32 Receptionist Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Receptionist interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Give me three reasons why you would be the best fit for the job?
How to Answer
Use this opportunity to reiterate your strengths, tailored to fit the job requirements. Your 3 reasons can include a combination of your technical skills, soft skills, past accomplishments, awards and recognition, and previous experience. A sample answer would be, "I believe that I am the best for this position because of my extensive customer service experience and my ability to adapt to any situation. I always go the extra mile and am highly dedicated to my work. In all that I do I would strive to advance the company and I feel that my previous work experience proves that."
Answer Example
"I believe that I am the best for this position because of my extensive customer service experience and my ability to adapt to any situation. I always go the extra mile and am highly dedicated to my work. In all that I do I would strive to advance the company and I feel that my previous work experience proves that."
2. Are you an organized person? Give me an example that demonstrates this.
How to Answer
Show the interviewer that you know how to allocate your time and resources wisely. Mention that you try to plan ahead as much as possible, but when things come up last minute, you make sure you adjust and respond quickly, integrating new priorities into your current role.
Answer Example
"I'm a very organized person and this has definitely come in handy in my past jobs. At the beginning of each week I review my calendar and outline the key things I need to accomplish.Then I set up reminders, blocks of time, and to do lists so I have clear steps and time allocated to meet those goals."
3. Would you consider yourself a friendly person?
How to Answer
As a receptionist, you'll be interacting with various people everyday. Respond to this question positively; mention that you've made a lot of friends due to your warm and open personality and that you're looking forward to a job that capitalizes on your attribute.
"I would consider myself to be a friendly person, I like people and I can demonstrate that by the amount of friends I have inside and outside work."
Answer Example
"I would consider myself to be a friendly person, I like people and I can demonstrate that by the amount of friends I have inside and outside work."
4. Do you enjoy socializing with customers?
How to Answer
Yes, you do! As a receptionist, you enjoy interacting with customers through friendly conversations. Be sure to mention that this is a great way for your organization to retain its customers, and you look forward to providing the friendly environment through socializing with the customers.
5. Have you ever been yelled at by a customer before? How did you handle the situation?
How to Answer
If you haven't experienced this yet, treat the question as a hypothetical situation. Let the interviewer know that you're good at dealing with difficult people and you believe that by staying calm and responding politely, the customer's anger will subside.
Answer Example
"At my previous job, customer interactions would occur daily. Unfortunately, customers do get upset and will yell at the employees. When this happens I remain calm and patient and try my best to resolve the issue the customer has."
6. How do you prioritize when you have three phone calls on hold, and a customer waiting in front of your desk?
How to Answer
This is your chance to show the recruiter that you're able to effectively analyze situations, multitask, and prioritize accordingly.
"My first priority is whoever has the most urgent concern. I also consider the nature of the request of the callers. If a caller's request requires more of my time, then he/she can be handled last.
Regardless of who I accommodate first, I always acknowledge the customer in front of me before going back to my calls."
Answer Example
"My first priority is whoever has the most urgent concern. I also consider the nature of the request of the callers. If a caller's request requires more of my time, then he/she can be handled last.
Regardless of who I accommodate first, I always acknowledge the customer in front of me before going back to my calls."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Alexandra's Feedback
7. Have you ever been in a stressful situation at work? How did you handle it?
How to Answer
Reassure the interviewer that you can handle stress at work like a pro by learning how to prioritize, organize, and determine what needs your focus and attention first. Give a relevant example of how you got out of a sticky situation by being quick to respond and adjust. An answer like this will do, "I find it best do concentrate on remaining calm. When I run into a customer who's upset, it helps them to calm down if I'm calm and we can work together to resolve the situation."
Answer Example
"
8. Tell me about your last job. How does it relate to working for my office as a receptionist?
How to Answer
If you've come from a different industry, then it's best to focus on the skills and experience relevant to the job you're currently applying for.
Answer Example
"As a customer representative, I have experience in handling a high volume workload and dealing with angry customers. I believe that my communication skills and knowledge on customer service can bring a new perspective to this job and your organization."
9. What is the most important task about being a receptionist?
How to Answer
By asking this question, the recruiter wants to know how passionate you are about the role since this could be a strong indicator of your commitment and future performance. Your answer should reflect a deep understanding of your role.
