Receptionist Resume Example—Guide and 20+ Writing Tips

Why do so many receptionist resumes fall flat?

One reason.

Too many employers think a monkey can answer the phones.

They’re wrong. There’s so much more to being a receptionist.

So—

Don’t just list the receptionist duties you’ve “handled.”

Prove you go above and beyond.

This guide will show you:

• A receptionist resume sample better than most.
• How to make a good receptionist job description for resumes.
• How to write a resume for receptionist jobs that gets interviews.
• Why you can’t just list receptionist skills (and what to do instead).

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Receptionist Resume Sample You Can Copy and Use

Need a special kind of resume for receptionist jobs? See our other guides:

• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Customer Service Resume
• Sales Associate Resume
• Retail Resume
• Call Center Resume

Now here’s how to write a receptionist resume they’ll love:

1. Start With the Best Receptionist Resume Format

Receptionists are the face of a front office. They meet, greet, and register customers, answer phones, make calls, and schedule appointments. They may also handle billing. A receptionist resume must prove you can keep track of dozens of customers efficiently and maintain a friendly attitude.

The best way to strut your stuff?

With a well-formatted resume for receptionist jobs.

Put your best foot forward with these tips:

Receptionist Resume Format

• Use the reverse-chronological resume format.
• Pick good resume fonts like Arial or Garamond in 10–12pt.
• Add white space between sections and 1-inch margins.
• Make a one-page resume. Receptionists don’t need more.
• Use these sections: Header, Objective, Experience, Education, Skills, and “Other” (Volunteer Work, Languages, etc.)

Expert Hint: Save your receptionist job resume as a PDF. PDFs look great no matter what device they’re viewed on. Check the job ad first to make sure they’re not prohibited.

2. Write a Receptionist Resume Objective or Summary

This is awkward.

The office manager won’t actually read most resumes.

I said “most” so—

Make sure she reads yours.

How?

With the right receptionist resume objective or resume summary.

Include:

1. One or two adjectives (friendly, efficient, team-player)
2. Job title (Receptionist)
3. Years of experience (2+, 3+)
4. How you’ll help (deliver friendly customer relations)
5. Best few achievements (used Kareo to process 50+ patients per day)

These medical receptionist resume examples show how:

Receptionist Resume Summary—Example

Major difference.

The first of those receptionist duties resume samples shows you’ve used the skills.

The second seems made up.

Receptionist Resume Objective—Example

Writing an entry-level resume for receptionist jobs?

Don’t worry.

Use receptionist achievements from non-receptionist jobs, like this:

Okay, so you’re new. But that entry-level receptionist resume example proves you can do the job.

Expert Hint: Putting company names in a receptionist duties resume summary or objective adds credibility. It shows you’re applying for this job in particular.

3. Write a Great Receptionist Job Description and Skills Sections

Big problem.

Too many receptionist job applicants don’t know how to show their work experience on a resume.

The good news?

You can learn it and outdo them all.

How to write a receptionist job description:

1. Find the job’s needs in the receptionist job posting online.
2. Take notes on the receptionist skills and duties you find.
3. Recall some results you got by using those skills in past jobs.
4. Put them in your resume, with numbers that show you helped your company.

These receptionist resume examples show how:

Receptionist Job Description for Resume [Sample]

Those are so different.

The first of those medical receptionist resume examples is straight from the job ad. The numbers show you’re Pam Beesly in the rough.

The second does list two of the right skills for a resume. But where are the numbers? You need to show achievement.

Writing an entry-level receptionist skills resume? Read this:

Entry-Level Receptionist Resume Job Description [Sample]

Ouch.

The second of those receptionist resume examples misses the point. It even uses the wrong job title (“waitress” instead of “team member.”)

The first one proves your receptionist chops.

Receptionist Resume Skills List

Expert Tip: Don’t lump a list of receptionist skills into your resume. Check the job ad and include the skills they’re looking for. They’ll serve as your resume keywords.

4. Turn Boring Education to a Reason to Hire You

A resume for receptionist jobs doesn’t need a Master’s degree.

But—

Your schooling should add a few front desk achievements.

How?

These medical receptionist resume education section examples answer that:

Receptionist Education—Example

Notice something:

That example shows leadership, communication, and teamwork.

Expert Hint: If you graduated many years ago, you don’t need to show much in your education section. But if you’re entry-level, pack your schooling with accomplishments.

5. Build Your Receptionist Resume With Bonus Sections

Here’s a secret.

To really stand out, a receptionist resume has to go above and beyond.

Do it with “bonus” resume sections:

• Additional Activities
• Volunteer Work
• Freelance Work
• Certifications
• Awards
• Typing Test Results
• Conferences
• Continuing Education
• Foreign Languages
• Professional Associations like NAPR

These two receptionist resume examples show how:

Receptionist Resume—Extra Sections

That’s David vs Goliath.

The first of those receptionist resume samples is a dream come true.

The achievements show you’re one to watch.

Are you writing a medical receptionist duties resume? Practice Fusion, Kareo, and other EHRs have online training classes that make great resume bullets.

Expert Hint: Write a receptionist cover letter. Lots of office managers won’t even glance at your resume without one. Use it to show exactly why you’re perfect for this job.

Key Points

For a receptionist resume that gets jobs:

• Use the receptionist resume template up top. It maps directly to the office manager’s needs.
• Put receptionist accomplishments in your resume objective, work history, education, and “bonus” sections to get interviewed.
• List the right receptionist skills. They’re in the job ad.
• Write a receptionist cover letter. Prove you know what the position is about by showing your best matching achievements.

Got questions on how to write a great resume for receptionist jobs? Not sure how to show receptionist on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!