Receptionist CV Template Example
The role of a Receptionist is often the first point of contact within any organisation, making it one of the most important and visible positions in the workplace. A Receptionist is responsible for greeting clients and visitors, answering and directing phone calls, managing appointments, handling correspondence, and providing essential administrative support to the wider team. In essence, you are the face of the business, and your professionalism sets the tone for how the organisation is perceived.
In the UK, the average Receptionist salary ranges between £19,000 and £26,000 per year, with opportunities for progression into Office Manager or Executive Assistant roles. Employers look for candidates who are highly organised, personable, professional in communication, and comfortable using office software and telephone systems. A strong Receptionist CV template can help you stand out in a competitive market and secure that all-important interview.
Why Your Receptionist CV Matters
As a Receptionist, you may compete against dozens of applicants for the same role. Your CV is your opportunity to demonstrate not only your skills but also your personality, professionalism, and attention to detail. Recruiters often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV, so a well-structured and well-written CV can mean the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked. This is why having a high-quality cv example tailored to the Receptionist role is essential.
How to Structure a Receptionist CV
Your CV should be easy to read, clean in design, and focused on your core skills and achievements. Below is a tried and tested Receptionist CV template example structure that works for both graduates and experienced professionals:
Personal Details
Name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile.
Location (city-based, not full address).
Personal Profile
A short 4–5 line statement at the top of your CV.
Highlight your professional attributes: communication, organisation, adaptability, and customer service.
Key Skills
Bullet-pointed list including:
Professional telephone manner
Customer service excellence
Diary and calendar management
MS Office / Outlook / CRM software proficiency
Time management
Problem solving
Work Experience
Reverse chronological order.
For each role, include: Job title, company name, location, dates, and key responsibilities/achievements.
Focus on transferable skills relevant to reception and administration.
Education
List qualifications, training courses, and certifications.
Highlight IT courses, business administration, or customer service training.
Additional Sections (optional)
Languages
Professional memberships
Volunteering
Receptionist CV Template Example: Personal Profile
Here’s a sample introduction you can adapt:
“Professional and approachable Receptionist with over 5 years’ experience delivering exceptional front-of-house support in busy corporate environments. Skilled in handling multi-line telephone systems, diary management, and customer service with a proven track record of maintaining smooth office operations. Recognised for professionalism, adaptability, and creating a welcoming first impression for all clients and visitors.”
Receptionist CV Template Example: Key Achievements
Successfully managed switchboard for 5,000+ monthly inbound calls, ensuring fast and efficient call transfers.
Trained and supervised two junior Receptionists, improving customer response times by 30%.
Introduced a digital booking system that reduced missed appointments by 20%.
Advice for Graduates Applying for Receptionist Roles
Graduates often worry they don’t have enough experience to apply for Receptionist roles. However, employers understand that transferable skills from retail, hospitality, or volunteer work can demonstrate the same abilities required at reception. For instance, customer service roles prove your ability to deal with the public, handle complaints, and remain professional under pressure.
On your CV, focus on transferable skills such as:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Time management and multitasking.
IT literacy, particularly with MS Office.
Reliability and professionalism.
Even part-time work in retail or tutoring can be presented as evidence of your organisational and client-facing skills.
Advice for Experienced and Senior-Level Receptionists
For those with several years of reception or administrative experience, your CV should highlight progression and responsibility. Employers want to see that you have grown in your career and are capable of more than just answering phones. Focus on achievements such as implementing new office systems, improving customer experience, or managing staff.
If you are applying for Office Manager or Executive Assistant positions, tailor your CV to show leadership, project management, and executive support skills. Include measurable results such as cost savings, efficiency improvements, or team management.
General CV Writing Tips for Receptionists
Keep your CV to 2 pages maximum.
Use professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
Avoid large paragraphs – use bullet points for easy scanning.
Quantify achievements with numbers (e.g., “handled 100+ calls daily” or “improved response times by 25%”).
Proofread carefully – spelling mistakes on a Receptionist CV are a major red flag.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Receptionist CV
Do’s:
Tailor your CV for each job application.
Include a clear, confident personal profile.
Highlight customer service and communication skills.
Provide measurable achievements.
Keep formatting clean and professional.
Don’ts:
Don’t include irrelevant jobs from many years ago.
Don’t write long paragraphs with no white space.
Don’t exaggerate – employers can test your claims at interview.
Don’t use gimmicks, fancy graphics, or photos unless specifically requested.
Final Thoughts from Jerry Frempong
Having coached professionals in the UK for over 25 years, I can confidently say that a powerful Receptionist CV opens doors to career opportunities you might not even expect. It is about more than listing your duties; it’s about showing the value you bring to an organisation. Whether you are just starting your career, looking to progress into management, or seeking to reposition yourself in the market, your CV should always be tailored, polished, and strategically written.
If you want to create an interview-winning CV, don’t rely on generic templates found online. Instead, use a professionally tailored cv template designed to highlight your strengths. I always remind my clients that their CV is not a static document but a marketing tool that should evolve as they grow in their career.
Take the Next Step – Let’s Perfect Your CV and LinkedIn
If you’re serious about standing out in the job market and want your CV and LinkedIn profile to reflect your full potential, I invite you to work with me directly. At CV London, we’ve helped thousands of professionals land interviews and secure roles in competitive industries. Book an appointment today to transform your CV and career prospects: Book an appointment here.
