Receptionists and Information Clerks

What the job really is

Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.

At a glance

• Sector: Office & Administrative
• O*NET-SOC code: 43-4171
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
• Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
• Receive payment and record receipts for services.
• Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
• Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
• Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
• File and maintain records.
• Provide information about establishment, such as location of departments or offices, employees within the organization, or services provided.
• Perform administrative support tasks, such as proofreading, transcribing handwritten information, or operating calculators or computers to work with pay records, invoices, balance sheets, or other documents.
• Collect, sort, distribute, or prepare mail, messages, or courier deliveries.
• Perform duties, such as taking care of plants or straightening magazines to maintain lobby or reception area.
• Analyze data to determine answers to questions from customers or members of the public.

Tools and technology

Google Docs, Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, 3M Post-it App, Alpha Software Alpha Five, Appointment scheduling software, Automated information system software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
• Office Clerks, General
• Customer Service Representatives
• Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
• Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
• Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
• Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
• Counter and Rental Clerks

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Receptionists and Information Clerks — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.