You can't put a price on the value of the work you do for your company! But your front desk receptionist resume needs to communicate it clearly either way. 

Greeting guests, redirecting phone calls, preparing correspondence, managing agendas or organizing business travel may be just a few of your many tasks expected to handle with promptness and a positive attitude. Learn how to showcase all of your skills through your resume by following our guide, brimming with the best writing tips, resume samples, detailed examples, and templates you can adjust to your liking.

Front Desk Receptionist CV Sample

Hired by:

Aspen Skiing Centre

Hired by:

Aspen Skiing Centre

Hilton Front Desk Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by:

Hilton

MGM Grand Receptionist Resume Template

Hired by:

Hired by:

MGM Grand Las Vegas

See more examples like these

Keep reading to find out how to:

• Navigate valuable front desk receptionist resume samples
• Pick the most suitable format for your front desk receptionist resume
• Craft an eye-catching front desk receptionist resume summary or objective
• Present your front desk receptionist skills effectively
• Showcase your most illustrious achievements in a front desk receptionist resume
• Boost your front desk receptionist resume with powerful action verbs 
• Make your education section stand out
• Choose relevant optional sections for your resume
• Steer clear of common mistakes in your front desk receptionist resume
• Pair your front desk receptionist resume with a matching cover letter
• Learn about the average salary and job outlook for front desk receptionists
• Access valuable job search resources for front desk receptionists

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Front desk resume sample

Created with

Hired by Hilton

Why does this resume example work?

• Clean, easy-to-read layout: The resume is well-structured and easy to skim, which is crucial for recruiters who spend only a few seconds on each application. Sections are clearly labeled, and bullet points make it simple to see key responsibilities and achievements at a glance.
• Appropriate education section: The education section is concise, which is the right approach when academic background isn’t directly related to the job. Instead of adding unnecessary details, the candidate keeps it to the basics — just the school names and years attended. This is a smart move, as it keeps the focus on work experience and skills that are more relevant to the role.

What could be improved?

• Including less personal information: The resume lists details like date of birth and nationality, which aren’t necessary and could lead to unintentional bias or discrimination — especially in Anglophone countries where such details are generally omitted. Instead, the focus should remain on professional qualifications, experience, and skills.
• Putting more emphasis on achievements: While the work experience section includes job responsibilities, it doesn’t highlight specific accomplishments enough. For example, instead of saying, "Registered guests and issued key cards," the candidate could show their impact by writing something like: "Processed an average of 50+ guest check-ins per shift with a 95% satisfaction rating."

Receptionist resume template

Created with

Hired by MGM Grand Las Vegas

Why does this resume example work?

• Providing a list of references: Including references is not required, but it can be a great way to add credibility to an application. The candidate has provided multiple references from past jobs, which can help employers quickly verify their experience and work ethic. This is especially useful for roles that require strong customer service skills.
• Focused work experience section: The candidate has done a good job emphasizing customer service skills throughout the work experience section. Even in roles that aren’t directly related to a front desk receptionist position — such as food runner. This focus on transferable skills makes the resume more compelling to hiring managers.

What could be improved?

• Adding resume summary: A summary at the top of the resume would make a big difference. Hiring managers often skim resumes quickly, and a strong summary provides a snapshot of the applicant’s skills, experience, and career goals right away. 
• More relevant hobbies: Hobbies like “Photo enthusiast” and “observing stars” don’t say much about the candidate’s ability to succeed as a front desk receptionist. Instead, they could list hobbies that emphasize communication, organization, or customer service skills, such as volunteering at events, learning new languages, or even writing reviews for travel and hospitality services. 

Front desk manager resume sample

Created with

Why does this resume example work?

