To work as a receptionist or within an administration role, is a fantastic way to open yourself up to the business world. The experience you gain, along with skill development is incredibly beneficial. In this post we highlight exactly why. We will also go into the nitty gritty of how to land yourself a great role in Admin/Reception work.

Few of us are born into a blood line that is fast tracked entry into Eton, that lands the perfect career at our feet. Can you feel that thirst for success? Prepare yourself for (rewarding) hard-work and determination, but by god… we can all get there!

Why becoming a receptionist is so advantageous

Let’s jump straight into exactly WHY it is so worth those hard-working years as a receptionist to really boost your career in the future. Whether you choose to move into other positions or stay in this role, there are so many excellent benefits.

It can be daunting, you have your vision of where you want to be, but the idea of getting there may feel like Everest laid out in front of you. How do you start? How could I ever have enough experience to do this job? The business world is SO confusing!!

Slow. Down. Take comfort in that everyone starts in the same place, apart from the aforementioned boarding schoolboys (we are happy for them… really!). The only thing standing between you and the head of marketing, or the head of creative, is experience and knowledge. Both of which, are fully achievable.

In the words of Norman Vincent Peale, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

The year of 2020 is your year. Your year to begin. To take the first step.

Without further ado, lets unwrap why we’re so excited to advocate these roles.

1. Found success

To start, we all must find that inner motivator to create our own success. There are so many factors that will determine whether we’re successful. You are the face of the business, which makes you very important!

2. All-round skill development

These roles are incredibly varied, in most admin/receptionist jobs you will learn an array of vital skills such as; communication, multi-tasking, note taking, problem-solving, technical abilities, customer service etc.

3. Interacting with professionals

You will have exposure to people throughout the business. From warehouse clerks, to executives. This is invaluable networking that be advantageous to your career. Business’ are packed with various personality types, it is great experience to understand how to interact with different people.

4. You are the glue of the business

Your position is very important! Sure, the tasks at times may seem medial, but it is important that mail is delivered, meeting rooms are booked, and schedules are organised.

5. Understanding the ins and outs

As a receptionist, you will understand parts of the business that many others will not. Now is crucial time to capitalise on all this exposure. Listen to and talk with your colleagues and ask questions!

6. Career progression

Once you’ve had a dab hand in administration/receptionist and have been with a business for 1/2/3 years, guess who is first in line for a sales admin or marketing assistant position? You have the upper hand; you have the rapport with the team and knowledge of the business. Making you the easier hire!

7. Great pay opportunities

Starting out will bring an entry level salary. Don’t be disheartened. However, there are receptionists that have worked hard in their position and now earn a very impressive salary.

Successful people who started with little

We see examples of people starting at the bottom and making their way to the top time and time again. Celebrities who’s faces we cannot get away from, have come from poverty-stricken households. People that are now CEO’s, were once mail clerks.

Hard work and a great attitude are what will get you there.

1. Howard Schultz – CEO of Starbucks

Howard had described his family growing up as ‘destitute’.

“I knew the people on the other side [of the tracks] had more resources, more money, happier families,” he told the Mirror. “I wanted to climb over that fence and achieve something beyond what people were saying was possible.”

He worked hard and attended university, spending time working for a housewares company. Before he bought what we now know to be ‘Starbucks’.

2. Sir Richard Branson

Now here’s a name everyone knows, Sir Richard Branson didn’t come from money. He is a self-made billionaire. Making his first $8,000 through advertising in a student magazine, which helped him to buy a small record shop ‘Virgin Records’.

He made his billions through blood, sweat and tears.

3. Ursula Burns

This is a name you likely haven’t heard before, but Ursula is the Chairman of Xerox. Her mum raised 3 children on a salary that did not exceed $4,400, again it was nothing short of sheer determination and hard work that got her to where she is now.

4. JK Rowling

JK Rowling is the ultimate rags to riches story.

She didn’t grow up poor, but after escaping her unhappy marriage in her 20’s, and being a single mother took her to poverty. She said; “I was as poor as it is possible to go in the UK without being homeless”. She fell into a deep depression and thought of suicide. This is a far cry from the JK we now know. It was from these ashes that the Harry Potter stories were born.

5. Oprah Winfrey

Her beginnings were tough, raised by a single teenage mother. She managed to turn these hard ships into what makes her great today. Her net worth may exceed 3 billion, but she is known for her work as an executive, producer, performer and humanitarian, helping so many that aren’t fortunate enough to be able to help themselves.

There is nothing wrong with aspiring to this level of success. To start at the bottom, to lap up the experience, show your ambition and your desire for hard work. To catapult your career forwards.

How to land your receptionist role

Time to get down to the nitty gritty. This is all well and good, but where do I start? How do I make this happen??

