Often the first voice we hear on the other end of a phone line sets the mood for the experience and treatment we expect to receive with a business or individual. Despite the migration to automated phone systems, many companies know that customer satisfaction depends on person-to-person interaction. Whether you're a front desk coordinator, receptionist, or switchboard operator, you are on the front line of your employer’s business and the success of that business partially depends on you.
Which Job Suits You?
There are many jobs available as part of an office team as an administrative worker, but the face and/or voice customers, clients, and visitors hear and see first are the three positions mentioned above. Let’s review what they do:
Front Desk Coordinator: a front desk coordinator manages a company’s lobby. This individual will greet and direct visitors (which may include vendors, customers, or job applicants) to the proper person or area. They will also be responsible for some security procedures with regard to these visitors. Many also answer incoming calls as well. When not greeting and guiding visitors, a front desk coordinator will often take on administrative tasks and projects from other departments.
Receptionist: A receptionist will also greet visitors, handle incoming calls, and perform administrative functions. Depending on the environment one is working in, the level of responsibility will differ. While Front Desk Coordinator implies more responsibility and a larger corporate office, the title of receptionist and front desk coordinator are often interchangeable and chosen by the organization. This position may also be given the title of "Information Clerk."
Switchboard Operator: A switchboard operator’s responsibilities are heavier on phone call responsibilities. Switchboard operators typically work in high-volume call areas and place, receive, and route calls through an electric switchboard. They often provide information to callers and relay messages from them, as well as announce visitors. These jobs are typically in facilities such as hospitals, hotels, and government agencies.
What Are the Qualifications?
To qualify for the above positions, you do not need a college degree, although an associate’s degree would help most applicants. Employers are willing to train administrative workers in their jobs, but they are expected to come into the company with computer experience, good interpersonal abilities, and customer service skills. It is imperative that the individual represent the company in a polite, professional, and helpful manner. As receptionist/front desk workers tend to have their free time utilized by working on administrative tasks for other departments, there is often an open path to advancement through that work. Many eventually move to departments they've worked with and become administrative assistants.
Where to Find Employment
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 33 percent of all receptionists and information clerks are employed in physicians’ offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient care facilities. With health care being one of the few sectors adding jobs in the current economy, that is good news for administrative workers. For those looking for part-time job opportunities, the BLS says three out of 10 people working in these positions are employed on a part-time basis.