"Receptionists are the front line of the office so it's very important they do their best in representing the business. A receptionist's appearance, manners, knowledge and helpfulness reflect on the entire company. The ability to communicate clearly and address issues in an organized manner is what makes a receptionist an ace at his/her job."
Answer Example
"Receptionists are the front line of the office so it's very important they do their best in representing the business. A receptionist's appearance, manners, knowledge and helpfulness reflect on the entire company. The ability to communicate clearly and address issues in an organized manner is what makes a receptionist an ace at his/her job."
10. Tell me what working habits you have that set you apart from everyone else?
How to Answer
This is an opportunity to bring up your strengths and experiences that other candidates may not have.
Answer Example
"
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Alexandra's Feedback
11. Are you proficient in Microsoft Office?
How to Answer
It's better to be honest than to regret your answer later. It will reflect very poorly on you if you don't really have the skills you claim to possess. Mention the skills you possess then add that you're quick at learning new programs.
Answer Example
"I'm proficient with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, and Power Point. I'm very comfortable using these programs and have a lot of experience doing so. If there's something I'm not familiar with, I'm willing to put in effort to acquire and master new knowledge."
12. What are you trying to accomplish when answering the phone?
How to Answer
Convey your readiness for the job by providing an answer that'd show you know what your role entails and it's purpose.
Answer Example
"My job is to figure out what the customer's concern is and to help them get a solution. If it's not something I can solve on my own, then I reassure the customer that I'll be relaying it to whomever's responsible and that his/her concern will be given attention."
13. How well have you gotten along with coworkers in the past?
How to Answer
You have no plans of being a potential headache for your future boss and teammates. Let the recruiter know that you've always gotten along great with people at work and that you're good at keeping things professional.
"I have always been a great team player, and I love working with others. Everyone has something different to offer which is why I've made a lot of friends at my previous job."
Answer Example
"I have always been a great team player, and I love working with others. Everyone has something different to offer which is why I've made a lot of friends at my previous job."
14. How long are you looking to stay at this position if you were hired?
How to Answer
Recruiters hate wasting their time, effort, and resources on hiring people who leave the organization immediately. Don't mention plans of starting a business or of going abroad as such could raise a red flag for the recruiter.
An ideal response would go like this:
"I would prefer to stay long term, if possible. I think this role is a great match for my skills and experience and offers me a chance to grow professionally. I expect to be here for as long as I have the opportunity to make contributions."
Answer Example
"I would prefer to stay long term, if possible. I think this role is a great match for my skills and experience and offers me a chance to grow professionally. I expect to be here for as long as I have the opportunity to make contributions."
15. Why are you the best fit for this job?
How to Answer
This is a great time to match the qualities that you have with the qualities they have requested in their job posting. Show your readiness to take the job on by describing how your experience, career progression, qualities and achievements make you an asset to the organization.
Answer Example
"I feel that I am the strongest candidate for the job because I bring everything that you are looking for in your next receptionist. In addition to possessing these qualities, I have experience as a customer service representative which gives me an edge at dealing with different types of customers."
16. Where do you expect your performance to be after three months on the job?
How to Answer
Usually, a lot of time, effort, and resources are put into training new hires. Most likely, the recruiter is trying to determine if you're worth all the fuss. Your answer should show that you'd be an asset to the team, not a liability.
"I've always been a quick learner, so one month is good enough for me to learn the ropes. I believe in giving my all in whatever I do so I can assure that you that I'll be at my best at my third month."
Answer Example
"I've always been a quick learner, so one month is good enough for me to learn the ropes. I believe in giving my all in whatever I do so I can assure that you that I'll be at my best at my third month."
17. Why should you become this office's receptionist?
How to Answer
Aside from bringing up your skills and past experience, show the recruiter that you've done your research on their company. Explain how the company's values and mission align with yours which is why you believe you're the perfect fit.
"I'm excited to take on new challenges, grow my career, help other people, and be a part of team working towards greater heights. I'll be able to apply what I've learned from the past plus bring new ideas to your organization. It's great that your company values the same principles that I do, I'd love to be a part of achieving your vision for the future."
Answer Example
"I'm excited to take on new challenges, grow my career, help other people, and be a part of team working towards greater heights. I'll be able to apply what I've learned from the past plus bring new ideas to your organization. It's great that your company values the same principles that I do, I'd love to be a part of achieving your vision for the future."
