Top Receptionist Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Receptionist interview by going through these most asked Receptionist interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Receptionist Questions
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  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an upset/angry customer.

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see how the candidate deals with difficult customers.

    Sample Answer: One time, a customer was very upset about an order that had been delivered incorrectly. I was able to help him by listening to his concerns and then finding out what he needed from us to make him happy. I was able to get him the correct order and he was very happy with the outcome.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a confident approach to the issue?
    • - Do they have good ideas about how to handle the situation?
    • - Do they demonstrate experience handling such a situation

  • Question: How much experience do you have?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out how much experience the candidate has in the receptionist role.

    Sample Answer: I have been a receptionist for ten years. I have been working in that capacity for five years. I have been working in the field for fifteen years.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have enough experience to be confident in their abilities?
    • - Do they have enough experience to be able to do the job well?
    • - Do they have enough experience to be a good fit for the position

  • Question: What would you do if a client doesn’t like your answer?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see how the candidate handles conflict.

    Sample Answer: I would apologize for any misunderstanding and try to clarify the issue. If the client is still upset, I would ask them to speak with my supervisor.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a confident approach to conflict?
    • - Do they have a good answer to the question?
    • - Do they demonstrate experience handling conflict

  • Question: What kind of manager do you prefer?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see if the candidate prefers a hands-off manager or a hands-on manager.

    Sample Answer: I prefer a hands-on manager who is available to answer questions and help me with any issues I may have.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they prefer a hands-off manager?
    • - Do they prefer a hands-on manager?
    • - Do they prefer a hands-off manager?

  • Question: How would you handle an angry parent?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see how the candidate handles an angry person.

    Sample Answer: I would try to calm the parent down and ask them to tell me what the problem was. I would then tell them that I would find out what was going on and get back to them as soon as possible.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a confident approach to the issue?
    • - Do they have experience handling such a situation?
    • - Do they have good listening skills

  • Question: How much customer experience do you have?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out how much experience the candidate has dealing with customers.

    Sample Answer: I have worked as a receptionist for ten years. I have had many different roles in my career, but all of them have involved me interacting with customers. I have worked in retail, restaurants, and hotels. I have also worked as a receptionist for a small business.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have experience dealing with customers?
    • - Do they have good customer service skills?
    • - Do they have a good attitude about dealing with customers?

  • Question: What is your experience in handling mass volume of phone calls and helping multiple people at once?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out how the candidate handles high volume situations.

    Sample Answer: I have experience handling high volume situations. I have been in the role of receptionist for six years and during that time, I have learned how to handle a lot of calls at once. I am very good at multitasking and prioritizing my work.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have experience handling high volume situations?
    • - Do they have good phone skills?
    • - Do they have good people skills?

  • Question: How do you handle pressure?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out how the candidate handles pressure.

    Sample Answer: I am always prepared for the day, so I am never caught off guard. I take a few minutes before my shift to review my schedule and make sure I know where everyone is and what they are doing. This helps me be prepared for any situation that may arise.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a confident approach to pressure?
    • - Do they have a good attitude about pressure?
    • - Do they have good ideas about how to handle pressure

  • Question: How your previous job experience is relevant to the position we have open?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see how the candidate sees their previous job experience as relevant to the position.

    Sample Answer: I have been a receptionist for ten years. I have been in charge of scheduling, managing calls, and keeping track of office supplies. I have also been in charge of managing the office social media presence. I am very familiar with the software used in this position. I am confident that my experience will allow me to be a valuable asset to your company.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a clear understanding of how their previous job experience is relevant?
    • - Do they have good examples of how their previous job experience is relevant?
    • - Do they demonstrate a clear understanding of the position

  • Question: How do you react to praise?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see how the candidate reacts to positive feedback.

    Sample Answer: I am very grateful for any kind of praise. I am always trying to improve my performance and any feedback is helpful.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they seem uncomfortable with praise?
    • - Do they seem like they are uncomfortable with praise?
    • - Do they have a good response

  • Question: What would your previous/current manager say about you?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out what the candidate's previous manager thinks about them.

    Sample Answer: My previous manager would say that I am a hard worker and that I am always willing to help out wherever needed. He would say that I am very professional and always keep the office running smoothly.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a good relationship with their previous manager?
    • - Do they have a good reputation?
    • - Do they have a good reputation with their coworkers?