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 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: Are you willing to do other tasks as asked if not in your job description?

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

    Sample Answer: I am willing to do whatever is needed to help the company. I am very flexible and can adapt to any situation. I am willing to do whatever is needed to help the company.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a flexible attitude towards their job?
    • - Do they have a good attitude about doing extra work?
    • - Do they have good ideas about how to be flexible

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone.

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out how the candidate works with others.

    Sample Answer: I had a coworker who was very quiet and did not like to be bothered. I noticed that she was having trouble with her work and I asked her if she needed help. She was very grateful for the help and we became friends.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have good skills at working with others?
    • - Do they have good ideas about how to work with others?
    • - Do they have good ideas about how to resolve conflict

  • Question: What programming languages do you know?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out what programming languages the candidate is familiar with.

    Sample Answer: I have been using Microsoft Office software for my ten years as a receptionist. I am also proficient with Google and Microsoft calendaring software, Google Sheets and Docs, all common instant message platforms and Slack.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they demonstrate facility with the common programming languages used by receptionists?
    • - Do they know what those languages are?
    • - Do they show experience with programming

  • Question: What do you like about your current job?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see if the candidate is happy in their current job.

    Sample Answer: I really like the people I work with. We have a great team and we all get along very well. We also have a lot of fun together. I also really enjoy my work. I love being able to help people and make their day a little better.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they like their job?
    • - Do they like the company?
    • - Do they like the work environment?