You might be wondering: How do I create a receptionist CV that stands out? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. We offer plenty of useful resources, including professional receptionist CV examples and step-by-step guides to simplify the process.

In the following sections, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about writing a standout receptionist CV, including:

  • Receptionist CV sample
  • Receptionist CV template
  • The best format for your receptionist CV
  • How to write a compelling CV for a receptionist
  • Top dos and don’ts for receptionist CV writing

With our guidance, you’ll be equipped to create a professional and effective CV that will help you land the job you’re aiming for.

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    Receptionist CV sample

    receptionist CV

    Jeannette Marsh

    14B Crown Way
    Rochdale, M2 4WU
    07912345678
    j.marsh@example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Knowledgeable and professional Receptionist skilled in administrative support and customer service objectives. Brings eight years of experience managing fast-paced, front desk operations. Strong planning, problem solving, and communication skills.

    SKILLS
     

    • Multitasking and prioritisation
    • Professional and smart presentation
    • Shipping and receiving
    • Correspondence distribution
    • Inventory management
    • Multi-line telephone systems
    • Personable and outgoing
    • Security awareness
    • Travel planning
    • Verbal and written
    • Communication

    WORK HISTORY

    07/2019 – CURRENT
    Piccadilly One Office Space | Manchester
    RECEPTIONIST

    • Corresponded with more than 100 clients via email, telephone, or post.
    • Compiled and produced documents and reports and filed, copied, or faxed required papers to appropriate parties.
    • Aggregated and prepared documentation and reports for office meetings, distribution, and filing.

    04/2016 – 06/2019
    Jenson and Sons Warehouse Salford
    RECEPTIONIST

    • Oversaw inventory activities including materials monitoring, ordering or requisition, and supply stocking or re-stocking.
    • Reduced overall costs by 7.5% year on year.
    • Greeted customers and visitors in person and via telephone calls.

    08/2013 – 04/2016
    BBC Radio Studios Stockport
    RECEPTIONIST

    • Cut shipping costs by 6% in 2014.
    • Monitored premises security, screened visitors, updated logs, and issued passes.
    • Made travel arrangements for management and executive staff.

    EDUCATION

    Bachelor of Arts | English
    2013 Manchester Metropolitan University

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    Receptionist CV templates

    Crafting the perfect receptionist CV doesn’t have to be difficult. Our ready-made receptionist CV templates will help you create a professional and impactful CV highlighting your skills and experience, giving you a great head start in securing your next job.

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    Choose the right format for your receptionist CV

    To make a strong first impression, you need to present your skills and experience clearly and professionally. But how can you do that effectively on one page? The key is choosing the right CV format. A well-organised CV not only makes your content easy to follow but also creates a positive visual impression, both of which are crucial for catching the attention of hiring managers.

    While there are many different formats, we recommend two popular options for a receptionist CV: the reverse-chronological CV and the skills-based CV.

    The reverse-chronological CV is often the best choice for receptionist roles. This format focuses on your work history, starting with your most recent job and working backwards. It’s ideal for showcasing your progression in receptionist or administrative positions, highlighting your most relevant experience.

    On the other hand, a skills-based CV emphasises your transferable skills, such as “communication,” “customer service,” and “organisation.” This format can be helpful if you’re transitioning into a receptionist role from another field or if you lack work experience, as it highlights your strengths rather than job titles.

    Here are some more general CV writing tips to keep in mind:

    • Your CV should only be one to two pages long maximum
    • Use a professional font like Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman
    • Improve readability with clear headings, sections, and bullet points
    • Keep the overall tone formal and polite
    • Send your CV as a PDF file unless asked otherwise
    Choose your format now

    How to write a receptionist CV step by step

    Now that you’ve selected your CV format, it’s time to focus on the key details that will make your receptionist CV stand out. The following sections will guide you through every step, from adding your contact details to highlighting your education and experience. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to make a CV for a receptionist that catches the reader’s attention.

    How to add contact details to your receptionist CV

    It may seem basic, but some candidates forget to include their most up-to-date contact details at the top of their CV, which can lead to missed opportunities.

