Receptionist CV Example—Guide and 20+ Writing Tips

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

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What users say about Resumelab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your CV.”
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My previous CV was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful!
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Need a special kind of CV for receptionist jobs? See our other guides:

• Administrative Assistant CV
• Executive Assistant CV
• Front Desk CV
• Customer Service CV
• Sales Associate CV
• Retail CV
• Call Centre CV
• Office Clerk CV
• Office Assistant CV
• Secretary CV
• Data Entry CV
• Hospitality CV Examples

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Professional CV Examples.

Receptionist CV Sample You Can Copy and Use

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

1. Start With the Best Receptionist CV 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 CV 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 CV for receptionist jobs.

Put your best foot forward with these tips:

Receptionist CV Format

• Use the reverse-chronological CV format.
• Pick good CV fonts like Arial or Garamond in 10–12pt.
• Add white space between sections and 1-inch margins.
• Make a one-page CV. 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 CV 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 CV Objective or Summary

This is awkward.

The office manager won’t actually read most CVs.

I said “most” so—

Make sure she reads yours.

How?

With the right receptionist CV objective or CV 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 CV examples show how:

Receptionist CV Summary—Example

Major difference.

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

The second seems made up.

Receptionist CV Objective—Example

Writing an entry-level CV 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 CV example proves you can do the job.

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

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your CV in our CV builder now.

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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 CV.

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 CV, with numbers that show you helped your company.

These receptionist CV examples show how:

Receptionist Job Description for CV [Sample]

Those are so different.

The first of those medical receptionist CV 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 CV. But where are the numbers? You need to show achievement.

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

Entry-Level Receptionist CV Job Description [Sample]

Ouch.

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

The first one proves your receptionist chops.

Receptionist CV Skills List

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

4. Turn Boring Education to a Reason to Hire You

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

But—

Your schooling should add a few front desk achievements.

How?

These medical receptionist CV 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 CV With Bonus Sections

Here’s a secret.

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

Do it with “bonus” CV sections:

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

These two receptionist CV examples show how:

Receptionist CV—Extra Sections

That’s David vs Goliath.

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

The achievements show you’re one to watch.

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

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

Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.

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Key Points

For a receptionist CV that gets jobs:

• Use the receptionist CV template up top. It maps directly to the office manager’s needs.
• Put receptionist accomplishments in your CV 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 CV for receptionist jobs? Not sure how to show receptionist on a CV? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

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