Receptionist Career Guide and Counseling

Question: How to bypass the receptionist and speak to the doctor? Are there any tricks to bypass the receptionist and get the doctor himself (or herself) on the phone? My folks have questions about health problems (and treatment) but are reluctant to call because they "always get the assistant." Any tips?

Answer: You don't bypass the receptionist or the assistant. They are there to do a job and that is to assist the patient in getting information to the doctor and letting you know the doctors response, without the doctor having to make personal calls to everyone. If your parents have questions that they feel they need to speak only with the doctor about then they should schedule and appt and let the receptionist know that they will need extra time for their appt. Bring a list of questions, be on time for the appt and bring a tape recorder, or another friend or family member that can help them remember the information that was given. It also helps to take notes during the visit. Ask for things to be written down. The office I work in does this on a regular basis for our more complex patients. The receptionist and assistant can be your best allies in getting appt, results and favors when needed.

Question: How do you address a receptionist who is showing to much clevage? We the management team are trying to find a politically correct way to let our receptionist know that some days she is showing way to much clevage for an office setting. But we are all men and are afraid that this could turn into some sort of sexual harrassment or discrimination issue. What should we do?

Answer: Have a meeting with the whole office and address dress code, or work appropriate clothing, along with a few other issues. If that seems too awkward send out a memo to the entire office and include the dress code issue. Best of luck on this sticky situation.

Question: Any tips on being a receptionist for an animal hospital? I interviewed for a secretarial/receptionist/office manager position for an animal hospital/vet office. I think I pretty much have the job. I was curious to know if there is anything that any of you know that would help me when I get the job. Is there anything that makes your job more efficient if you work in the office or have your own practice? What can I do to do the best job?

Answer: i have worked for both, a vet hospital and a vet office, and what i would suggest is to study up on your flea medications and other medications for pets....different things like that....it is always helpful to know some of the basics before you get into and have to learn as you go..... Good luck....it is one of the most rewarding jobs i ever had...the only reasons i left my two positions is because i moved away from the first one and worked for a VERY rude person at the second...great dr but not a good person!!!!

Question: What are the rights of a receptionist/secretary when it comes to customer care? Do you always have to be nice and that even if the customer is rude to you? Does the saying "A CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT" apply everytime even in situations where the customer is provoking you.Please help me, I need to know if as a secretary/receptionist how do you handle a rude customer/client especially when the customer calls and you answer the phone. My job depends on this. Or where can I get information relevant to this problem.

Answer: That old saying "the customer is always right" is a bit misleading, as it was intended as a way to keep the bickering to a minimum. It is one of those "psyche" phrases to keep people in line. If a business wants & needs the money from a customer, then they should always make things right, but it doesn't mean the customer actually IS right. The most important thing to remember is the simple fact that an unhappy customer will say negative things about your business & you could end up having to close your doors if that one unhappy customer has a high standing in the community. In a larger setting, this probably would not hurt anyone. A receptionist/secretary should only be fielding calls & taking messages. You should NEVER try to resolve an issue that was started by someone else until you know all the facts from BOTH sides. Even then, don't offer anything unless your boss tells you to. It sounds like your company MAY have some boundary issues & you are being asked to do more than you have been trained for. I say just do the job you were hired to do & record those nasty messages for your superiors & let them deal with the jerks. Until then, learn to ignore a screaming person & not take it personally. If they curse at you & call you names, then you can remind them that it is unfortunate they feel this way, but if they cannot calm down, then you will have to put them on hold until they can speak in a clear voice or call back at a later time. LET THEM CALL. Keep them on hold or hang up on them if no one picks up in management. Transfer them to other departments. Tell them to submit a written report, blah, blah, blah. When they call you a B*tch, politely hang up & say NOTHING. They'll get the message after you ignore them long enough. A lot of callers just like to abuse women over the telephone. Don't fall for it & don't explain yourself...simply walk away from abuse by disconnecting yourself.

Question: How can I get a job as a hospital receptionist? I have receptionist/administrative assistant experience but I am having a hard time finding a job. I want to work at a hospital because I'd love to work from 7 pm to 7 am. This would allow me to go back to school during the days and finish up my degree. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions about how I can get a job at a hospital as a receptionist or an admission rep?

