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Receptionist CV example

The reception desk is the face of the company: employers look for presence, phone skills, languages and order with schedules and bookings. This example shows all of that on one page.

Template: Elegant · Fictional example: names, companies and details are made up to illustrate the format.

Tips for this CV

  1. 1List languages with a level and, if you have one, the certificate: at the reception desk they are a top criterion.
  2. 2Name the systems you use (Opera, Protel, Cloudbeds, the booking software or the switchboard).
  3. 3A service number, such as guests a day or your survey rating, turns "customer service" into a result.
  4. 4Keep the CV clean and error-free: in this job the document itself is a sample of your presentation.

What recruiters look for in a Receptionist CV

  • Languages with a stated level and ease on the phone, as well as in person.
  • Front-desk, reservation or switchboard systems you already use, and the type of property (hotel, clinic, office).
  • Presence, discretion with guest data and the ability to resolve issues without escalating everything.

Common mistakes on a Receptionist CV

  • Writing "languages: Spanish" with no level, which cannot be checked.
  • Describing only tasks ("answered calls") with no service numbers or type of property.
  • A cluttered design or typos: at a reception desk the CV itself is a presentation test.

Receptionist interview questions (and how to answer them)

The questions that come up most in interviews for this role, and what the interviewer is really checking.

  1. 1

    How do you handle an angry guest at the desk while others are waiting?

    They look at your calm and judgment. Explain that you listen without interrupting, show empathy, offer a concrete solution and, if needed, move the conversation aside so the others are not affected.

  2. 2

    What do you do if the hotel is full and a guest arrives with a confirmed booking?

    They check your protocol for a serious issue. Say you tell the manager, offer an equivalent room at a nearby hotel with transport and the agreed terms and apologise clearly.

  3. 3

    How do you manage several tasks at once: phones, check-in and email?

    They measure organisation. Explain that you put the person in front of you first, return calls as soon as you can and use a to-do list and shift notes so nothing is lost.

  4. 4

    Which reservation or reception systems do you use?

    They want to know how fast you adapt. Name the ones you know and add that you learn new ones easily: "I work in Opera PMS and I am used to switching systems."

  5. 5

    How do you handle confidential guest information?

    Your discretion is being tested. Answer that you never give guest names or room numbers to third parties, you verify identity and you follow the company's privacy policy.

  6. 6

    Tell me about yourself and your reception experience.

    Summarise years, type of property, languages and one number. For example: "I have six years at four-star hotel reception desks, I serve guests in English, French and Spanish and I check in about 120 guests a day in peak season."

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Frequently asked questions

Which languages should a receptionist CV list?

Every one you can hold a conversation in, with a level and a certificate if you have one. In hotels and international companies English is nearly essential and a second language gives you an edge.

How do I write a receptionist CV with no hotel experience?

Use any customer-facing work, phone handling or calendar management, and add languages and a reception or office-software course. Show a professional presence, punctuality and how quickly you learn systems.

Should a receptionist CV include a photo?

In the UK, no: leave it off. Let your languages and results speak instead.

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