• Diverse skill set: This candidate has a well-rounded set of skills that are highly relevant to a Front Desk Manager role. They showcase technical proficiency with various front desk software, language fluency, and strong interpersonal skills like leadership and problem-solving. This mix makes them a strong candidate!
• Inclusion of certificates section: Listing certifications adds credibility to the candidate’s expertise. Certifications show dedication to professional development and can make an applicant stand out, especially in customer service roles where industry-specific credentials are valuable. Even including a driver’s license can be useful in hospitality, as some positions may require occasional transportation of guests or supplies.

What could be improved?

• Inclusion of quantifiable data: The candidate does a good job of listing responsibilities, but adding specific numbers would make the impact of their work clearer. For example, instead of just saying they “trained and supervised new staff,” they could mention how many employees they trained. Similarly, under customer service experience, they could highlight the average number of guests or clients they assisted daily. Quantifying achievements gives hiring managers a better sense of scale and effectiveness.

1. Pick a resume format that works best for you

Before you start filling out your resume, it’s important to decide how you want to organize your information. The format you choose isn’t just about making your resume look neat — it’s about deciding which parts of your experience get the spotlight and which details take a backseat.

The key factor in your decision? Your level of experience. That’s what should guide you. 

Here are the three main resume formats you should consider:

• Reverse-chronological resume: This is the classic choice — and the one most employers expect. It focuses on your work history, starting with your most recent job and working backwards. If you’ve got steady experience working as a receptionist, administrative assistant, or in any customer-facing role, this is likely your best bet. 
• Functional resume: This format shifts the attention away from where you worked and when. Instead, it puts your skills and strengths front and center. It’s a great option if you’re new to receptionist work, transitioning from a different career, or have gaps in your employment. 
• Hybrid (combination) resume: This format blends the best of both worlds. It typically opens with a skills section that highlights your top abilities followed by a work history section. It’s a smart choice if you want to emphasize your skills but also give hiring managers a clear picture of your job experience.

No matter which format you go with, always pick the one that plays to your strengths. Crafting the perfect front desk receptionist resume is all about presenting yourself in the best possible light. So, before you start typing away, think about what you want hiring managers to notice first — and structure your resume accordingly.

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

Our AI Resume Writer can generate a great first draft of your resume in seconds. Simply enter your job title and let artificial intelligence find the right words for your resume.

Try AI Resume Writer

2. Craft an eye-catching front desk receptionist resume summary or objective

The first few lines of your resume matter more than you think — especially when applying for a front desk receptionist role. When employers are looking for someone to represent their company from the very first “hello,” they need someone who feels like the right fit from the start. That’s where your resume summary or resume objective comes in. 

Why are these sections so important? 

Because employers often skim through stacks of resumes in record time. They simply don’t have the bandwidth to read every detail right away. That’s why you need to start strong, with 3-5 clear, focused sentences at the top of your resume that quickly show you’re the right person for the job.

Both the summary and the objective aim to do that, but they serve different purposes depending on your experience level.

Writing a resume summary

A resume summary is ideal if you’ve already built up some work experience — whether as a front desk receptionist, administrative assistant, or in other customer-facing roles. This section is all about giving a brief, polished overview of your background and showing how it aligns with the front desk position you’re applying for.

What should you include in your resume summary?

• Your job title: Start by naming your role or professional identity.
• Years of experience: Mention how long you’ve been working in reception, office administration, or customer service.
• Key skills: Point out your core skills, like managing phone lines, scheduling, greeting visitors, or handling office systems.
• Achievements: If you can, include a notable accomplishment or two from your previous job.

Why does this feel so off? This summary doesn’t tell us much about the candidate's experience or strengths. Phrases like "answered phones" and "welcomed guests" don’t really explain what makes this person stand out. It feels flat, and nothing about it grabs attention or makes you want to learn more about the candidate.

What makes this sound so much better? This summary stands out because it’s specific. It names the software and tools the candidate is comfortable with, which is exactly what employers want to see. And notice how it gives a real result too! That kind of detail shows the employer you’re not just doing tasks — you’re making things run better. 