    To ensure employers can reach you easily, double-check that all your contact information is included before submitting your application. Consider using a slightly larger or bolder font for clarity and easy access for this section. Make sure to include the following:

    • Full name – both your first name and surname
    • Location – simply the city or country where you’re based (mention if you’re willing to relocate)
    • Phone number – provide the best number to contact you
    • Email address – use a professional, work-appropriate email address

    Example of a correctly formatted contact section

    Anna McDonald
    195 Crown Street,
    London, W12 4WB,
    07912345678,
    anna.mcdonald@example.co.uk

    Start your receptionist CV right with a persuasive personal statement

    A strong personal statement is a great way to open your receptionist CV and make an immediate impression. This brief summary, typically just three to four sentences, provides an opportunity to highlight your experience, key skills, and what you can bring to the role.

    Your personal statement should present a snapshot of your career and achievements, positioning you as an asset to the employer. Focus on how your skills—such as excellent communication, organisational abilities, and customer service expertise—will benefit the workplace. Tailor the statement to the specific job description, ensuring you mention key qualities the employer is seeking.

    What else do you need to know about personal statement writing?

    • Keep it concise—aim for around 50 words and avoid unnecessary fluff.
    • Highlight your strengths in customer service, organisation, and communication.
    • Repeat some of the job requirements to reassure employers you have what it takes to succeed.
    • Mention relevant metrics when possible (e.g. “Managed a busy front desk with an average of 50+ visitors daily”).

    Example of a receptionist personal statement

    Dedicated receptionist with 4 years of experience in customer service and office administration, supporting clients and staff. Adept at managing multi-line phone systems, scheduling appointments, and greeting visitors with a professional and friendly approach. Recognised for streamlining office processes, reducing waiting times by 20%, and ensuring a smooth front desk operation. Ready to leverage my organisational skills and positive attitude to contribute to a successful team.

    OR

    Experienced receptionist with 3 years of customer service and office support, known for handling high-volume calls and managing appointments efficiently. Skilled in creating a welcoming environment and optimising front desk operations. Proven track record of improving office efficiency and providing excellent service to both clients and staff. Ready to bring my organisational skills and positive attitude to a new role.

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    Add your work experience to your CV

    Work experience is the top deciding factor in the hiring process. Employers always prefer candidates with a proven track record because they need less training and supervision. For your receptionist CV, list your previous and current positions in reverse-chronological order and outline three to four key responsibilities for each role.

    If you’re unsure what to include, ask yourself: Is this recent and relevant? There’s no need to mention a job role from several years ago if it no longer aligns with your current skill set. Similarly, unless you can highlight transferable skills, there’s no need to include certain positions.

    How should you format this section? We suggest including:

    • Job title
    • Company name
    • Company location
    • Employment start and end dates
    • List of responsibilities
    • Achievements, awards, and promotions

    Whenever possible, use specific examples and metrics to back up your achievements. For instance, if you’ve “managed a busy front desk,” you could say, “managed a front desk serving over 50 clients daily.” Or you might highlight, “coordinated scheduling for a team of 10 professionals”. The more detailed you can be, the stronger your application will be.

    Also, aim to cover a broad range of duties to demonstrate the full scope of your abilities. If you’ve already mentioned “answering phone calls” in one role, try highlighting “maintaining office supplies” or “assisting with event coordination” in another. Use action verbs to start your bullet points, such as “greeted,” “organised,” and “coordinated,” to make your experience sound more engaging. This will help your CV stand out and show the hiring manager the full extent of your skills.

    Example of work experience for a receptionist CV

    Receptionist | ABC Corp, London | June 2022 – Present

    • Greeted visitors and clients, providing a professional and welcoming environment at the front desk.
    • Managed a multi-line phone system, directing calls and taking accurate messages.
    • Coordinated meeting room bookings, ensuring smooth scheduling and preparation for client meetings.
    • Assisted in administrative tasks, including filing, data entry, and handling office supplies.

    Front Desk Assistant | The Ritz Hotel, London | January 2020 – May 2022

    • Delivered exceptional customer service to guests, addressing inquiries and resolving concerns promptly.
    • Managed check-ins and check-outs, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for guests.
    • Organised and maintained reservation systems, updated bookings and managed guest preferences.

    Top skills for your receptionist CV

    When employers review CVs, they often skip straight to the skills section to quickly assess whether you meet the job requirements. This section is also crucial for passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which filter CVs based on keywords. To make the most impact, we recommend listing 6-8 key skills, with a balance between hard (technical) skills and soft (personal) skills.

    Hard skills are job-specific and technical abilities you develop through experience or training. Examples include “managing multi-line phone systems,” “booking appointments,” and “handling office software such as Microsoft Office.”

