Receptionists are often expected to fulfill various roles in a workplace, and the job description for a receptionist varies significantly from one company to the next. Writing a resume summary statement helps you tailor a diverse work history to the requirements of a specific receptionist job, increasing your chances of getting hired. Summary statements or summaries of qualifications have replaced resume objectives, which used to offer a perspective that is too narrow for today's job market.
What to Include in a Receptionist Summary Statement
Writing a resume summary statement varies depending on the requirements of your potential employer. If you are a recent graduate without a significant amount of on-the-job experience, your summary statement should include any related volunteer or internship experience you have. If you are an experienced receptionist, narrow your summary statement down to the experiences most targeted towards the job you are applying for. Mention specific skills you possess that would add value to a workplace, such as organization, foreign languages and customer service experience, and considering adding in some desirable personality traits such as a friendly and welcoming demeanor.
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BUILD RESUMEHow to Format a Receptionist Summary Statement
The first step in writing a receptionist summary statement is to generate a 30-second "elevator pitch" about your career and educational experiences as they relate to receptionist work. Regardless of how extensive your work history is, this section only covers the most relevant aspects of your career as a receptionist. The summary statement goes at the beginning of your resume, beneath your contact information and above your receptionist work experience and education sections.
Tips for Writing a Receptionist Resume Summary Statement
When writing a resume summary statement, lead with your most relevant receptionist experience and use it to target specific requirements listed in the job description. If the employer is looking for someone with receptionist experience in a variety of settings, emphasize your varied skills and experiences.
To add more information to your four- to six-line summary statement, include brief phrases that describe in-demand receptionist skills. Project Management, Customer Service, Data Entry and Office Planning are examples of short but powerful phrases you can use to add value to your summary statement and sell yourself.
Examples of a Receptionist Resume Summary Statement
Use these examples when writing a resume summary statement for your receptionist job application:
Highly skilled receptionist with diverse on-the-job experience, including hospitality, retail and office settings. Experienced in customer service and front desk software applications. Microsoft Office and PowerPoint presentations.
Professional receptionist with strong interpersonal skills and a goal-oriented personality. Able to multitask and handle customer complaints with utmost courtesy. Phone system management and presentation planning.
Experienced desk worker with five years of experience at an automobile manufacturing company. In-depth knowledge of the automotive field. Adept at scheduling and organization.
Each of these examples is tailored for the requirements of a specific receptionist job. By focusing your resume on the needs of the company you are applying at, you can demonstrate your suitability and the applicability of your career history.
Receptionist jobs are often competitive, so having a summary statement that effectively demonstrates your unique abilities is key. From office management to customer service, a summary statement is your chance to let hiring managers know what you are capable of and encourage them to continue reading your resume. Dynamic wording and targeted formatting are essential when it comes to helping employers see your potential as a receptionist candidate.
The examples and advice on LiveCareer can help when writing a resume summary statement that lets your receptionist work history shine.
Be sure to check out more helpful resume formats and cover letter formats !
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