Working as a receptionist has both its positive and negative points to the role.

Receptionists firstly have to be extremely organised, as they are running not only their life but the life of the business or director that they are working for. They are responsible for the following;

• Answering phone calls, letters, emails, faxes, and any type of message or correspondence
• Managing the directors diary and informing him of any meetings or events coming up that he needs to be made aware of
• Organising and booking in meetings
• Meeting and greeting visitors to the office and dealing with them appropriately
• Filing information away tidily and appropriately

Receptionists salaries usually start off around the £12,000 per annum mark and then increase with experience and the size of the company you are working for with regards to how much extra work you may have to do. Also, another form of a secretary, a Personal Assistant does similar duties to a secretary, but concentrates more on being of service to one particular person. These salaries are often higher, as you become irreplaceable to your boss and so they will pay more to be able to keep you.

Working on reception is one of those jobs that you either love or you hate. You definitely need to enjoy working at a computer, and being sat down behind one all day long. If you do not enjoy this, and like to be outside or on your feet all day then reception work is not for you.

Receptionists also need to have a very pleasant and articulate telephone manner and be able to converse with complete strangers and also maintain strong, professional business relationships with those clients who call frequently and whom there is a lot of correspondence with.

Overall, a receptionist’s duty is to be there to run the company's administrative side and its meeting and greeting. They will usually be first point of contact to any visitors or clients that will come through the door, so receptionists need to be dressed well and appropriately at all times. Hair should be kept neat and tidy and make up and perfume kept to a minimum so as not to offend anyone. The right receptionist usually makes a company what it is.