Hi there everybody!
My name is Richard McMunn from the career guidance company How2Become.com, and in this
training video I'm going to teach you how to pass your receptionist interview.
If you've got one coming up I strongly recommend you watch this video from beginning to end
because I'm going to give you 7 interview questions and suggested answers to prepare
for.
So, a very warm welcome to this training video.
As I say, that's me there on the right-hand side.
Richard McMunnn.
I've been helping people to pass their interviews for over 20 years now.
And in this particular video we are going to focus on your RECEPTIONIST INTERVIEW.
As always, if you haven't done so yet please do SUBSCRIBE to the channel by clicking the
red button below the video.
The benefit of that is you will then get notified as soon as I create other videos which I'm
doing all of the time, so you won't miss out.
And please also, if you do find these training video useful please give it a thumbs up!
In return, if you have a receptionist interview coming up please tell me the type in the comments
section below this video and I will give you a full list of interview questions to prepare
for.
Also, if you would like a copy of these slides to download for free and work on, please say
yes in the comments section below the video and I'll give you a link.
Okay, let's get straight to it.
The first question in my 7 top receptionist interview questions and answers.
Question number one.
“Tell me about yourself and why you think you are best suited to the role of a receptionist?”
Probably the first question you will get asked at your receptionist interview.
So here is my answer for you.
“I have studied the job description in detail and believe I have all the skills competencies
and experience required to perform the role of receptionist to an excellent standard.
Now I have a keen eye for detail.
I can be relied upon to organize my working day so that all tasks are achieved.
I will never miss a deadline and I will act as a positive role model for your organization.
I understand that the role of receptionist means I will, more often than not, be the
first point of contact for your customers and clients.
I am presentable.
I take my responsibilities seriously and I will always perform to a high standard regardless
of the task I am required to undertake.”
A brilliant response to that first question!
And it will get you off on the right foot.
Okay, let's move on to question number two.
In my 7 top receptionist interview questions and answers.
“How would you organize your working day as a receptionist?”
One of the key areas or key competencies to perform the role.
Well, as a receptionist you need to be organized so let's have a look at my sample response
for you to this question: “Being organized is perhaps the most important quality of a
competent receptionist.
To begin with, I would always create a list of tasks I was required to perform at the
end of every working week.
This means I would be fully prepared for the following week's work and I would know exactly
what I was going to do and how I was going to achieve it.
Preplanning is one of my key strengths and I would identify which tasks would need to
be done and in which order of priority.
Now, once the task was complete, I would take it off my checklist before moving on to the
next one.
In all my working life I have never missed a deadline, nor have I failed to achieve a
task for my employer.”
Another brilliant response and I'll give you these slides… please say “yes” in the
comments section below and I will give you a link.
OK here we go.
Question number three.
“How would you deal with a difficult or angry customer or client on the phone?”
So, as a receptionist you're going to have to have really good telephone skills and telephone
manners.
How do you deal with a difficult or angry customer or client on the phone?
Here's my suggested answer for you.
“First and foremost, I would always remain calm and focused on resolving the issue.
I would always follow my training and remember that I am representing your company.
Therefore, I would need to create a positive impression on the caller.
I would listen to their concerns or complaint and deal with it by investigating the problem
in line with company policy.
I would use effective listening skills and demonstrate empathy where appropriate.
Now whilst I would not tolerate any form of bullying, aggressive language or swearing
from a customer client, I would do my utmost to resolve any issues for them whilst acting
as a positive role model, and the first point of contact for the company.
Now if, in the unlikely event, I was not able to resolve the issue for them, I would seek
advice from my manager.”
Great comprehensive response!
Moving on: question number four.
“Describe a time when you have multi-tasked whilst at work?”
So, you and I know, that to be a competent receptionist, you have to multitask, do lots
of things all at once.
So, here's my suggested answer to that receptionist interview question.
“I have plenty of multitasking experience in previous jobs and understand that is a
key part of the receptionist role.
I can remember one particular day my previous job where I was required to answer the telephone,
operate the online booking system, checking customers as and when they arrived at reception
area whilst also completing an important time sensitive project for my manager.
Now, throughout the working day I prioritize the tasks effectively, remain calm during
the busy periods and always operate with a smile and a happy persona.
The key to multitasking effectively is to always prioritize the tasks appropriately
whilst maintaining a high level of professionalism and conduct.”
So, if you use these responses during your interview, you're gonna be getting high marks,
I can assure you of that!
Question number five.
“Are you a flexible employee and would you work overtime as a receptionist?”
Now there is only one response to this, so we don't just want to say “yes, I am flexible”,
we want to explain why.
Here's my answer to this receptionist interview question.
Here we go.
“I would 100 percent be willing to work overtime.
I understand the role of a receptionist is to have a flexible approach to work.
It's not the type of job where you can just pack up and go home at the end of the working
day when you're in the middle of even dealing with a customer.
Or, if you're in the middle of an important project.
I am most definitely a flexible employee.
My life outside of work means I would be available to help out by working overtime, if and when
the need arises.”
A great, punchy response!
Question number six: “What do you think are the top three essential qualities of a
receptionist?”
So, this assesses your understanding of the role.
Here we go.
“I would say the top three essential qualities of a receptionist are an ability to multitask,
an ability to prioritize tasks accordingly, and also an ability to act as a positive role
model for your employer.
Now, without multitasking skills you would fail as a receptionist; without an ability
to prioritize tasks important jobs will not get completed, and without the ability to
act as a positive role model for the company, the organization would suffer and possibly
lose business.”
So, what you're doing there is you are demonstrating you understand what the qualities are, and
you could say there's no right or wrong answer to those but those are my top three for sure
that I recommend you use.
But you are also demonstrating a deeper understanding of why they are important in the receptionist's
role.
Here we go.
Question number 7 “Why should we give you the job of a receptionist over the other applicants?”
Here's my answer.
“I feel strongly I am the best candidate for a number of reasons first.
Having studied the job description, I have the skills qualities and attributes to perform
the role to an outstanding level.
Second, I understand you need someone in this role who will represent your business in a
positive light.
I will do that for you.
And third, I am a hardworking, dedicated, enthusiastic and loyal person who can be trusted
to look after your clients and customers the way you want them to be looked after.
If you give me the opportunity I will not let you down.”
A great answer!
Now, if you want more free interview training interview questions and answers, I have something
for you.
If you click the link below the video or go to the website PassMyInterview.com, you can
get free access to my online training course.
There’s about 54 training modules on there and if you've got a receptionist interview
coming up, or any other kind of interview, I strongly recommend you do that and get access
to that.
And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE.
I hope you've enjoyed the video.
Don't forget, you've got an interview coming up, tell me what it is in the comments section
below and I'll give you a list of questions to prepare for.
Thanks as always for giving the video thumbs up.
I really appreciate it - it motivates me to do more.
If you want to connect with me on LinkedIn, have a look in the description below the video.
Just connect with me on there and I wish you all the very best in your pursuit passing
your interview.
Thank you for watching.