It could be said that receptionists have the most difficult role in the staffing agency. Not only do they need to be capable of doing 27 things at once, they need to be consistently dependable, positive, loyal and discrete – all while paying close attention to detail.
The receptionist must be able to juggle a wide variety of personality types, especially if the office welcomes walk-ins. He or she has to handle the frustrated, downtrodden, exhausted job seeker who has been into multiple agencies that day only to be presented with another lengthy application.
They must also be able to prattle off an answer to that 60 million dollar question they’ll get a hundred times every day: Do you have any jobs available?
While they may not make a million bucks, a receptionist must look like a million bucks. A neat, well-groomed appearance along with a trendy wardrobe is often expected.
A receptionist in jeans and a t-shirt isn’t going to impress a job candidate or potential customer. The staffing agency’s entire image could hinge on the appearance of the receptionist.
But making a great first impression is only a portion of their job duties. Receptionists manage workflow, ensuring each recruiter is adequately equipped throughout the day with supplies. They carry out candidate background checks, scheduling, candidate calls — not to mention the occasional sales call!
Given how important the receptionist role is within the staffing agency, it may not be surprising to note that many staffing companies are reevaluating how they consider this job title. No longer considered ‘dead end,’ the receptionist is often the doorway to a long career in staffing and recruiting.
Many excellent recruiters began as receptionists who took the time to familiarize themselves with the agency’s workflow and administration.
No one knows how difficult this job is more than former receptionists. How many of you recruiters out there started your staffing career as receptionists? Leave your story in the comments below!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a great post. It always amazes me how much our receptionist has to know about the industry. Its far from just passing calls around, they’re a key element in the candidate experience. There is hardly a minute where a call isn’t coming into the office, and the receptionist is often responsible for being versed enough to handle these questions. The great thing is this work certainly doesn’t go unnoticed, its been a great stepping stone into advancement in the company. The knowledge gained from being a good staffing receptionist translates well into a solid career in this industry. Glad to see you gave them some recognition.
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great points…Alex, TempWorks receptionist, is great btw
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This is very true! Receptionists sometimes get overlooked at a company. One thing to note about the receptionist is that they basically hear EVERYTHING! Most people casually stop by the front desks in the morning to talk about their day, life or to “vent” about things going on at work. Warning: Receptionists know all!
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Please allow me to say as a “Career Receptionist”… 24 yrs and counting,
I have worked everywhere from a 5 start Hotel to one of the top Law Firms in the US. And the roll of a receptionist Is quite an honor; Where I get to command the stage for the company. With my Warm, Beautiful Smile… and “Polished Professional Attire” to the Delightful Smile in my Voice… I get to shine and make people happy everyday, It’s pure joy ! As a receptionist we are also required to handle various responsibilities and wear many hats … Administrative Assistant, Junior Para Legal, Supply Clerk, First Aide Nurse, to an Encourager and the list goes on and on. And although we are often the least considered in our roll as the
“Companies Ambassador” I still would not change it for the world;)
So glad someone is out here speaking up for us.
Have a Wonderful Day!
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