Occupation

Receptionists and Information Clerks

Human Advantage 72%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.8 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

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.

Also Known As: Appointment Clerk, Appointment Scheduler, Appointment Setter, Automobile Club Information Clerk (Auto Club Info Clerk), Bilingual Receptionist, Call Center Agent, Call Center Operator, Call Center Representative (Call Center Rep) +52 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
  2. Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
  3. Receive payment and record receipts for services.
  4. Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
  5. Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
  6. Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
  7. File and maintain records.
  8. Provide information about establishment, such as location of departments or offices, employees within the organization, or services provided.
  9. 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.
  10. Collect, sort, distribute, or prepare mail, messages, or courier deliveries.
  11. Perform duties, such as taking care of plants or straightening magazines to maintain lobby or reception area.

Supplemental Tasks (7)

  1. Analyze data to determine answers to questions from customers or members of the public.
  2. Calculate and quote rates for tours, stocks, insurance policies, or other products or services.
  3. Keep a current record of staff members' whereabouts and availability.
  4. Schedule space or equipment for special programs and prepare lists of participants.
  5. Process and prepare memos, correspondence, travel vouchers, or other documents.
  6. Enroll individuals to participate in programs and notify them of their acceptance.
  7. Take orders for merchandise or materials and send them to the proper departments to be filled.

Emerging Tasks

New and evolving responsibilities for this role:

  • Enter and update databases of contact information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
49%
Some College Courses
26%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
21%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
4%
Less than a High School Diploma
0%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Google Docs
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word

Software (41)

  • 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
  • Customer relationship management CRM software
  • Data entry software
  • Database software
  • Desktop publishing 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 Office SharePoint Server MOSS
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • St. Paul Travelers e-CARMA
  • Web browser software

Tools & Equipment (16)

  • Credit card processing machines
  • Data input scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Dictation equipment
  • Electric typewriters
  • Filing Cabinets
  • Handheld calculators
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Multi-line switchboards
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Personal computers
  • Photocopying equipment
  • Postage machines
  • Public address PA systems
  • Scanners
  • Switchboards

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Accommodations Hospitality, Events, & Tourism

Zone 2
Receptionists and Information Clerks You are here
Zone 3
Concierges 79% match
Zone 4

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