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: Tell me about a time when you made a mistake, and how did you deal with it?

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

    Sample Answer: I made a mistake on a customer's order. I had entered the wrong address. I immediately called the customer and apologized for my mistake. I explained that I would correct the error and have the order delivered as soon as possible. The customer was very understanding and said that it was not a problem.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they take responsibility for their mistakes?
    • - Do they learn from their mistakes?
    • - Do they have a plan for dealing with mistakes

  • Question: What do you know about us?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out what the candidate knows about the company.

    Sample Answer: I have read your website and I am very impressed with your company's history. I am also very impressed with your company's commitment to the environment. I am very excited to be a part of this team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they know about the company culture?
    • - Do they know about the company's products?
    • - Do they know about the company's history?

  • Question: Can you operate a PBX?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to make sure the receptionist understands the basics of PBX operation.

    Sample Answer: I have used a PBX in my previous jobs. I am familiar with the basic functions of a PBX and how to use it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they understand how a PBX works?
    • - Do they know how to use it?
    • - Do they have experience using one

  • Question: How would you deal with an abusive patient?

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

    Sample Answer: I would try to calm the patient down and ask them what was wrong. I would try to find out what the patient needed and help them get it. If the patient became abusive, I would ask them to leave and call security if they did not leave on their own.

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

  • Question: How old are you?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out if the candidate is over the age of 18.

    Sample Answer: I am 22 years old.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Is the candidate over the age of 18?
    • - Do they have a good reason for not being over 18?

  • Question: Have you worked with customers before?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see if the candidate has experience with customers.

    Sample Answer: I have worked in customer service before. I have worked at a call center for a major insurance company. I have also worked at a small retail store as a cashier.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have experience with customers?
    • - Do they have positive experiences with customers?
    • - Do they have negative experiences with customers?

  • Question: Can you use Microsoft Office?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out if the candidate can use the basic Microsoft Office suite of programs.

    Sample Answer: Yes, I have used Microsoft Office for ten years. I am proficient with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they know what the programs are?
    • - Do they know how to use them?
    • - Do they know how to use them well?

  • Question: How would you deal with a patient who had not yet been collected and your shift was finishing?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out how the candidate will handle a difficult situation.

    Sample Answer: I would call the patient and explain that I was finishing up and that the receptionist would be able to assist them. I would also ask if they had any questions for me and if they needed any help.

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

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to multitask.

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

    Sample Answer: I had a situation where I was answering the phone, helping customers, and taking care of the mail all at the same time. I was able to handle all of these tasks without any issues.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a confident approach to multitasking?
    • - Do they demonstrate experience with multitasking?

  • Question: What do you mean by integrity?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see how the candidate defines integrity.

    Sample Answer: Integrity is doing what is right, even when no one is looking. It is doing what you believe to be right, even if it is not popular. It is doing what you believe to be right, even if it means losing something.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they understand what integrity is?
    • - Do they demonstrate integrity in their own life?
    • - Do they have integrity