If you are reading this article, you have an interest or need to find out about receptionist training. This article will help you by explaining the following things.
• Why you may need receptionist training.
• How to get training.
• What are the various types of training available?
• What are the benefits of being a trained receptionist?
• What is the downside of accepting a job as a receptionist without training?
• What things should you look for in a receptionist-training program?
• What things should you be wary of when looking for a training program?
Why you may need receptionist training?
A receptionist is the first person a visitor interacts with when calling or coming to the office. That first contact gives the visitor or caller a lasting impression that they assign to the entire company. The first impression usually determines how the visitor proceeds, or does not proceed in dealing with the company you work for.
That is a lot of responsibility. A properly trained receptionist can do the job with confidence, helpfulness and firmness all at the same time. Knowing how to do the job properly reduces stress on and allows contact with visitors and callers in the best possible manner. A company that cares about the products they sell, or the services they provide knows a trained receptionist is one of the most important administrative positions in the company.
What kinds of training are available and how do you get that training?
If you are applying for a position as receptionist there are several ways to get training. You can check to see if the company has its own in-house training programs. You can check online for vocational schools that have training specific for the position. You can locate a training program online. Distance learning has become a big industry in the last few years and there are online training programs for many types of positions.
What are the benefits of being a trained receptionist?
A trained receptionist is a valued member of the company. Training gives confidence that visitors and callers can sense. When you are well trained your value to the company increases. The appreciation they have for your work increases as well. The best jobs are those that employees love to do and have a passion for doing correctly. If not properly trained, you might not realize the importance of the receptionist position. Without that realization, you will not enjoy the job and not do the best job possible.
What is the downside of accepting a job as a receptionist without training?
Without proper training, you will not be capable of doing the job properly. Even if you have to pay for the training yourself, it will be worth the time, effort and money. Worse case, you could lose the job quickly if you do not know how to handle the position. If you cannot get training from the company or obtain yourself, it is better for everyone that you do not take the position.
What things should a receptionist training program cover?
A competent and useful training program for receptionists will cover the following topics.
• Definition of the position, the job description.
• The importance of the position of receptionist.
• The importance of speaking clearly, including tips on speaking clearly.
• The importance of the ability to listen, including how to listen.
• How to project a positing, helpful, friendly persona to callers and visitors.
• The importance of control, patience and remaining calm in any situation.
• How to dress for the position.
• Hands on role playing for the position
• Dealing with crisis.
• Dealing with emergencies.
• How to prioritize in busy periods.
• Appearance and organization of the receptionist work area.
• Telephone etiquette.
• Basic office skills, copy making, document destruction
• Receipt and dispatch of courier shipments.
• Basic computer skills
• Basic filing skills, how to alphabetize.
• Completion of training and certification – proof of training
Things to be wary of when looking for training.
It is always important to be diligent when planning to purchase or contract for any product or service. This is especially true for any type of training program. Here are some things to watch out for when looking for training.
• Avoid one day – fast certification – inexpensive (under $200) training programs
• Avoid training programs that cover topics unrelated to your position.
• Visit a training session to observe before signing up.
o Watch for preparedness of instructors
o Watch for attentiveness of trainees
o Watch for equipment that does not work or is missing
o Watch for off topic discussion time
• Are trainers certified or only there to help you work through course material by yourself?
• Avoid the use of unrelated video materials or sales pitches for more training.
• Watch out for programs with lack of training materials.
The information in this article should enable you to understand the importance of the position of receptionist. It should also help you pick a good training program or spot one that is a waste of time and money. Remember to do your job with a positive attitude and a passion for doing the best job you can do every day. If you look forward to work every single day, you will do the best job possible every day.