Front Desk Receptionist Interview Preparation

Practise Front Desk Receptionist Mock Interview Online
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Front Desk Receptionist Interview Prep

1 Free Guide Here

Read this free guide below with common Front Desk Receptionist interview questions

2 Mock Video Interview

Mock video interview with our virtual recruiter online.

3 Evaluation

Our professional HRs will give a detailed evaluation of your interview.

4 Feedback

You will get detailed, personalized, strategic feedback on areas of strength and of improvement.

Expert Tip

Bring Necessary Documents

Bring multiple copies of your resume, list of references, and any other relevant documents. This shows you are prepared and respect the interviewer's time.

Top 10 Front Desk Receptionist Interview Questions and Answers

As the first point of contact for clients, a front desk receptionist plays a crucial role in every organization. Therefore, the hiring process for this position should be taken seriously. While hiring a front desk receptionist, it's important to ask the right interview questions to ensure that you're hiring the right candidate. Here are the top 10 front desk receptionist interview questions and answers to help you out:

1. Can you tell us a little about your previous experience as a front desk receptionist?

  • "I have worked as a front desk receptionist for five years now. In my previous role, I was responsible for welcoming clients, managing appointments, handling phone calls, and responding to clients' queries."
  • 2. How would you handle an angry client?

  • "I understand that handling angry clients is part of my job. In such situations, I will remain calm and listen to their complaints. I will empathize with them and try to resolve their issues as quickly as possible."
  • 3. What software programs are you proficient in?

  • "I am proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Excel. I have also worked with various communication software such as Zoom and Skype."
  • 4. How do you prioritize your tasks?

  • "I prioritize my tasks based on their urgency and importance. I create a to-do list at the beginning of each day and try to accomplish the most important tasks first. I also like to make sure any pending tasks are resolved by the end of the day."
  • 5. How do you handle multiple phone lines?

  • "I am skilled in handling multiple phone lines. When I receive a call, I will answer with a professional greeting and try to assist the caller as quickly as possible. If I need to put them on hold, I will inform them how long they will have to wait."
  • 6. How do you handle confidential information?

  • "I understand the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of personal and professional information. I will handle such information with utmost care and restrict its access only to the authorized individuals."
  • 7. How would you deal with a colleague who is being difficult?

  • "I would try to understand their situation and discuss the matter with them privately. If the issue persists, I may take it up with my supervisor or HR."
  • 8. How do you handle visitors who arrive late for their appointments?

  • "I will politely inform them that their appointment time has passed and check if they can still be accommodated. If not, I will try to reschedule the appointment for them at a convenient time."
  • 9. What makes an excellent front desk receptionist?

  • "An excellent front desk receptionist should have strong communication skills, the ability to multitask, be organized, have a positive attitude, and have exceptional customer service skills."
  • 10. How do you handle a situation when you don't know the answer to a client's question?

  • "If I don't know the answer to a client's question, I will inform them that I need to find out and will get back to them as soon as possible. I will then reach out to the relevant department or individual to get the correct answer."
  • Asking these top 10 interview questions and assessing the answers will help you gauge whether a candidate is the right fit for the front desk receptionist position in your organization.


    How to Prepare for Front Desk Receptionist Interview

    For individuals who are looking to get their foot in the door within the corporate world, becoming a front desk receptionist is an excellent way to start. This role is the face of the company and is responsible for handling all incoming calls, scheduling appointments, and fielding general inquiries. However, before getting hired for the job, you must effectively prepare for the interview. Read on to learn how!

    Research the company

    Prior to attending the interview, ensure that you have researched the company thoroughly. Be sure to have a good understanding of what the organization does, who its target audience is, and what the company culture is like. This will provide an excellent foundation for the questions that you may be asked during your interview.

    Review the job description

    Take a deep dive into the job description that you are interviewing for. Ensure that you have a good understanding of the duties and responsibilities, what the working hours are, and the experience required. Jot down some talking points and examples of your experience that align with the job description to help you feel more confident during the interview.

    Practice, practice, practice

    Go through some standard interview questions and practice how you will answer them. Consider using video recording software to view your body language and practice speaking clearly and concisely. Add a few behavioral-based questions to your list and have your answers prepared, e.g "tell us about a time when you managed a difficult customer query?"

    Dress professionally

    Choose an outfit that aligns with the organization's dress code. Opt for a more conservative outfit, e.g blouse, slacks, and dress shoes over casual attire, like jeans and trainers. You want to make a good impression on the employer and dressing professionally is an excellent way to achieve this.

    Prepare questions

    Prepare a few questions to ask during the interview. This is an excellent opportunity for you to show your employer that you are interested in the company and have done your research. Some appropriate questions to ask may include inquiries about company culture, the workflow and what they consider an ideal candidate for the role.

    Final thoughts

    Overall, preparing for a front desk receptionist interview requires a good understanding of the company's values, the job description, practice, professional dressing, and being strategic with your questions. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to nailing the interview and securing the job of receptionist.

    Common Interview Mistake

    Speaking Negatively About Past Employers

    Speaking ill of past employers can be seen as unprofessional and could raise questions about your attitude. Focus on what you've learned from past experiences, even difficult ones, rather than the negatives.