Writing a resume objective

If you’re new to receptionist work, transitioning from a different career, or returning to the workforce, a resume objective might be a better fit for you. Instead of focusing on past reception experience, this section talks about your career goals and the skills you’re bringing from other roles.

What can you include in your resume objective?

• Career goals: Be clear about what you’re hoping to achieve in this role.
• Relevant skills: Mention any transferable abilities, such as organization, time management, or customer service.
• How you’ll contribute: Show what you can offer to the front desk team.
• Passion for the field: Show that you’re eager and ready to make an impact.

What makes this resume objective ineffective? The problem with this objective is that it’s all a bit ... vague. It talks about what the candidate wants but it doesn’t really tell the employer what they get out of hiring them. Plus, “develop my skills” is something anyone could say. It doesn’t help this candidate stand out or give the hiring manager a reason to think, Yep, this is the person we need.

Why is this resume objective so much better? This version works because it paints a clearer picture of what the candidate actually did in their previous job. It also connects the dots between retail and receptionist work. Managing schedules? That’s like coordinating appointments. Plus, the mention of keeping calm during peak hours hints at being able to manage a hectic reception area without getting flustered.

Whether you choose to start your resume with a summary or an objective, don't forget to enrich it with relevant keywords! Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job. If your resume doesn’t have these keywords, it might not even make it to a human being!

3. Write a skills section that reflects your strengths as a front desk receptionist

When it comes to putting together the skills section of your resume, there’s one golden rule: always tailor it to the job you're currently applying to!

Why?

Well, it's because every front desk role is a little different. Some focus heavily on scheduling appointments and juggling calendars, while others might need you to handle visitor check-ins, manage phone systems, or even assist with office supply orders. 

That’s why you need to look closely at the job posting. It will tell you exactly what the employer values most. Once you know that, you can highlight the skills from your own toolkit that best match what they’re looking for.

Skills for a receptionist role can generally be split into two categories:

• Hard skills: These are the technical, job-specific abilities you’ve learned along the way. They’re the tools and systems you know how to use.
• Soft skills: These are more about how you work. They reflect how you interact with people, manage your time, and keep things running smoothly under pressure. 

And, to be honest, in a front desk role, soft skills can sometimes be even more important than technical ones. You can be trained on a new phone system, but knowing how to stay calm when three clients walk in at once? That’s priceless.

Working the front desk is more than just answering phones or booking appointments. You’re often the first person clients or visitors see, and the way you handle that first interaction can set the tone for their entire experience. That’s why striking the right balance between your technical abilities and strong interpersonal skills should be high on your priority list. 

Find out your resume score!

Our AI Resume checker can scan your resume for issues and give you tips on how you can improve it.

Get my resume score

4. Describe your front desk receptionist work experience in detail

Your work experience section is where hiring managers get to see exactly what you bring to the role. The more clearly you showcase your contributions, the easier it is for them to picture you at their front desk.

However, a strong work history doesn’t just list responsibilities — it highlights how well you handled them. 

And what is the best way to make this section stand out? Being specific!

Simply saying you “greeted visitors and answered phones” doesn’t tell an employer much. Instead, think about the details that set your experience apart. How many visitors did you assist daily? Did you manage appointment scheduling or streamline office procedures? Maybe you implemented a new check-in system that improved efficiency? Adding these specifics helps paint a clearer picture of your contributions.

Every great work experience entry should be structures like so: 

• Start with your job title and the name of your employer. 
• Include the dates of employment, listed by month and year. 
• Briefly list your core responsibilities.
• Highlight your impact by mentioning your achievements. 
• Support your accomplishments with quantifiable data.
• Start your bullet points with action verbs (more on that later).

What's wrong with this example? It sounds way too generic. These bullet points don’t tell an employer what kind of environment you worked in, how many calls or visitors you handled, or whether you improved any processes. There’s no sense of impact, and it reads like a list of basic job duties rather than a record of accomplishments.

Why is this better? This example feels far more engaging because it provides specific numbers and concrete details about the candidate’s impact. The hiring manager can immediately see how well the receptionist handled visitor volume, improved processes, and even saved the company money. 

