INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Receptionist interview questions and answers

Questions that come up often for this role, with a short tip on how to answer each one. Use examples from your own work, not memorised lines.

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Receptionist interview questions with answer tips

Questions about the role

  1. How do you handle many calls at once?

    How to answer: Answer politely, take messages and follow up.

  2. A visitor is angry. What do you do?

    How to answer: Listen, stay calm and get help.

  3. How do you keep visitor records?

    How to answer: Register or software, complete and accurate.

  4. What languages do you speak?

    How to answer: Name each and your level honestly.

  5. Why do you like front-desk work?

    How to answer: Enjoy helping people and being organised.

Common HR questions

  1. Tell me about yourself.

    How to answer: In about a minute: your current role or degree, 1 or 2 results that fit this job, and why you want it.

  2. Why should we hire you?

    How to answer: Match 3 of your strengths to the job post, for example Front desk, Call handling and Visitor management, with proof.

  3. What is your notice period?

    How to answer: Give the exact period and whether early release is possible.

How to prepare

  • Read the job post and list the skills it asks for.
  • Prepare 3 short stories from your resume using the STAR method.
  • Know the numbers on your resume and how you got them.
  • Prepare 2 questions to ask the interviewer.

Skills interviewers often test

Front deskCall handlingVisitor managementSchedulingMS OfficeCommunicationCustomer serviceRecord keepingCourier handlingProfessional manners

Frequently asked questions

What is asked in a receptionist interview?

Role questions about your skills and past work, plus HR questions such as "Tell me about yourself" and notice period. See the list above.

How should a fresher prepare?

Freshers can show language skills and any customer-facing work.

What should I bring to the interview?

Copies of your resume, ID, certificates if asked, and a short list of questions for them.