Answer: This is a easy one for me. Since you have experience , try for a unit coordinator, Go to every hospital systems web site and apply on line. If you don't hear anything continue to apply, then call if you don't get any response. I know first hand that they will get tired of all of the calls and applications that they will finally check your references. You may also want to try in patient placement, see if they have any openings. Try admitting. If you live in the Ohio area, I know Good Sam in Cincinnati is always looking for these positions. They are very particular, so make sure you have a good work history. Hope you are going into the medical field, you will not have any problem finding a job once you earn your degree. Good Luck!

Question: What is an example of a real estate script for a receptionist who is not allowed to give out property address? Scenario: You are an office receptionist. A prospective buyer phones and wants the address of an advertised property for sale. There are no salespeople in the office at present. Office policy is for the receptionist NEVER to give a property address over the phone - it is the role of the sales person or property manager to determine who is provided these details. The prospective buyer is not keen o leaving their contact name and number and is starting to get agitated at they "only want to have a quick drive past to see if they like it from the street". What script can be used to handle this inquiry?

Answer: I apologize for not being able to provide the address you requested. I am a receptionist, and our company policy is that only licensed real estate agents can provide that information. I would be happy to contact one of our agents as quickly as I can so that one of them can help you. May I have your name and telephone number to forward to an agent ?

Question: How much would I get paid as a receptionist in a hotel with an English degree? I was just wondering how much id get paid as a receptionist with an english degree? I have heard anput £12,000? Im applying for the job and they have not given any salary details and Im just trying to get an idea!

Answer: 12-15k, perhaps more in a city centre especially London.

Question: What should i expect at an interview for a receptionist at a spa/salon? What questions should i expect to answer at an interview at a spa and salon for a receptionist? What should i bring with me? Any tips?

Answer: I worked as a receptionist for a salon/spa for over four years. First things first, just remember that above all, be professional. Dress appropriately, make sure your hair and makeup are tasteful, etc. As for questions, they will most likely ask you standard interview questions plus questions that pertain to a hair salon. Do you have any experience with customer service and handling multi line phones? Cash register or money handling experience? Are you able to multi task? Do you mind assisting when needed? Can you operate a computer? What types of software? Those are some of the questions they could ask you. They may ask if you wouldn't mind helping out if needed (sweeping up hair, stocking shelves, tidying up the reception area). You should show them that you are friendly and outgoing as receptionists are the gateway to most businesses. They are the "first impression" of most businesses. I hope this helps some. Good Luck!

Question: What should I wear to apply for a vet receptionist/assistant job? Theres an opening I saw in the newspaper for a vet receptionist/assistant position, and was going to go apply tomorrow and was wondering what to wear in case I talk to the doc on the spot. Also I dont have a resume do you think they will want one? Any other pointers would be helpful, Thankyou!

Answer: Always be prepared! Type up a reseme tonight. Maybe also type up a letter to the vet saying that you would love to have the job because you care about animals, and yu really want to help. And that You are super responcible, and will be a good emplyee. As to what to wear, How about a nice pair on kiki pants, or dress pants, with a nice button up top? Small heels. Make sure your comfortable, but you look nice.

Question: What are the likely questions in an interview for receptionist? Tomorrow I have an interview for a receptionist at a spa. Does anyone know what they are likely to ask? Also, what could I ask them? Thanks in advance!

Answer: A Spa is a service environment where you will be the first and last impression that a customer will receive. The main concern of the hiring manager would be your customer service skills,attitude when it comes to working people in a fast pace environment, and your clerical abilities. Some questions that you may be asked would be. Tell us a little bit about yourself Why are you interested in the position What are some of your strengths What does customer service mean to you Know that you should also ask questions during the interview so do as much research as possible on the spa and have some questions written down. Sample questions: Is this a new position? If no Ask why the other person left? What would your expectations be of the person you hire for this position? What is the work environment like? Can you describe a normal day?

Question: How can I become a dental receptionist with no experience? I am a 19 year old college student and my long term goal is to get into dental school. For now, I would like to be a dental receptionist but all the ads say they want experience. I only have experience as a security guard and jobs in retail (supermarket, gamestop, pet supermarket, etc). How can I become a dental receptionist without the experience? Bonus Question: I am going to my dentist on Tuesday for an appointment... but would like to ask if she would be interested in hiring me. Is this a good idea and how should I approach her?