    Soft skills, on the other hand, are personality traits that help you work well with others and thrive in a professional setting. These might include “communication,” “organisation,” “problem-solving,” and “customer service.”

    Here’s our top advice: You need both to succeed. Strong technical abilities are important, but so is the right attitude. To help you get started, here are some skills you might consider including on your receptionist CV:

    Essential skills for a receptionist

    • Appointment scheduling and calendar management
    • Customer service excellence
    • Office administration and clerical support
    • Record-keeping and filing systems

    Desirable aptitudes

    • Strong communication skills
    • Time management and multitasking
    • Attention to detail and accuracy

    Outlining education on a receptionist CV

    When competing for a receptionist position, your educational background can set you apart from other candidates. This section allows you to highlight your formal education, relevant training, and any certifications that demonstrate you have the foundation needed to excel in the role.

    While it’s straightforward, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind when filling out the education section of your receptionist CV. First, avoid listing qualifications that aren’t relevant to the role. For example, if you’ve completed a higher-level qualification, there’s no need to mention your GCSEs unless they directly relate to the job. Additionally, don’t focus on any poor grades or incomplete courses – the aim is to showcase your strengths and qualifications.

    For most receptionist roles, a good level of secondary education is sufficient, but additional training in office administration, customer service, or IT skills can give you an edge. If you have relevant certifications, such as First Aid or secretarial qualifications, be sure to include these as well.

    Here are a few details to include:

    • Name of school, college, university, or other awarding body
    • Study start and end dates
    • Subject title
    • Qualification level – e.g. undergraduate degree or A-levels
    • Qualification result – optional but can be useful if it’s strong

    Example of an education section for a CV

    North London College | September 2018 – June 2020
    A Levels: Business Studies (A), Maths (A), English (B), IT (B)

    Kingsway High School | September 2013 – June 2018
    10 GCSEs, including Maths, English, and Science (Grades A – C)

    Top dos and don’ts for a receptionist CV

    Do

    • DO tailor your CV to the job description

      One of the biggest mistakes we see is candidates sending the same cover letter to different employers. Take the time to customise your CV for each application. Use keywords from the job description and align your skills and experience with the role’s specific requirements. This will not only help you pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) but also demonstrate to the employer that you’ve paid attention to their needs.

    • DO try to include metrics

      Metrics can make your CV stand out. Whether it’s the number of clients served, the volume of calls handled, or improvements to office efficiency, showcasing your achievements with numbers adds weight to your experience and proves your effectiveness in past roles.

    Don't

    • DON’T overcomplicate your CV

      Keep your CV clean, concise, and easy to read. Avoid overloading it with irrelevant details or unnecessary jargon. Use bullet points and clear headings to make your CV scannable. A hiring manager will appreciate a well-organised document that quickly showcases your most important qualifications.

    • DON’T forget to check for errors

      Typos or grammatical mistakes can give the wrong impression. Always proofread your CV multiple times before sending it. It’s also helpful to have someone else review it for you to catch errors you might have missed. A polished CV shows attention to detail, an essential trait for a receptionist.

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    Your receptionist CV questions answered

    How can I tailor my CV for different receptionist roles?

    To tailor your CV, focus on highlighting skills and experiences that match the specific responsibilities of each job. For example, if the role involves heavy data entry, emphasise your attention to detail and proficiency with spreadsheet software. If it’s more about office management, highlight your organisational and project coordination skills.

    How do I showcase my multitasking abilities on a receptionist CV?

    Receptionists often juggle multiple tasks at once, so it’s important to highlight your ability to manage competing priorities. In your CV, mention specific situations where you successfully managed phone calls, scheduled appointments, and handled administrative tasks simultaneously. Use examples like, “Managed a busy front desk while responding to an average of 50 calls daily”.

    Should I include my experience with virtual receptionist tools?

    If you’ve used virtual receptionist tools or cloud-based scheduling systems, definitely include them on your CV. Employers appreciate candidates who are familiar with the latest technologies, as these tools help improve efficiency and reduce overhead. Mention any tools you’ve used, such as Zoom, Google Meet, or scheduling platforms like Calendly, and how they contributed to the smooth running of the office.

    Should I include personal interests or hobbies on my receptionist CV?

    Including personal interests or hobbies on your CV is generally not necessary, but it can be helpful if you have limited work experience or your CV lacks sufficient content. If you choose to include this section, make sure to highlight interests that reflect qualities relevant to the role, such as teamwork, communication, or organisational skills.

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