Part-Time Receptionist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In our modern, fast-paced world, the demand for part-time receptionists is growing exponentially.

In every industry, businesses are seeking out warm, welcoming individuals who can manage their front desks, provide excellent customer service, and keep their operations running smoothly.

But what does it truly mean to be a part-time receptionist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the responsibilities and expectations of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to draft the perfect job description,
• Or simply curious about the day-to-day tasks of a part-time receptionist,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we are presenting a tailor-made part-time receptionist job description template, ideal for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Part-Time Receptionist Duties and Responsibilities

Part-Time Receptionists are usually the first point of contact for visitors to a business.

They provide basic information, direct calls and visitors, and perform administrative duties to support the day-to-day operations of the business.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Greeting visitors and directing them to the appropriate person or department
• Answering and directing phone calls to the appropriate recipients
• Providing basic information about the business, such as operating hours and location
• Maintaining a clean and organized reception area
• Receiving, sorting, and distributing mail and deliveries
• Scheduling appointments and maintaining calendars for staff members
• Assisting with administrative tasks such as filing, photocopying, and data entry
• Processing payments for services or products, if necessary

 

Part-Time Receptionist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a friendly and organized part-time receptionist to join our team.

In this role, you will greet visitors, answer incoming phone calls, respond to emails, and manage appointments.

The ideal candidate has excellent communication and multitasking skills, a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.

Ultimately, the part-time receptionist’s duties and responsibilities are to ensure the front desk welcomes guests positively, and executes all administrative tasks to the highest quality standards.

 

Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome guests as soon as they arrive at the office
• Direct visitors to the appropriate person and office
• Answer, screen and forward incoming phone calls
• Ensure reception area is tidy and presentable, with all necessary stationery and material
• Provide basic and accurate information in-person and via phone/email
• Receive, sort and distribute daily mail/deliveries
• Maintain office security by following safety procedures and controlling access via the reception desk
• Perform other clerical receptionist duties such as filing, photocopying, transcribing and faxing

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a receptionist, front office representative or similar role
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Hands-on experience with office equipment (e.g. fax machines and printers)
• Professional attitude and appearance
• Solid written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise
• Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks
• High school degree; additional certification in Office Management is a plus

 

Benefits

• Flexible hours
• Employee discount
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Part-Time Receptionist
• Work Environment: Professional office setting
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Office Manager or Front Desk Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $14 minimum to $20 maximum per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Part-Time Receptionist Do?

A Part-Time Receptionist typically works in a variety of sectors including healthcare, hospitality, and corporate businesses.

They work shorter hours or fewer days compared to a full-time receptionist.

The main responsibility of a Part-Time Receptionist is to handle front office reception and administration duties, including greeting guests, answering phones, handling company inquiries, and sorting and distributing mail.

They may also schedule meetings and travel for executives, maintain office supply inventory, and keep the reception area tidy.

A Part-Time Receptionist is often the first point of contact for clients or customers.

Thus, they are tasked with providing excellent customer service, making visitors feel welcome and addressing inquiries or concerns promptly and professionally.

In addition to their reception duties, they may be required to assist with various administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, and document preparation, depending on the needs of the organization.

Their job role may also involve liaising with other staff members and departments to ensure smooth office operations.

 

Part-Time Receptionist Qualifications and Skills

A Part-Time Receptionist requires several skills and qualifications to effectively manage the front desk and provide superior customer service, such as:

• Excellent communication skills to interact with clients, staff, and visitors professionally and politely.
• Time management skills to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently.
• Organizational skills to manage files, records, and documents systematically.
• Proficiency in using office equipment like printers, fax machines, and multi-line telephone systems.
• Customer service skills to welcome and assist visitors, address their inquiries, and ensure their comfort while waiting.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge in using office software like Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected issues or complaints.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in tasks such as scheduling appointments and taking messages.

 

Part-Time Receptionist Experience Requirements

A Part-Time Receptionist may be an entry-level role, so the experience requirements may not be extensive.

Candidates often need to have customer service experience, which could be gained in retail, hospitality, or other customer-facing roles.

This helps develop their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of customer needs.

Some employers may require candidates to have experience in a similar role, often 1 to 2 years, where they have performed duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, or managing office supplies.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience in reception or administrative roles may have developed their organizational skills, multi-tasking abilities, and familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office or scheduling systems.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have gained some managerial skills, having been responsible for training new staff members or overseeing the smooth running of a reception area.

They may be ready for a senior receptionist or office manager position.

Experience with specific industries, such as medical or legal, may also be required for some roles, as these positions often require knowledge of industry-specific terminology, procedures, or software systems.

 

Part-Time Receptionist Education and Training Requirements

A Part-Time Receptionist typically requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Some roles may require or prefer candidates with an associate’s degree or a certificate in office administration or a related field.

They should have a basic understanding of office management systems and procedures, and basic bookkeeping knowledge would be advantageous.

Receptionists require strong communication skills since they are the first point of contact for clients and customers.

They should also have a good understanding of customer service.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other office equipment like printers, fax machines and phone systems is typically required.

Receptionists may also need to be familiar with industry-specific software.

For example, a medical receptionist may need to be familiar with Electronic Health Records systems.

Some companies may provide on-the-job training to familiarize the receptionist with company-specific software or procedures.

Although not required, many receptionists pursue advanced courses in customer service, office administration, or specific software to improve their skills and knowledge.

 

Part-Time Receptionist Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Part-Time Receptionist is $12.75 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on experience, location, and the company employing the receptionist.

 

Part-Time Receptionist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a part-time receptionist need?

A part-time receptionist should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to deal with different individuals on a daily basis.

They should have good organizational skills to manage various tasks and schedules.

Basic computer proficiency, including a good understanding of email and office software, is also necessary.

Additionally, good problem-solving skills are important for handling any unforeseen issues or emergencies that may arise.

 

Do part-time receptionists need a degree?

A degree is not always necessary for a part-time receptionist role.

However, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually required.

Some businesses may prefer candidates with a degree or diploma in a related field such as business administration or secretarial studies.

Relevant experience in customer service or administration can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a part-time receptionist resume?

A good part-time receptionist resume should showcase a candidate’s administrative skills, customer service experience, and communication abilities.

Certifications in office management or relevant software applications can also be a plus.

Look for previous experience in a similar role or industry, as this will indicate that the candidate is familiar with the responsibilities of the job.

 

What qualities make a good part-time receptionist?

A good part-time receptionist is friendly, professional, and able to handle multiple tasks at once.

They should be comfortable dealing with people, both in person and over the phone.

Attention to detail is also a crucial quality, as they often handle important administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and managing customer records.

Reliability and punctuality are also important, as they play a key role in the smooth operation of the office.

 

Are there any specific software skills a part-time receptionist should have?

Part-time receptionists should be comfortable using office software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Depending on the specifics of the job, they may also need to be familiar with scheduling software, customer relationship management (CRM) software, or other specialized applications used by the business.

Basic computer literacy and the ability to learn new software quickly are also valuable skills.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an insider’s look into the life of a part-time receptionist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about answering phones and greeting guests.

It’s about becoming the face of the organization, setting the tone for every interaction that takes place.

With our definitive part-time receptionist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this pivotal role.

But why stop there?

Delve further into the world of job descriptions with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards designing precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every greeting, every call answered, every appointment scheduled is part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the face of your organization. Together.

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