually report to an office manager or administrative manager. They work with employees across the company, and with visitors, clients, vendors and delivery staff.