Answer: Rather than put her on the spot and ask for a job, I suggest you 'soften the blow' and tell her your plans and ask if she knows anyone who may be in need of a receptionist and is willing to train you. Also, the term you may want to use is: Front office assistant. If you are wanting to get in to dental school, however, you will get more experience by being a chairside or clinical assistant. I have over 25 years experience working in dental offices. I hired MANY people with no dental background and trained them for my offices. For some, we even paid for training and certifications. A few of the biggest things we looked for was: Nice, easy smile; good eye contact; articulate; CLEAN (body, hair, purse, clothes); smart; willing to learn; willing to work - and work as a team; no visible tat's or unusual piercing. In many dental offices people are expected to pitch in where help is needed. Your job may be 'receptionist' but you may be called on to clean up a dirty, contaminated operatory. Your desire to get into dental school may open some doors for you. Let prospective employers know of your goal. They may work to give you more exposure and experience. Dental receptionist may sound like an easy job but many times the receptionist is also the office manager. Charged with managing a profitable, workable schedule and collecting money, re-explaining treatment plans, helping patients understand dental terminology, an experienced receptionist is usually required. The term you may want to use is: Front office assistant. Sometimes a busy office has one person making appointments for just the hygiene department. That's a more straight-forward job that may not need so much experience. If your dentist does not know of any other offices looking, you may be able to get leads by just opening your phone book and calling offices and doing some networking. Leave your name and phone number incase their situation(s) change.

Question: What to wear for a job interview as a receptionist? I am going to have a job interview on Saturday to be a receptionist in a dance school for girls. I don't know what to wear. Can anyone give me any ideas on what is appropriate to wear to a interview?

Answer: As a potential receptionist, you are the first image of the company to a visitor. As such, you want to look polished and professional, unless you know that this is not welcome at this location. Most likely you should wear a business suit, or slacks and blazer with a shell or button front blouse. Make sure your nails are clean and neat. Not too long. Don't wear anything that will detract from the image that the company wants to present to it's visitors. Practice walking in front of a mirror, watching your facial expressions and eye contact. Do you look professional and project a positive and polished image? If so, couple that with a good solid resume and an image showing you are capable of handling whatever will come your way on the job, and you will do well.

Question: How are you supposed to gain experience as a Receptionist if everyone wants experienced people? I have never had a job as a receptionist and I was wondering what can I do to beef up my resume honestly so that I can get a job. They usually want someone with at least 6 months to a year of experience but I wouldn’t know where to go to get that. I am just starting out and am willing to work hard and I just need some help so I can make money for school. Thanks to any one who can help me.

Answer: Start by looking for work as a file clerk. That is an entry-level position. Then you'll get office experience.

Question: what to tell the receptionist when making a medical appointment? I might have a problem down below(male problem). Should I tell the receptionist exactly whats wrong or just say I need an appointment for a routine exam. I'd rather just keep it between me and the doctor.

Answer: joe r- It would be best if you could and would tell the receptionist what your male problem is so that she/he could determine how urgent it might be and how soon to schedule your visit. All persons in the doctor's office are bound by the current federal HIPAA law to maintain privacy of all patient information. The receptionist has probably processed many other guys with "male problems." Maybe you could write down your answer to her question "May I ask what the problem is?" and re-write it till you're most comfortable with what to say and then read it. You could use words like "problems with my male genitals" or "I'm worried about a possible infection of my genitals and would like to get (a lesion) checked," or I would like to get screened for any STD (sexually transmitted disease." Receptionists hear such words many times a day. There is no real reason to be embarrassed. Your own well-being and peace-of-mind are important.

Question: What can I do to get a Job as a Receptionist in a Medical Office? I have 3 years experience at the same company as an Admin Assistant/Receptionist. I really enjoy the work, but for some reason I really wanna work in a Medical Office. I work at a Computer Networking Company now. Does anyone know of any training I would need? I have been looking online and every job I find says 1 yr medical office experience required. Any other tips or information you have would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!

Answer: Medical jargon is what you're needing. They want you to be able to decipher the medical terms. You could 1. start through a temp agency and prove your worth (I started this way with no office experience at all and they wanted me full-time permanent), or 2. take a course on medical shorthand and apply to the job with that as well as letters of reference. Letters of rec will take you a long way. Good luck on that!

Question: How do I make a doctors appointment without telling the receptionist my problem? The receptionist asks me what am I seeing the doctor for, what if its private? I don't want to say its private then she will know what I mean by that. What should I do?

Answer: Just tell her you feel like crap and want to see the Doc. .. .. ..