What Does it Take to Be a Receptionist or Information Clerk?
Receptionist or Information Clerk Definition Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.
List of Receptionist or Information Clerk Job Duties
- Analyze data to determine answers to questions from customers or members of the public.
- Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
- Process and prepare memos, correspondence, travel vouchers, or other documents.
- Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
- Calculate and quote rates for tours, stocks, insurance policies, or other products or services.
- Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
Receptionist or Information Clerk Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Receptionists and Information Clerks say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Receptionist or Information Clerk
- Telephone Clerk
- Community Liaison
- Appointment Setter
- Call Center Agent
- Information Specialist
Are There Job Opportunities for Receptionists and Information Clerks?
In the United States, there were 1,053,700 jobs for Receptionist or Information Clerk in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 95,500 new jobs for Receptionist or Information Clerk by 2026. The BLS estimates 151,100 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Receptionist or Information Clerk are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Mississippi, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Receptionists and Information Clerks Salary
The typical yearly salary for Receptionists and Information Clerks is somewhere between $20,600 and $41,660.
Receptionists and Information Clerks who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Receptionists and Information Clerks make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $26,320 |
| Alaska | $35,310 |
| Arizona | $30,050 |
| Arkansas | $27,200 |
| California | $33,190 |
| Colorado | $32,360 |
| Connecticut | $34,860 |
| Delaware | $27,160 |
| District of Columbia | $38,290 |
| Florida | $29,120 |
| Georgia | $27,840 |
| Hawaii | $32,870 |
| Idaho | $28,900 |
| Illinois | $30,210 |
| Indiana | $28,520 |
| Iowa | $29,410 |
| Kansas | $27,540 |
| Kentucky | $27,390 |
| Louisiana | $24,990 |
| Maine | $30,380 |
| Maryland | $30,720 |
| Massachusetts | $32,960 |
| Michigan | $29,690 |
| Minnesota | $31,150 |
| Mississippi | $26,370 |
| Missouri | $27,550 |
| Montana | $27,450 |
| Nebraska | $28,820 |
| Nevada | $28,440 |
| New Hampshire | $31,080 |
| New Jersey | $33,120 |
| New Mexico | $27,690 |
| New York | $34,430 |
| North Carolina | $28,410 |
| North Dakota | $29,480 |
| Ohio | $27,850 |
| Oklahoma | $28,210 |
| Oregon | $31,670 |
| Pennsylvania | $28,700 |
| Rhode Island | $33,670 |
| South Carolina | $27,660 |
| South Dakota | $27,280 |
| Tennessee | $27,990 |
| Texas | $27,400 |
| Utah | $27,890 |
| Vermont | $33,750 |
| Virginia | $30,050 |
| Washington | $33,990 |
| West Virginia | $26,660 |
| Wisconsin | $29,610 |
| Wyoming | $29,000 |
What Tools do Receptionists and Information Clerks Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Receptionists and Information Clerks may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Microsoft Windows
- Database software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
- Google Docs
- FileMaker Pro
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Google Drive
- Medical procedure coding software
- Blackbaud The Raiser’s Edge
- Medical condition coding software
Becoming a Receptionist or Information Clerk
Education needed to be a Receptionist or Information Clerk:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Receptionist or Information Clerk?
Receptionists and Information Clerks Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Receptionist or Information Clerk may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Receptionist or Information Clerk sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.