Tips for students and fresh graduates

If you haven’t worked as a front desk receptionist before, don’t stress! This role is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door of a corporate environment. It’s a great fit for students, recent grads, or anyone looking to transition into office administration.

Even if you don’t have direct front desk experience, you’ve probably picked up plenty of relevant skills in other roles — whether that’s in retail, hospitality, customer service, or even volunteer work. 

Here's a quick list for inspiration: 

• Internships or office assistant roles: If you’ve interned at a company or helped out with clerical tasks, you can write about your experience with scheduling meetings, greeting visitors, or managing emails.
• Customer service jobs: Whether you’ve worked in a store, restaurant, or hotel, show how you handled busy environments, answered customer questions, and stayed professional under pressure.
• Campus involvement: Did you help run student events, manage front desk duties at your dorm, or organize club meetings? Those are all great examples of receptionist-style experience!
• Part-time jobs: Maybe you worked at a gym or call center where you juggled phone calls, checked people in, or helped customers with questions. Skills like these directly translate to a front desk role.
• Volunteering: If you’ve helped out at charity events, community centers, or non-profits, highlight any experience managing guest check-ins, answering phones, or providing information to visitors. 

In summary, when writing about your work experience, you need to show the value you added in your previous roles. Include specific quantifiable data to illustrate your accomplishments, and make sure to customize each entry to highlight the skills and experiences that are most pertinent to the job you’re targeting.

5. Weave action verbs into your front desk receptionist resume

When you’re putting your achievements on paper, you want them to stand out, right? One of the easiest ways to do that is by using action verbs. These are the words that make it clear that you’re proactive and not just sitting around waiting for tasks to fall into your lap.

Think about it: saying you “handled” customer inquiries sounds pretty standard, but saying you “resolved” customer issues shows you took charge and delivered results. 

It’s all about framing your experience in a way that shows you’re dynamic and skilled.

Here are a few examples of action verbs you can sprinkle throughout your resume: 

To help you see the difference, here’s how action verbs can make your accomplishments more poignant. Take a look at these two versions of the same bullet points:

Besides making your work experience history more vivid and engaging, action verbs can also play a significant role in getting your resume past the ATS. Remember what we've told you about keywords? Action verbs may very well be one of them!

6. List your academic credentials in a front desk receptionist resume 

So, should you include your education on your front desk receptionist resume? 

The short answer is yes – absolutely. 

However, not everyone who wants to be a front desk receptionist has a degree related to business or office administration. And that's okay! Front desk roles attract people from all sorts of educational backgrounds, and your degree doesn't need to be directly related to office work to add value to your resume.

Whether your degree is in business, communications, or something completely different, every education section entry should include:

• The degree or certification earned
• The institution's name
• Dates attended

If your degree is relevant to the role of front desk receptionist

If you have a degree related to business or administration, you should definitely consider fleshing out your education section to highlight how it’s relevant to the job.

Here’s how you can make the most of this section by including relevant details:

• Relevant coursework
• Special projects or internships
• Special certifications or skills gained during your studies
• Any leadership or extracurricular roles that are related to customer service or office administration

If your degree doesn't relate to the role of front desk receptionist

Even if your degree is in an unrelated field (like psychology, literature, or the arts), it’s still valuable to include it! Having a diploma shows that you've developed important transferable skills like problem-solving, time management, and the ability to meet deadlines. These are all crucial in a front desk role, where organization and multitasking are essential.

Your education may or may not be directly related to front desk receptionist duties, but it's always worth mentioning. It proves that you can follow through on commitments and that you're ready to learn and grow in your career.

7. Choose relevant optional sections for your front desk receptionist resume

Sometimes, your work experience and education don’t tell the full story of what makes you a great candidate. Maybe you’ve taken extra training, volunteered in roles that sharpened your skills, or even received recognition for your work. That’s where optional sections come in!

