Receptionist Interview Questions

Receptionists will be asked to take on a number of clerical roles in the office, including answering phone calls, scheduling appointments and working face-to-face with customers. Employers are looking for candidates with excellent organisational skills and who know how to maintain a positive, helpful attitude in the workplace. In an interview, you may be asked about any bookkeeping or scheduling experience you have. Be prepared with personal anecdotes about instances when you satisfied a frustrated customer or worked around a scheduling conflict.

9,610 Receptionist interview questions shared by candidates

Top Receptionist Interview Questions & How To Answer

Here are three top receptionist interview questions and tips on how to answer them:

Question No. 1: How do you keep up with a fast-paced work environment?

How to answer: An interviewer wants to know you can handle a busy work environment. When asked this question, make sure you share the receptionist skills that make you well suited for fast-paced work, including your abilities to multitask, stay organised and communicate clearly.

Question No. 2: How do you deal with a difficult customer?

How to answer: When an interviewer asks how you deal with a difficult customer, they want to know if you can stay professional in stressful situations. When you answer this question, make sure you explain how you would maintain a personable and respectful demeanour while helping a difficult customer.

Question No. 3: What are the most important qualities for a receptionist to have?

How to answer: Refer to the job description when answering this question. It is likely that the description will mention organisation, so make sure you mention things such as strategic planning, attention to detail and time management in your answer.

Top Interview Questions

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Administrative Assistant- Receptionist was asked...10 August 2012

How would you handle a situation where you have a client who interrupt your existing interaction with a client?

13 Answers

I apologize and ask him or her to please step in line and I’ll be right with them. If they interrupt I say understand completely and look for a manager. If there isn’t one available, I’d ask for the source of their urgency. If it’s just them being difficult without an interest in telling me their issue I’d tell them I’ll be with them shortly, I just have to help another customer. Really it helps to keep things short and simple, moving along as quickly as possible with other tasks at hand. Less

I politely tell the client who interrupted to please standby and that I will be able to answer their questions/handle their issues shortly. If they need immediate attention I will call a member of the team to assist. Less

I would kindly tell the client to please give me one second. I will answer their question in a timely manner. I would explained I am speaking to a client; if needed assistance immediately I can get a team member to help them. Less

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Trainerspace

Tell me about your redundancy (if appropriate) or why do you want to leave your present employer?

11 Answers

Just told them the truth that I was looking for a job change and why.

I am working as an independent contractor. I have a lot of Front Desk experience, from Hotels and Country Clubs. I think that my experience and drive, will make me an asset to your company. I would be delighted to introduce myself in person and discuss this wonderful position. Less

I have been working in The Hospitality Industry for many years , in Hotels as well Country Clubs. Now I am an independent contractor and work on several projects at this time. I am looking to go back to my roots, which is being a Front Desk Receptionist. Less

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Life Care Centers of America

Tell us about yourself? Are you currently working? Do you have transportation?

8 Answers

answered honestly.

Yes part-time

Yes, I have transportation and am available to work part time hours/schedule. I got certified as a certified caregiver. I’m not going, friendly, compassionate, dependable, etc. Less

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Accor

If I hire you, how long will you stay in the company?

8 Answers

Life time

7year

7 years

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Four Seasons

Tell me about yourself

6 Answers

They are not asking your full name or age. Just tell them how you paved your academic and professional pathway up to now. Less

i m from sri lanka , 27 old i m working as chef,

my name is shankar chaudhary currently i am working on Anantara Hotel Resort & Spa, Doha Qatar as Airport Representative. i have done HSEB on Commerce and Hotel Management form Nepal. i have almost 6 year working experience on Lux* hotels and another 6 years on Computer operator. I have my wife in my family in Nepal. Less

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Greenwich Hospital

Experience with patients and customer service skills

6 Answers

Excellent customer service

I had many years of experience

I am a young bilingual certified medical assistant ready to find a job match in my area i am full of motivation quick adapter full of respect and car Less

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HBO

Do you get star struck?

6 Answers

No I have worked with high profile clients majority of my career. I take pride in always staying professional Less

No I don’t get starstruck it’s all about maturity When I need to get my job don’t I do what I need to and make sure all my task is done on point. Less

No. Entainers are similar to the average person, they want to get in do what has to be done. Less

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Sky

Generic. Asked me what I thought I would bring to the company.

6 Answers

I am young and energetic and communicate with other easily

Young ,energetic and educated person

Young ,energetic and communicable

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Cobbs Ford Pet Health Center

What is something that you can bring to this company?

5 Answers

Great people skills

Hard work and dedication

Friendly, great people person!

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Honda

Do you have any experience?

5 Answers

Yes

Yes I have experience with reception, sales, ect.

Yes I have experience dealing with customers.

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