The good receptionist: the rules for becoming one!

Over the past few years, I've met and gotten to know young, aspiring hotel receptionists, and the most common question they asked was: "How can I start working in a hotel? What can I do to become a good receptionist?"

Well… certainly starting a profession is not easy but we all have opportunities and we must make the most of them.

So, where do we start? Let's follow together the various steps to overcome in order to achieve this role:

Step 1: Qualification

Having a diploma in tourism, hospitality, or languages, or even better, a degree in Tourism Sciences or Foreign Languages, is certainly a plus during an interview at a hospitality facility, as it demonstrates your preparation. However, having a degree related to this field is not mandatory. I've come across job advertisements from some hotels, especially small ones, that are hiring receptionists even without specific qualifications in the tourism sector.

In any case, there are training courses offered by both private and public organizations dedicated to this profession. If you're interested, I recommend visiting your city's youth information office or searching online to find out what's available. Give priority to free courses (there are actually very few, but it's worth the wait).

Step 2: Learn English

Compared to a degree, knowing English is very important. In the world of business and commerce, English is the most widely spoken and understood language, making it essential in our sector. A good receptionist knows at least one international language. You can learn one or more languages ​​through courses in your city, online courses, forums, blogs, or simply the good old-fashioned way: by traveling. I love listening to music in the language I'm learning, and it's a really fun way to learn!

Step 3: Get experience

A degree doesn't necessarily mean you have experience, but it serves as a foundation. Having work experience , especially in your chosen field, can help you find a job more easily. How? Start by submitting your resume and applying for an internship, or apply for one of the various government-sponsored programs. There are also paid training courses (or Masters) that, in addition to classroom hours, include short periods of field experience. I recently discovered this workaway website that allows you to work in any type of facility in exchange for room, board, experience, and...learning a new language!

Step 3: Take care of your look

Image is truly an important factor in a work environment, even for those who want to be a good receptionist.

You wonder why?!? Because the front desk staff represents the company ! They're the first person guests meet when they arrive at the hotel and the last to say goodbye when they leave. I'd also add that a well-groomed appearance conveys self-esteem and confidence. It may seem strange, but taking care of yourself and your appearance makes us feel better, we communicate more easily, and those on the other side of the desk will sense our confidence and be more inclined to listen to us.

Step 4: Think Positive

A good receptionist must always be ready to deal with the daily problems of the workplace.

In my experience, for example, I've often had to welcome tired customers after a long journey, because they couldn't find a parking spot, or because they were irritated by a heating outage or for various reasons. Having effective problem-solving skills and adequate empathy for our customers will allow us to address the issue promptly. A healthy dose of positivity will make everything easier for us 😉

Step 5: Update

Studying, training, and staying up-to-date are things I continue to do today, despite my experience in this field. The world is changing, the market is constantly evolving, and our clients' analytical perspectives are increasingly diverse. Continuing to stay up-to-date doesn't mean being behind, but simply means being proactive. I want to approach the world of work and its complexities in the best possible way. So...let's never stop staying up-to-date!

These steps represent only a small part but an excellent start to becoming a good receptionist.

I followed them all! And how did you start your career as a receptionist? Do you have any other tips for becoming a good receptionist? Share your experience with us by leaving a comment 😉