That said, you have to be strategic about what you include!

Optional sections should add value to your resume, not just fill space. Every detail should reinforce your strengths as a front desk receptionist. If a section doesn’t contribute to your credibility or relevance as a candidate, it’s best to leave it out. 

Here are some optional sections you might want to consider adding to your resume:

• Certifications: If you've completed courses in office administration, customer service, or software like Microsoft Office Suite, listing certifications can vouch for your technical proficiency.
• Languages: Being multilingual is a major asset in a receptionist role, especially in companies with diverse clients.
• Volunteering: Experience at charity events, community centers, or school organizations counts even if it wasn't paid. 
• Awards and recognition: Maybe you received an “Employee of the Month” award or were recognized for exceptional customer service. Even small recognitions can emphasize your reliability and professionalism.
• Professional memberships: If you’re part of an administrative or customer service-related association, it shows your dedication to staying connected with industry best practices.

Adding these optional sections can give your front desk receptionist resume that extra oomph. However, no matter which extra section you decide to add, always make sure the information it displays adds to your appeal and clearly shows your value. Don’t include something just for the sake of filling space; everything on your resume should work toward making you the most attractive candidate for the job.

8. Steer clear of common mistakes in your front desk receptionist resume

Crafting a great resume is a lot like managing a busy front desk — you need to stay organized, ensure everything is in its place, and pay close attention to the details. After all the effort you put into getting it just right, the last thing you want is for small but avoidable mistakes to weaken your chances of getting invited for the job interview. 

To make sure your resume leaves the best impression, watch out for these common missteps:

• Being too vague: Simply saying that you “answered phones” or “greeted visitors” doesn’t really highlight your value. Instead, add details that showcase the scope of your work. For example, you can say, “Managed a reception area serving 100+ daily visitors while maintaining a smooth check-in process.”
• Not emphasizing customer service skills: Receptionists are the first point of contact for guests, clients, and employees, yet many candidates forget to highlight their ability to create a welcoming and professional atmosphere. 
• Using a one-size-fits-all resume: Just like you’d tailor your greeting to different guests, your resume should be customized for each job application. If a listing mentions “calendar management,” “multitasking,” or “data entry,” make sure your resume reflects these skills.
• Lack of quantifiable achievements: Numbers help hiring managers see the real impact of your work. Instead of saying, “Scheduled appointments and assisted visitors,” try “Coordinated 50+ appointments weekly, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%.”
• Ignoring ATS-friendly keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. If a job posting includes key phrases like “multi-line phone system,” “administrative support,” or “client check-in,” incorporate them naturally into your resume to improve your chances of being noticed.
• Messy or cluttered formatting: A disorganized resume is like a disorganized front desk — it creates a poor first impression. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a professional font to keep your resume structured and easy to skim.
• Overlooking spelling and grammar mistakes: A receptionist needs strong communication skills, and typos can make you seem inattentive. Proofread your resume multiple times, use a spell-check tool, and ask a friend to review it.
• Forgetting to include contact details: You wouldn’t expect guests to check in without giving their name, and hiring managers can’t contact you if your phone number or email is missing. Double-check that your contact information is correct and easy to find at the top of your resume.

Just like a well-run front desk makes a great first impression, a polished resume does the same. Take the time to review and refine your application. A little extra effort now can make all the difference in landing your next role!

9. Always pair your front desk receptionist resume with a matching cover letter

When you’re putting together your job application for a mental health therapist position, your resume is only part of the story. The other key piece is your cover letter. 

But what exactly is a cover letter, and why does it matter?

While your resume is a structured list of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments, your cover letter allows you to dive deeper into specific aspects of your background. It also lets you address any potential gaps or unique situations that might need a little extra explanation — things that don’t fit neatly into the bullet points of your resume.

Basically, a great cover letter should provide answer for the following questions: 

• Who are you?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you want to work for us specifically? 
• How can you contribute to our success? 