18. A Receptionist is not the most exciting job, how would you make it fun?
How to Answer
You don't see your role as boring, you've got the right mindset! Show the recruiter that your job's not a chore for you and that you actually enjoy what you're doing.
"I can see why some might find a job in customer service boring but I think that getting to talk to different people and handling a variety of concerns is interesting. I've always been a social butterfly so listening to people's problems and finding a way to solve them would be a great job for me."
Answer Example
"I can see why some might find a job in customer service boring but I think that getting to talk to different people and handling a variety of concerns is interesting. I've always been a social butterfly so listening to people's problems and finding a way to solve them would be a great job for me."
19. How did your typical greeting go at your last position?
How to Answer
As a receptionist, the way you greet customers is also the first impression they'll get of the company. Stay calm, clear your mind, and deliver your greeting with as much enthusiasm as you can muster. "I greet customers with a friendly smile, and ask them how they're doing. I chat with them a bit - telling them about what we do in our company and the services we offer. I always end with telling them that it's my job to make sure their concerns are addressed promptly!"
Answer Example
"I greet customers with a friendly smile, and ask them how they're doing. I chat with them a bit - telling them about what we do in our company and the services we offer. I always end with telling them that it's my job to make sure their concerns are addressed promptly!"
20. If you are given multiple tasks at one particular point during the day, while the phone is ringing off the hook, how would you handle your tasks while still answering phone calls?
How to Answer
Receptionists should be great at multitasking. Show the recruiter that you're a pro at juggling multiple tasks all at once and that you've already developed proven strategies to deal with them.
Answer Example
"I create a flexible schedule so that it's easy to combine important tasks with greeting customers and visitors. To prevent missed and unreturned calls, I also keep a thorough written record to ensure that nothing is forgotten."
21. Do you mind working late hours during busy seasons at our office?
How to Answer
The recruiter wants to hear that you're willing to go above and beyond what is required. Impress them with your flexibility and commitment to your work.
"If necessary, I'm open to working late hours. I understand that everybody has a role to play in the success of the organization; and I'd gladly do mine."
Answer Example
"If necessary, I'm open to working late hours. I understand that everybody has a role to play in the success of the organization; and I'd gladly do mine."
22. What office skills do you currently possess?
How to Answer
"Due to my past experience as a receptionist, I am extremely proficient in the Microsoft Office suite and am used to making reports and presentations. I had also maintained a strict filing system at my last job so I can easily retrieve things and always know where the correct information is located." This is part of the recruiter's attempt to gauge if your skills/abilities are a match for the job. Make sure to mention the skills relevant to the job and keep your answer clear and concise.
Answer Example
"Due to my past experience as a receptionist, I am extremely proficient in the Microsoft Office suite and am used to making reports and presentations. I had also maintained a strict filing system at my last job so I can easily retrieve things and always know where the correct information is located."
23. What did you like most about your previous receptionist position?
How to Answer
Let the interviewer know that you've put in thought regarding your previous job and what you're looking for next. You'll be giving the interviewer an idea of what's important to you as a professional and what it would take for you to be part of their organization.
"I liked the working relationship and easy communication between employees and managers. I also appreciated the fact that the company made sure to ask feedback from us so that they could improve the training programs they had."
Answer Example
"I liked the working relationship and easy communication between employees and managers. I also appreciated the fact that the company made sure to ask feedback from us so that they could improve the training programs they had."
24. Have you ever called off work when you really could have went?
How to Answer
This is not a trick question. The interviewer is checking if you're honest and if you have attendance issues. The best answer would go like this, "No, I believe that honesty is essential for great working relationships. If and when I really have an urgent and legitimate reason to not come to work, I'll immediately notify my supervisor."
Answer Example
"No, I believe that honesty is essential for great working relationships. If and when I really have an urgent and legitimate reason to not come to work, I'll immediately notify my supervisor."
25. Did you miss any days at work last year?
How to Answer
If you truly haven't, tell the recruiter so and add that you believe in an excellent work ethic which is why you avoid absences as much as possible. If you have, then let the interviewer know that it was only because of a legitimate reason.
Answer Example
"At my previous job, I only had a total of 3 absences for 2 years. I don't get sick often; and unless there is truly an emergency, I come to work on time."
