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Questions to practise
How would you greet a visitor who walks in?
The front desk is the first thing visitors see. They want to know you are warm and helpful.
Describe what you do and say. For example: 'I look up, smile and say, Good morning, welcome.' Then add a next step: ask who they are here to see, sign them in, or call that person.
Tell me about any front desk work you have done.
They want to hear about your real experience with visitors, phones and messages.
Name the place type, like a clinic, hotel or shop. Say what you did each day: answering calls, greeting people, taking messages. If you are new to this work, talk about similar tasks from other jobs.
A visitor arrives while the phone is ringing. What do you do first?
Front desks are busy. They want to see how you choose what to do first.
Explain your steps. For example: smile at the visitor and say 'One moment, please', answer the call, put the caller on hold politely if needed, then help the visitor. Show you are calm and polite to both.
How do you handle a visitor who arrives without an appointment?
Not every visitor is expected. They want to see you stay polite and follow office rules.
Greet them warmly and ask their name and the reason for their visit. Then check if the right person is free, or offer to take a message or book a time. For example: 'Let me check if she is available.'
A caller is upset. How do you handle them?
They want a receptionist who stays calm and kind, and does not argue or blame.
Use three steps: listen first, say sorry for the problem, then say what you will do. For example: 'I'm sorry about that. Can I take your name and number? I will find the right person and call you back today.' Never blame the caller.
Tell me about a time you helped a difficult customer.
A real story shows how you act in a hard moment, not only what you think you would do.
Choose a short, true example. Say what the problem was, what you said and did, and how it ended. Keep a calm, kind tone. Show what you learned from it.
How do you stay organised at the front desk?
Receptionists handle many messages and bookings. They want to hear about a real habit.
Name one or two real tools or habits: a daily list, a calendar, or a message book. For example: 'I write every message down with the time, name and phone number.' A real example from past work helps.
How do you make sure messages reach the right person?
Lost messages cause problems. They want to know you check and follow up.
Explain your system. For example: write the message clearly, send it by email or put it on the desk, then check later that the person got it. Mention reading the number back to the caller.
What do you do when you do not know the answer to a question?
No one knows everything. They want honesty and a clear plan.
Say that you do not guess. Say, 'Let me find out for you.' Then ask a colleague or check the information, and go back to the person. This shows you are honest and helpful.
Why do you want to work as a receptionist?
They want to know what you enjoy about this work and if it suits you.
Talk about what you like: helping people, being the friendly face of the office, keeping things in order. Give a small example, like a time you helped someone and felt good about it.
Good morning, welcome. How can I help you today?
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
Good morning, welcome. How can I help you today?
Who are you here to see? I will let them know you are here.
Can I put you on hold for one moment, please?
I'm sorry about that. Let me find out for you.
Can I take your name and number, please? I will make sure they get your message.
In my last job, I kept a list of every call and message.
Common questions
What if I have never worked at a front desk?
That is fine. Talk about similar tasks from other work or life. Maybe you answered phones, helped customers or kept records. Explain what you did and how you would use those skills at a front desk. Real, small examples are helpful.
How long should my answers be?
Aim for about 30 seconds to one minute. Give a short main point, then one example or a few clear steps. If the interviewer wants more, they will ask. It is fine to pause and think before you answer.
What if I do not understand a question?
You can ask politely. Say, 'Sorry, could you say that again, please?' or 'Do you mean how I greet visitors?' This is normal and shows you want to give a good answer. Speak slowly and clearly.