Occupation AtlasReceptionists and Information Clerks
O*NET · 43-4171.00
Receptionists and Information Clerks
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.
64 more
Call Center Rep · Call Center Representative (Call Center Rep) · Call Taker · CCR · Clerk Specialist · Clinic Receptionist · Customer Care Representative (CCR) · Dental Receptionist · ER Clerk · ER Clerk (Emergency Room Clerk) · Front Desk Associate · Front Desk Clerk · Front Desk Officer · Front Desk Receptionist · Front Office Receptionist · Greeter · Guard Entrance Registrar · Hospital Receptionist · Hospitality Aide · In File Operator · Info Assistant · Info Receptionist · Information Assistant (Info Assistant) · Information Receptionist (Info Receptionist) · Land Leasing Examiner · Land Leasing Info Clerk · Land Leasing Information Clerk (Land Leasing Info Clerk) · Legal Receptionist · Medical Office Receptionist · Medical Receptionist · Medical Scheduler · Member Services Rep · Member Services Representative (Member Services Rep) · Office Assistant · Outpatient Clerk · Pay Station Attendant · People Greeter · Policyholder Info Clerk · Policyholder Information Clerk (Policyholder Info Clerk) · Quoter · Receptionist · Referral and Info Aide · Referral and Information Aide (Referral and Info Aide) · Referral Coordinator · Register Clerk · Registrar · Registration Clerk · Research Clerk · Salon Receptionist · Schedule Announcer · Scheduler · Spa Receptionist · Space Scheduler · Telephone Answerer · Telephone Appointment Clerk · Telephone Clerk · Telephone Info Clerk · Telephone Information Clerk (Telephone Info Clerk) · Telephone Operator · Telephone Operator Receptionist · Telephone Quotation Clerk · Tourist Info Assistant · Tourist Information Assistant (Tourist Info Assistant) · Utility Clerk
Compare with another occupationCompare with Office Clerks, General
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CESConventional · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.30
- E Enterprising4.26
- S Social3.57
- R Realistic1.95
- I Investigative1.79
- A Artistic1.10
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (27%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (34%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (45%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
- PersuasionImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- InstructingImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- NegotiationImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
11 core · 7 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.Importance 4.7
- Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.Importance 4.7
- Receive payment and record receipts for services.Importance 4.6
- Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.Importance 4.4
- Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.Importance 4.1
- File and maintain records.Importance 4.1
- Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.Importance 4.1
- Perform administrative support tasks, such as proofreading, transcribing handwritten information, or operating calculators or computers to work with pay records, invoices, balance sheets, or other documents.Importance 4.0
- Provide information about establishment, such as location of departments or offices, employees within the organization, or services provided.Importance 4.0
- Collect, sort, distribute, or prepare mail, messages, or courier deliveries.Importance 3.9
- Perform duties, such as taking care of plants or straightening magazines to maintain lobby or reception area.Importance 3.4
Show the other 7
- Analyze data to determine answers to questions from customers or members of the public.Importance 4.2
- Calculate and quote rates for tours, stocks, insurance policies, or other products or services.Importance 4.2
- Keep a current record of staff members' whereabouts and availability.Importance 3.9
- Schedule space or equipment for special programs and prepare lists of participants.Importance 3.6
- Process and prepare memos, correspondence, travel vouchers, or other documents.Importance 3.4
- Take orders for merchandise or materials and send them to the proper departments to be filled.Importance 3.2
- Enroll individuals to participate in programs and notify them of their acceptance.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- AdministrativeImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- English LanguageImportance 3.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- MathematicsImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
Show all 33
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.3Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.9Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- TransportationImportance 1.5Level —
- DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.3Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.3Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Near VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
Show all 52
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Problem SensitivityImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- MemorizationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Number FacilityImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- OriginalityImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 1.9
- VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.3Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.1Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
Show all 41
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Processing InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Test an automobile transmission
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.4Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.4Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
39 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
Hot (4; 4 more marked hot above)
- Google Docs
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
Other tools (31)
- 3M Post-it App
- Alpha Software Alpha Five
- Appointment scheduling software
- Automated information system software
- Billing software
- Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
- Bookkeeping software
- Claim processing system software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Data entry software
- Database software
- Electronic calendar management software
- Electronic health record EHR software
- Email software
- FileMaker Pro
- Filing system software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Google Drive
- HMS
- IBM Check Processing Control System CPSC
- IBM Notes
- Intrado SchoolMessenger
- Kodak Dental Systems Kodak SOFTDENT Practice management software PMS
- McKesson Lytec
- Medical condition coding software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft SharePoint Server
- St. Paul Travelers e-CARMA
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Office Clerks, General
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension +0.7, Service Orientation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Bill and Account Collectors
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion +0.8, Negotiation +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
New Accounts Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.9, Judgment and Decision Making +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.8, Instructing −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension +0.9, Writing +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Telephone Operators
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −0.8, Writing −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Animal Control Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +1.0, Learning Strategies +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −0.8, Management of Personnel Resources +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.