But beyond the content, there’s also the visual side of things. Just like a well-organized front desk makes a great first impression, your application should look polished and cohesive:

• Stick to a uniform font and size: Select a single professional font, such as Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica, and use it consistently across both your resume and cover letter. 
• Coordinate colors: If your resume includes colored headings or design elements, make sure your cover letter follows the same color scheme. 
• Match your header: Use the same header for your name and contact information on both documents. This immediately links your resume and cover letter and makes them feel like a complete package.
• Keep your spacing consistent: Similarly, be careful to use the same margin sizes for both documents. Standard margins are 1 inch on all sides, but you can adjust them slightly if necessary.
• Use templates to achieve a unified look: For example, each of Kickresume’s professionally designed resume templates is paired with a matching cover letter template. The only problem you'll face is the dilemma of choosing which design you like the most! 

Even if a cover letter isn’t required, always include one. It gives you a chance to stand out and show a bit of personality. Plus, it shows employers you’re serious about the role and willing to put in extra effort — something every hiring manager appreciates.

Let your cover letter write itself — with AI!

Use our AI Cover Letter Writer to generate a great first draft of your cover letter. Find the right words fast with the help of the world’s most powerful language model — OpenAI’s GPT-4.

Try AI Cover Letter Writer

10. Average salary and job outlook for front desk receptionists

If you're considering a career as a front desk receptionist, you need to understand what you can expect in terms of salary and job opportunities. 

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023,, the average annual salary for front desk receptionists is around $35,840. However, your actual earnings can vary based on factors such as:

• Industry in which you work
• Geographical location 
• Years of professional experience
• Company size

Although the demand for front desk receptionists is expected to slightly decline, the job market will still see about 137,800 new openings each year, on average, over the decade. This means that opportunities will still be available for those looking to enter the field.

One of the greatest advantages of being a front desk receptionist is the versatility of the role. Nearly every industry needs someone to manage their front desk, making this a profession with countless possibilities. You could work in a hotel, a corporate office, a law firm, a medical clinic, a museum, or even a government agency. This flexibility allows you to explore different work environments and industries, helping you discover where you thrive best.

Aside from salary, there are other benefits to working as a front desk receptionist. One of the biggest advantages is that it’s an excellent entry point into the corporate world. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how a company operates, interact with various departments, and gain valuable experience in customer service and office administration. 

In short, while the job outlook may not be booming, working as a front desk receptionist can be a smart move for anyone looking to gain professional experience, build connections, and develop essential workplace skills.

11. Top resources for job-seeking front desk receptionists 

As a front desk receptionist, you're no stranger to diligent research! Yet, navigating the vast sea of work opportunities ahead can still be daunting. That's why we've prepared the following list of valuable resources to assist you along the way: 

• Job boards for front desk receptionists: Firstly, we recommend checking websites like AdministrativeJobs.com, OfficeTeam, or Administration Jobs which feature a wide range of administrative and receptionist opportunities across various industries and locations.
• General job search platforms: But that doesn't mean that you should overlook platforms with broader focus, such as Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or Monster, because these can also yield compelling results. 
• LinkedIn: Take advantage of LinkedIn’s job search feature and join receptionist-related groups to connect with industry professionals, recruiters, and potential employers. 
• Professional associations: Websites of organizations like the Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP), and the National Association of Professional Receptionists (NAPR) can provide you with access to networking events, job listings, training programs, and so much more. 
• Recruitment agencies: Alternatively, you can place your career progression into the hands of recruitment agencies like Ajilon, Robert Half, Kelly Services, or Randstad. 
• Continuous learning: From foreign language proficiency to computer skills, improving mastery of your abilities significantly increases your employability. And with the help of online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning, you can discover courses that fit your career goals like a glove. 

The road to your ideal job position can sometimes be full of twists and turns. But if you tackle this challenge with enthusiasm, determination, and resistance, it's just a matter of time until you find exactly what you're looking for.