Look into local companies

If you do have a field in mind, or you’re sure of the kind of company you would like to work for. Well, this is a great place to start. Research these companies, see how local they are and what positions they have available.

Maybe you see yourself working in the automotive industry, or for a graphic design firm. There isn’t any harm with tailoring your search to these companies. However, we must say your first position may not be the best time to be picky. Luckily skills found in administration and as a receptionist are transferable.

Be sure that the company fits your values and culture, you do not want to go to work every day miserable. But you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. Most of us fall into our sector, only to really enjoy it and continue with it far into our careers.

Join a recruitment agency

Recruitment agencies have great relationships with many business’ in your local area. Companies that may be tricky to get into on your own, without the support of a recruitment agency behind you. When a recruiter advocates for you. It puts you into a much stronger position. As, for a recruiter to advocate the wrong person would be detrimental to their own position.

Being an insider here at TurnerFox Recruitment, I can tell you resoundingly that here in our office, the recruiters work tirelessly, are incredibly transparent and keep you in the loop through the interview and hiring process.

TurnerFox can kick start your career with so many fantastic businesses in the Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire areas. To see our current vacancies, you can find out more by heading to our job section; https://development.turnerfoxrecruitment.co.uk/jobs/. It is worth noting that available jobs change quickly. So, check back regularly.

Alternatively, you can register with us and we will keep an eye out for you! To register you can apply for any of our positions, email us on recruit@turnerfox.co.uk or call us on 01623 656 303. Alternatively, we’re on all the social media sites! Links are at the bottom of this post.

Quick Interview Tips

• Buzz words – land these words in your interview to leave your interviewer nothing short of impressed
• Enthusiastic
• Problem-solver
• Motivated
• Self-starter
• Proactive
• Initiative
• Dynamic
• Team player
• Flexible
• Link your experience back to what they are asking for
• Show you’ve been on their website or social media by discussing one of their current projects
• Show excitement for the position
• Use the interviewers name to really build human connection
• Finally, say thank you!

If you wish to digress further into the nitty gritty of interviews and dress code, you can find a wealth of resources on our website; ‘Job Interview Types You Need to Know About!’  and ‘What to Wear to a Job Interview’.

These tips ring true for any role, including rececptionist work and administation roles.

 

Traits of a receptionist

If you’re going to be hired, and then seriously kick some boot-ay in this new position, then you need to possess certain traits. These are traits that can be learnt! So, fear not.

• You need to have a positive working attitude, no one will be impressed if you are the kind of person who comes into work and spends 7 out of your 8 hours winging about working, it isn’t productive or inspiring
• Organisation, you HAVE to be organised. Keep lists, use your Outlook Calendar and keep a tidy desk, and you will be on your way to an organised career
• A strong work ethic. Show passion and pride for your work to really impress your manager. With a willingness to learn and improve, you will be in good estimations of all your peers and superiors (a good place to be!)
• Self-starter – every manager wants a self-starter, regardless of role type. You should be able to kick yourself into gear and not be reminded every 10 minutes to keep on plodding on
• Punctual – everyone knows life gets in the way, and we aren’t perfect. But nothing is sloppier than someone that can’t show up on time. Get to work early and also don’t be scared of the occasional day staying late in the office
• Be friendly, this may seem like common sense. But make friends with the people around you! People with friends at work are more productive and happier!

The list can go on, but if you can train yourself to possess these skills, you will go a long way in your new role.

How to further advance your career

If you wish to progress further in your career, you’re at a fantastic advantage in your current position as a receptionist or administration assistant to do so.

Start looking into other departments around you, what piques your interest? Put out your feelers and desire to progress with your manager and discuss where you see yourself going. Most good companies will support you through whatever your career calling may be, and will help you to get there.

We’ll also circle back around, one more time. To this absolute necessity of eagerness! To show your interest and willing to work hard will outshine just about anything. Spend time outside of work taking online courses or listening to podcasts on business or whatever your subject of interest may be. Education certainly doesn’t end with school.

What are you waiting for?

With this said, now is your time to get started.

Reach out to us today or check out our current job vacancies. Even if we don’t currently have any receptionist vacancies, our jobs change reguarly, and we don’t advertise all of our roles. So, it is worth reaching out to us!

01623 656 303

recruit@turnerfox.co.uk

https://development.turnerfoxrecruitment.co.uk/jobs/

Another way to stay up to date with our current jobs is to follow us on social media – we promise to keep it interesting!!

www.facebook.com/TurnerFoxRecruitment

www.twitter.com/TurnerFox

www.instagram.com/turnerfoxrecruitment

www.linkedin.com/turnerfoxrecruitment