26. At our office, the receptionist job is more than just handling phone calls, what have you done outside of that job description at your other receptionist position?
How to Answer
"At my previous job, I was responsible for arranging couriers, booking meetings, and sorting/distributing the post." By asking this question, the recruiter is probing your willingness to work. Going above and beyond your regular duties is an indication of proactivity and passion for your job.
Answer Example
"At my previous job, I was responsible for arranging couriers, booking meetings, and sorting/distributing the post."
27. Give me an example of when you pleased a customer very much?
How to Answer
Your answer should be able to highlight your skills and personality. Think of an instance or experience you've had with a customer that would make you stand out from the crowd.
Answer Example
"A customer had called, asking about one of our products. After I described the product to her, I then proceeded to locate a store nearest to her location. I checked if there was stock available and let her know who to look for at the store. The customer thanked me gladly for going the extra mile for her convenience."
28. Give me an example of when you made a customer really unhappy?
How to Answer
Relay the story to the recruiter without putting the blame on the customer. Acknowledge whatever mistakes you made but highlight the steps you took to fix the situation. The recruiter wants to know that you're capable of owning up to your mistakes and patching up a bad situation.
Answer Example
"One of our loyal customers was asking for a replacement of an item that had a defect. Unfortunately, the particular item was already out of stock due to a delay in the update of the database on my part. I relayed the situation to my boss and apologized, then proposed a solution. In order to appease one of our most loyal customers, I gave him a discount on the upgrade of the item he originally bought."
29. Do you tend to give into customer complaints?
How to Answer
While it's important to keep customers happy, giving in to a complaint that could later be detrimental to the company you work for isn't right either.
Show the interviewer that you can be firm but still accommodating with this response: "What I do is I listen attentively to the customer's complaint and reassure them that the company will look into it. At my level, I cannot confirm resolution of the problem but I can let the customer feel that his concerns will be addressed promptly."
Answer Example
"What I do is I listen attentively to the customer's complaint and reassure them that the company will look into it. At my level, I cannot confirm resolution of the problem but I can let the customer feel that his concerns will be addressed promptly."
30. Describe a situation when you had an angry customer contact you?
How to Answer
"One time, a customer was yelling and cursing about how it was taking too long for his turn to be accommodated. I knew that his behavior was due to frustration so I didn't take it personally. Instead, I apologized and gave him the opportunity to reschedule. He declined, so I offered him refreshments and books to read to keep his mind off waiting. He later apologized for his behavior and thanked me for being considerate. When it comes to handling unhappy customers, I believe it's always important to keep your cool, be friendly, and try to see things from the customer's perspective"
Answer Example
"One time, a customer was yelling and cursing about how it was taking too long for his turn to be accommodated. I knew that his behavior was due to frustration so I didn't take it personally. Instead, I apologized and gave him the opportunity to reschedule. He declined, so I offered him refreshments and books to read to keep his mind off waiting. He later apologized for his behavior and thanked me for being considerate. When it comes to handling unhappy customers, I believe it's always important to keep your cool, be friendly, and try to see things from the customer's perspective"
31. What in the past demonstrates your ability to handle this position?
How to Answer
Mention the skills and contributions that made you successful at your previous work. The interviewer is looking for an answer that demonstrates your readiness for the job plus the facts to back it up.
For example, you could say, "In my previous job, I worked directly with customers and their problems. I was able to make a lot of friends and at the same time, promote our company's image by just being friendly and good at my job. I was often recognized by my boss for my ability to juggle multiple tasks and still produce excellent results."
Answer Example
"In my previous job, I worked directly with customers and their problems. I was able to make a lot of friends and at the same time, promote our company's image by just being friendly and good at my job. I was often recognized by my boss for my ability to juggle multiple tasks and still produce excellent results."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Alexandra's Feedback
32. What experiences do you have as a receptionist?
How to Answer
Enumerate both the technical and soft skills that are relevant to the position. Mention your key accomplishments and past experiences that showcase your abilities. This is an opportunity to give your application a boost by using your success at your previous work.
Answer Example
"My boss often commended me for my excellent verbal and written communication skills and sharp listening ability. I am able to handle multiple phone lines; face-to-face contact with clients, visitors and employees; and clerical duties while keeping things efficient."