How to Write a Suitable Resume for a Receptionist Position

There are two types of formats you can use to create a receptionist resume: traditional or skills based. Traditional resumes list your education and work experience in reverse chronological order. Skills based resumes focus more on your talents and abilities rather than your chronological work history, and then briefly list your previous employment and education. According to a resume guide offered through Brigham Young University, skills based resumes highlight your qualifications without calling attention to gaps in employment, frequent job changes and terminations; however, traditional resumes make it easier for potential employers to see specifically what you've accomplished at each of your previous jobs.

Traditonal Resume


Place your name and contact information at the top of the document. Include your phone number, physical address, email address and website or online portfolio, if you have one.


Create a short paragraph that describes your objective. Your objective should describe to your potential employer why you’re applying for the job, and what you can bring to the company. For example, “My objective is to become a receptionist and use my background in sales and communications to fulfill the needs of customers and coworkers alike.” According to, resume objectives are most important for entry-level workers or people changing careers, since your work history might not clearly reflect your current career goals.


List your educational history in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the school, the years you attended, and what type of degree you earned. If you had a high GPA or graduated with honors, include that information as well.


List your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include the names of each employer, the dates you worked, and list your roles and responsibilities.


List your special skills, such as your typing speed, additional spoken languages, and the computer systems and programs with which you're comfortable. You should also list any awards or prizes you’ve won in areas pertaining to the job for which you’re applying.

Skills Based Resume


Place your name and contact information at the top of the document, just like you would with a traditional resume. Include your phone number, physical address, email address and website or online portfolio, if you have one.


Create a summary of your qualifications, and list these underneath your contact information. If you’ve worked as a receptionist before, your list might include “detail oriented,” “strong interpersonal and organizational skills,” “excellent at multitasking,” “solution oriented,” “confident,” and "discreet” to name a few. You should also list your quantifiable skills, such as typing, filing, faxing, Internet research, additional languages spoken, and the names of computer programs and software you’re able to use.


Break down your skills into three or four main categories, and then elaborate on the experience you’ve had in those specific skill sets in previous jobs. For example, under the heading “Customer Service,” you might write, “Handled mutli-line switchboard at busy TV production company; greeted and entertained clients at marketing firm; hosted annual fundraisers for charitable causes at nonprofit organization.” Additional categories for a receptionist position might might include "Administrative Duties" and "Organizational Skills."


Briefly list your past jobs and dates of employment, as well as past schools and dates of attendance. Each entry should only be one line; don't elaborate with any descriptions in this section, since you've already described your pertinent work history earlier in the document.


  • Create a list with at least three professional references, should your potential employer wish to contact reliable sources to vouch for your education and employment history. Your reference list should include each person's name, contact information, the nature of your relationship and how long you've been acquainted. Contact each reference before putting their name down, to make sure they're ready and willing to be contacted on your behalf.


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