SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Receptionists and Information Clerks

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Clerk Specialist
  • Front Desk Receptionist
  • Greeter
  • Information Assistant (Info Assistant)
  • Medical Receptionist
  • Member Services Representative (Member Services Rep)
  • Office Assistant
  • Receptionist
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What is a Receptionists and Information Clerk?

Receptionists and Information Clerks are essential front-line personnel in various organizations, providing the first point of contact for visitors and managing the flow of information. They play a crucial role in creating a positive first impression of the organization. Typically found in offices, hospitals, hotels, and other establishments, these professionals are responsible for greeting clients and visitors, answering phones, handling inquiries, and directing people to the appropriate departments. Their role often extends to administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing correspondence, and maintaining records. In addition to exceptional communication skills, they must exhibit professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Overall, Receptionists and Information Clerks contribute significantly to the efficient operation of an organization by ensuring that information is disseminated accurately and promptly.

What the work actually is

  • Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
  • Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
  • Receive payment and record receipts for services.
  • Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
  • Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Abilities

  • Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Speech Recognition The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Administrative Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Some college, no degree
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

A normal week

  • Working with Computers
  • Getting Information
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Tools used on the job

Technology

Tools

  • Premise branch exchange PBX systems Multi-line switchboards · Switchboards
  • Franking or postage machines Postage machines
  • Photocopiers Photocopying equipment
  • Scanners Data input scanners
  • Typewriters Electric typewriters

Who it suits

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

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Questions people ask

How much do Receptionists and Information Clerks earn in South Africa?

Receptionists and Information Clerks salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Receptionists and Information Clerks do?

Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.