Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Hotel Receptionist- from: Youtube Search
- Reception Manager- from: icould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Working Life
Hotel receptionists welcome guests as they enter the hotel. Sometimes, the receptionist is the only member of staff the guests deal with, so they have an important role in ensuring that all guests feel welcome, answer their queries and promote the facilities of the hotel.
Receptionists check guests in and out, issuing keys and directing them to their rooms. They may accept room reservations made on the telephone or email. Receptionists may confirm bookings and keep accurate records of which guests have arrived at or left the hotel.
Hotel receptionists may also provide guests with information about local attractions and places of interest. They provide some additional services for the convenience of guests, such as ordering newspapers or taxis.
Receptionists process payments and put together the final bill for customers who may have enjoyed additional items such as room service and newspapers. Some receptionists may also deal with foreign currency exchange.
Other tasks include general clerical work, word processing, and answering incoming calls. Hotel receptionists work with other departments of the hotel such as accommodation/cleaning staff to determine when a room is available for use and with porters to give assistance to guests.
Every member of staff who deals with customers’ 'personal data', such as names and addresses, or who process payment card transactions, need to have some knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). It is the responsibility of the employer to give job-specific information on GDPR in their organisation. You can read more about data protection in the workplace here.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Greet, register, and assign rooms to guests of hotels or motels.
- Contact housekeeping or maintenance staff when guests report problems.
- Issue room keys and escort instructions to bellhops.
- Make and confirm reservations.
- Verify customers' credit, and establish how the customer will pay for the accommodation.
- Keep records of room availability and guests' accounts, manually or using computers.
- Post charges, such as those for rooms, food, liquor, or telephone calls, to ledgers, manually or by using computers.
- Review accounts and charges with guests during the check out process.
- Record guest comments or complaints, referring customers to managers as necessary.
- Compute bills, collect payments, and make change for guests.
Further Information
- Hotel Receptionist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Receptionist- from: Get a Life in Tourism
Qualities - Hotel Receptionist
A polite manner, clear speech, and a high standard of personal appearance are important qualities in a Hotel Receptionist.
You must be calm and well organised, even when working under pressure.
The Receptionist is usually the first person to receive a customer complaint, so you must have excellent customer service skills, and also know when to refer a case to the manager.
Administrative work requires accuracy and attention to detail.
Receptionists must be familiar with handling cash, credit cards, and foreign currency.
The reception office may also deal with correspondence, so you may have to use secretarial and typing skills.
The ability to speak a foreign language can be useful.
You should be able to operate standard office equipment, such as computers, printers, photocopiers, and Digital Media.
Interests - Hotel Receptionist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Hotel Receptionist
As a Hotel Receptionist you can work in hotels and guesthouses across Ireland and around the World. The Front Desk is also a great step on the ladder to senior management roles such as Front Office Manager and eventually General Manager.
Qualifications vary to work as a Hotel Receptionist, but experience of working with customer service is valued by employers.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business, office administration, customer service, digital marketing.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: hospitality, travel and tourism, business, office administration, marketing.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Sales
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: hospitality, travel and tourism, culinary arts, business, customer care and management.
Search for CAO Courses
Pay & Salary - Hotel Receptionist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €32k - €42k
Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.
Data Source(s):
Excel / CPL / Indeed/ Talent
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Hotel Receptionist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Receptionists.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment grew between 2021 and 2022 for this occupation, with numbers returning to preCOVID-19 levels. Half of those employed worked part-time and there was a high level of recent job hires. DSP Jobs Ireland vacancies for receptionists primarily related to hotel receptionists. Factors such as automation may reduce the future demand for these roles.
Useful Contacts - Hotel Receptionist
-
Fáilte Ireland
-
Irish Hospitality Institute
- 12 Priory Office Park, Stillorgan Rd, Co. Dublin
- (01) 662 4790
- Click Here
-
Irish Hospitality Institute
- 12 Priory Office Park, Stillorgan Rd, Co. Dublin
- (01) 662 4790
- Click Here
