Receptionist CV Writing Guide (Examples & Tips)

Receptionists serve as the first point of contact for many companies, making it crucial for them to effectively represent and promote the employer brand. Crafting a good receptionist CV is the best way to showcase your customer service, administration, and communication skills. 

Whether you're interested in becoming a receptionist or contemplating a career change, the process of writing a CV remains similar. It can be overwhelming to create a CV without a starting point. This article offers industry tips and a step-by-step guide to help you create a good CV tailored to your receptionist career goals.

Customise this receptionist CV example

Start now

Receptionist CV example

Download this receptionist CV example as PDF

Looking at this receptionist CV template, you can see Ava’s relevant experience and skills. She emphasises her ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. She has opted for the professional Stanford template due to its simple yet widely accepted format.

Exploring cover letters? Take a look at the corresponding receptionist cover letter example!

What should you include in a receptionist CV?

To create a modern CV, optimise the document for ATS, research the company thoroughly, and include all the keywords from the job post. Reviewing and editing your receptionist CV carefully is paramount to ensure it’s error-free and gives the best impression.

Below, you can find recommended sections to incorporate into your receptionist CV. Once you have included the essential information, consider adding optional sections such as awards or references.

For more tips, refer to how to improve your CV.

Set yourself apart with a strong personal profile

A CV for a receptionist personal statement, also known as a personal profile, is a section on a CV that aims to reflect one’s career aspirations and background. This statement provides a glimpse into what the applicant can offer before delving into experience and expertise. It’s also the first impression recruiters will get. Your personal profile summary helps differentiate your CV from others with similar qualifications and experiences.

Below are examples of personal statements at different skills and competency levels. A well-structured and compelling personal profile on a CV can increase your chances of being invited to an interview. Find out how to write a personal profile and discover proven strategies.

Learn more on how to write a CV for a receptionist with no experience.

For additional CV advice and tips for the above job profiles, refer to the following CV examples:

• Healthcare

• Secretary

• Teacher

• Hospitality

• Dentist

• Vet.

Elevate your CV with receptionist skills

As a receptionist, emphasise strong organisational and time management skills in your CV. Ultimately, you should focus less on aesthetics, like the design, and more on crafting a compelling document to showcase your skills and experience. More importantly, a CV should balance hard and soft skills, emphasising communication, listening, and empathy.

Refer to how to put skills on a CV for further guidance. Additionally, check out how you can boost your CV with language skills.

Mention work experience

When including work experience on a receptionist CV, listing all relevant job responsibilities and tasks highlighting your proficiency in the role is essential. Start each entry with the job title, employer name, and employment dates. Include any awards or achievements received during your tenure as a receptionist or another relatable customer service role, if applicable.

Front Desk Coordinator, Johnson Consulting, London, UK | 2020 - Present

Manage the front desk, greeting and assisting visitors, and directing calls to the appropriate personnel. Coordinate meeting room schedules and assist in organizing company events, ensuring smooth logistical operations. Maintain a high level of professionalism in handling inquiries, providing information, and resolving customer concerns.

• Implemented a new visitor sign-in system that significantly reduced wait times and improved the overall experience for clients and guests.

• Received positive feedback from management and visitors, acknowledging the enhanced efficiency and professionalism of the front desk operations.

Example of a receptionist with no experience:

Intern, Johnson Consulting, London, UK | 2023

Assisted in organising company events, demonstrating strong organisational and multitasking abilities. Collaborated with team members to support daily office functions and maintain a professional reception area. Completed a comprehensive internship focused on developing receptionist and customer service skills.

• Gained hands-on experience in managing the front desk, including greeting visitors and handling phone inquiries.

• Acquired proficiency in using office equipment, managing mail, and ensuring a tidy and organized workspace.

For more tips, refer to how to enter the workforce after graduating.

List education or other relevant qualifications

To become a receptionist in the UK, you need to have a combination of qualifications, knowledge and skills. Qualifications-wise, it is beneficial to have at least five GCSEs or equivalent – ideally including English language, maths and IT – although some employers may accept lower grades depending on the role. A-Level qualifications can be helpful but are not essential. Our education article further outlines how to structure is on a CV.

In addition to showcasing your qualifications, it is essential to highlight any relevant experience or volunteer work you have completed related to a receptionist role. Also, include any continuing professional development activities you have undertaken, such as training courses and seminars.

Refer to courses and certificates for more tips. Alternatively, consider the courses below to elevate your CV.

• Professional Receptionist Course – IEAA Level 2

• NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Business Administration

• Receptionist Course by Live & Learn

Key takeaways

After reading this article, you're ready to kickstart your career documents and apply for receptionist jobs! The key to obtaining a desired receptionist job is planning and creating an eye-catching CV. Remember that using the 'working smarter, not harder' approach can give you more leads and eventually help you land your desired job.

Next steps?

Explore our range of CV templates and CV examples designed to align with your career objectives. If you find crafting a CV challenging, our CV Writing Service is here to simplify the process for you.

We suggest familiarising yourself with effective approaches to kickstart a compelling cover letter. This step can make a positive impression on employers, significantly enhancing your prospects of landing the perfect account management job.

FAQ

What is the best format for a receptionist CV?

When writing your CV, using a professional and transparent format is essential. A CV will look different for everyone, depending on their situation and career goals. However, you should follow the most common format of writing a CV in reverse chronological order, with the most recent work experience listed first. If you have gained work experience, consider a skills-based CV to showcase your capabilities.

What are the top qualities of a receptionist?

The top qualities of a receptionist include strong communication skills, excellent customer service abilities, the ability to multitask and prioritise tasks, a professional attitude, problem-solving skills, organisation skills, and the ability to work independently. To reach a maximum impact, incorporate these qualities, skills, and attributes organically throughout your CV to make a lasting impression. Refer to our customer service or part-time CV example for more tips.

What does a receptionist do?

The responsibilities and duties of a receptionist are multifaceted; however, typically, they represent the first point of contact for visitors to a business, providing welcoming services and helping to direct customers if they require any assistance. They are responsible for answering incoming calls, taking messages, and transferring calls to the appropriate party. Receptionists’ office duties include filing documents, sorting mail and scheduling appointments. Lastly, receptionists often act as administrative assistants, taking notes and communicating with other departments in the business.

How to add Hobbies to a receptionist CV?

While core sections like education and work experience are essential, it's equally important to pay attention to additonal sections like hobbies and interests. See key tips below or refer to our article on how to list hobbies and interests on a CV.

1. Make sure to choose hobbies that are relevant to the receptionist role.

2. Select hobbies that reflect positively on your character and professionalism.

3. Keep it brief with only a line or two about hobbies is sufficient, focusing more on job-related skills.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when writing a receptionist CV?

A general rule of thumb for CV writing is to ensure the following:

1. Tailor your CV to highlight specific skills and experiences relevant to the receptionist position.

2. Ensure that you highlight key skills such as communication, organisation, and interpersonal abilities.

3. Avoid providing excessive detail about non-relevant experiences or including a lengthy personal statement.

4. Provide specific examples of achievements or responsibilities in previous roles to demonstrate your capabilities.

5. Pay attention to the formatting and layout for a polished and professional appearance.

6. Proofread carefully to eliminate any grammar or spelling mistakes that can detract from the overall quality of your CV.