Receptionists and Information Clerks

Overview

Receptionists and Information Clerks has a national median salary of $38,010 per year, with -1.7% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.

Work Values

• Relationships
• Support
• Achievement

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
• Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
• Receive payment and record receipts for services.
• Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
• Analyze data to determine answers to questions from customers or members of the public.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Getting Information
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Assisting and Caring for Others
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Processing Information

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a bachelor's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Bachelor's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a high school diploma or equivalent.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Receptionists and Information Clerks:

Video Resources