Receptionist interview questions and answers in English

B1 answer

I'm a receptionist at a dental clinic. I've worked there for two years. I welcome patients, answer the phone and book appointments. I also take payments at the desk. I'm friendly and organised. Now I'd like to work in a bigger office and learn new systems.

B2 answer

I've been a front desk receptionist for three years, first at a city hotel and now at a busy medical clinic. On a normal day I greet around eighty visitors, answer calls, manage two doctors' diaries and handle payments. I'm calm when the desk is busy and careful with personal information. I'm applying here because I'd like a role with more admin responsibility.

B1 answer

I want to work here because I enjoy meeting new visitors every day, and your company has clients from many different countries. I can use my English and Spanish. I'm calm, friendly and organised, and I think I can help your office run smoothly.

B2 answer

I'd like to work here because the front desk is the first thing every visitor sees, and I enjoy being the person who makes that first impression a good one. Your office welcomes a lot of international clients, so my languages would be useful from day one. I'm organised and reliable, and at my current clinic I've reduced missed appointments by making reminder calls.

B1 answer

First I listen, and I say sorry. I don't argue. I check the diary to see what happened. Then I try to find a solution, for example another time today or a short wait. I tell the colleague they came to see. Later I check that the visitor is fine.

B2 answer

I'd stay calm, apologise and listen without interrupting, because the visitor has made the journey and is understandably annoyed. Then I'd check the diary to see what went wrong, and ask the colleague they came to see whether they could still fit them in. If not, I'd offer the earliest new time and note the mistake, so it doesn't happen again. Afterwards I'd make sure the visitor leaves feeling looked after.

B1 answer

First I smile at the queue and say, 'I'll be with you in a moment.' I answer the phone quickly and ask the caller to hold, or I take a number and call back. Then I help one visitor at a time. If the queue is very long, I ask a colleague to help.

B2 answer

The person in front of me comes first, but I make eye contact with the queue and tell them roughly how long they'll wait, so nobody feels ignored. If the phone rings, I answer within three rings, apologise and offer to call back in five minutes. I prepare badges for expected visitors in advance, so each sign-in is quick. If the queue gets longer than four people, I call a colleague.

B1 answer

Last year a patient called the clinic. She was very upset because her test results were late. I had to calm her down and find an answer. I listened and I said sorry. Then I checked the system, and I asked the nurse to call her back that afternoon. In the end she thanked me.

B2 answer

Last winter a client phoned, very angry, because his meeting room booking had disappeared and his visitors were arriving in twenty minutes. I had to find a room quickly, although the building was almost full. I stayed calm, took his details and found that the booking had been saved for the wrong day. I moved a smaller internal meeting with my manager's permission and called him back within five minutes. He thanked us and later sent a kind email.

B1 answer

I use the online calendar, and I check it every morning. I write all the details: name, time, room and phone number. I send reminders the day before. If there is a change, I update the calendar and tell everyone quickly. I'm very careful not to double-book a room.

B2 answer

I keep one shared calendar and check it first thing every morning and again after lunch. Every booking includes the visitor's name, contact number, room and purpose, so nothing is unclear. I send reminders the day before, which at my clinic cut missed appointments by about a third. When something changes, I update the calendar straight away and tell everyone affected.

B1 answer

I never talk about visitors or patients outside the office. I keep papers in a locked drawer, and I lock my screen when I leave the desk. On the phone, I don't give personal details. I first check who is calling, and I ask my manager if I'm not sure.

B2 answer

At the front desk, people can see and hear everything, so I'm careful. I turn my screen away from visitors, lock it whenever I step away and keep the signing-in book closed. I never confirm on the phone whether someone is a patient or an employee until I've checked who is asking. If I'm unsure, I take a message and pass it to the right person rather than guessing.

B1 answer

Yes, I have two questions. What training do new receptionists get in the first week? And which system do you use for visitors and appointments? I would like to learn it before I start, if possible, so I can be useful quickly.

B2 answer

Yes, a couple. What does the first month look like for a new receptionist, and will I shadow someone at the desk? I'd also like to know who I'll work with most closely, for example the office manager or the clinic staff. Finally, what do visitors most often praise or complain about here? That would tell me where I can help most.