Receptionist Resume Examples and Writing Tips for 2025

Receptionist resume template (text format)

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Receptionist resume examples by experience level

Check out more example resumes below and our receptionist cover letter to help you get started when writing your own receptionist resume.

Entry-level receptionist resume

Introduce yourself as the perfect candidate for an entry-level receptionist role with a resume that highlights your strengths. For example:

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Why this is a good example of an entry-level receptionist resume

• Effective use of numbers: This receptionist quantified their responsibilities and accomplishments from internship and volunteer work to provide concrete examples of their experience.

Senior receptionist resume

To write a senior receptionist resume, emphasize your career accomplishments and demonstrate your communication skills, organizational expertise, and professionalism. Here’s an example of a resume that does just that:

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Why this is a good example of a senior-level receptionist resume

• Includes job duty summaries: This candidate includes a short job summary under each job listing to summarize their main tasks. Then, in bullet points underneath, they use numbers and percentages to demonstrate their accomplishments in each role.

How to write a receptionist resume

Writing a resume doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these five straightforward tips to create a polished and effective receptionist resume with ease:

1. Mention certifications that prove your professionalism and tech skills

While a degree isn’t often required for receptionist roles, certifications can set you apart — especially when you’re competing for roles in medical offices, legal firms, or busy corporate environments.

Certifications can demonstrate your commitment, boost your credibility, and show you’ve invested time in learning relevant skills.

If you’ve completed a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), or a Front Desk Representative certification from a vocational school or online provider, make sure to include it in your resume’s certifications section, like this:

Certifications

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) — National Healthcareer Association, 20XX
Microsoft Office Specialist: Outlook & Word — Microsoft, 20XX

2. Highlight your phone and email etiquette

Receptionists are often the first voice or name a client encounters, so strong communication skills — especially over the phone and email — are crucial. Employers want someone who can answer calls and respond to inquiries with a tone that reflects the company’s professionalism and warmth.

Instead of just writing “answered phones” in your work experience section, show that you maintained a polite and consistent tone even under pressure, knew how to handle voicemail and call routing systems, and wrote emails that struck the right balance between friendly and formal.

Here’s an example bullet point for a resume that shows the applicant has experience handling phone calls and emails while keeping etiquette to a high standard:

• Answered and directed 60+ calls daily using a multi-line phone system, ensuring professional communication and prompt message delivery

3. Emphasize front desk multitasking skills

Front desk jobs rarely involve just one task at a time. Receptionists are expected to greet visitors, manage calls, handle deliveries, and assist with admin — all while staying calm and keeping everything running smoothly.

Hiring managers want to see that you can juggle competing demands without losing focus.

Rather than just listing “multitasking” on your resume, show how you kept things on track during busy periods, managed interruptions professionally, and still delivered excellent service.

Here’s another bullet point that shows great multitasking skills:

• Simultaneously welcomed guests, scheduled appointments, and responded to email inquiries during peak hours without compromising service or quality

And some skills to list on your resume:

• Handling walk-in customers while answering phones
• Managing deliveries while maintaining reception security
• Tracking and following up on messages while booking appointments
• Monitoring multiple inboxes and phone extensions
• Co-ordinating internal meetings while greeting guests

4. Mention conflict resolution and guest handling abilities

Receptionists are often the first person an unhappy customer interacts with, so your conflict resolution skills are vital.

Employers want someone who can stay calm and listen carefully when problems arise, so show them that you can turn a frustrating moment into a positive experience for the customer.

Rather than vaguely saying you “helped customers,” describe how you resolved complaints, de-escalated tense situations, or worked with colleagues to find quick solutions (focus on empathy, problem-solving, and professionalism).

Here’s a resume profile that makes these abilities clear:

Professional, composed Receptionist with 4+ years of experience. Talent for de-escalating issues, resolving complaints quickly, and maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure. Skilled at adapting communication style to ensure every visitor feels heard, supported, and respected. Experienced in handling sensitive situations with discretion. Committed to leaving a lasting positive impression at every point of contact.

5. Include your knowledge of office equipment and procedures

Receptionists often have to operate printers, scanners, copiers, and other office equipment — sometimes more than the rest of the team combined.

Basic technical skills are a necessity since you’ll be responsible for keeping everything running and troubleshooting basic issues.

Employers will be impressed if you can show you’re self-sufficient and understand how a busy office works, so mention the tools you’ve used, processes you’ve managed, and any supplies or maintenance you were responsible for.

You can show employers the extent of your technical competencies with a bullet point like this:

• Operated postage meter, copier, and scanner daily; handled supply orders and ensured all front desk equipment stayed in working order

Some resume formats also include a dedicated technical skills section, which can be useful if you have various types of skills to add to your resume.

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Average receptionist salaries in the US

The following table includes information from O*NET Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license, this data is pulled from the most recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment & Earnings report (as of 10/16/2024), featuring the top states by use.