Top Receptionist Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Receptionist interview by going through these most asked Receptionist interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Receptionist Questions
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  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an upset/angry customer.

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see how the candidate deals with difficult customers.

    Sample Answer: One time, a customer was very upset about an order that had been delivered incorrectly. I was able to help him by listening to his concerns and then finding out what he needed from us to make him happy. I was able to get him the correct order and he was very happy with the outcome.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a confident approach to the issue?
    • - Do they have good ideas about how to handle the situation?
    • - Do they demonstrate experience handling such a situation

  • Question: When will you be licensed?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see if the candidate is aware of their licensing requirements.

    Sample Answer: I am scheduled to take my licensing exam in May. I have been studying for this exam for the past two months. I will be taking the exam at the local testing center.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they know when they will be licensed?
    • - Do they know what they need to do to get licensed?
    • - Do they have a plan for getting licensed?

  • Question: What kind of manager do you prefer?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see if the candidate prefers a hands-off manager or a hands-on manager.

    Sample Answer: I prefer a hands-on manager who is available to answer questions and help me with any issues I may have.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they prefer a hands-off manager?
    • - Do they prefer a hands-on manager?
    • - Do they prefer a hands-off manager?

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone.

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out how the candidate works with others.

    Sample Answer: I had a coworker who was very quiet and did not like to be bothered. I noticed that she was having trouble with her work and I asked her if she needed help. She was very grateful for the help and we became friends.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have good skills at working with others?
    • - Do they have good ideas about how to work with others?
    • - Do they have good ideas about how to resolve conflict

  • Question: What do you mean by integrity?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see how the candidate defines integrity.

    Sample Answer: Integrity is doing what is right, even when no one is looking. It is doing what you believe to be right, even if it is not popular. It is doing what you believe to be right, even if it means losing something.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they understand what integrity is?
    • - Do they demonstrate integrity in their own life?
    • - Do they have integrity

  • Question: What parts of your current job are similar to this job?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see if the candidate has experience that is similar to the job they are applying for.

    Sample Answer: I have been working as a receptionist for ten years. I have been in charge of scheduling and rescheduling appointments, answering phones, and helping customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have experience that is similar to the job?
    • - Do they have relevant experience?
    • - Do they have experience that is relevant to the job?

  • Question: What do you like about your current job?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see if the candidate is happy in their current job.

    Sample Answer: I really like the people I work with. We have a great team and we all get along very well. We also have a lot of fun together. I also really enjoy my work. I love being able to help people and make their day a little better.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they like their job?
    • - Do they like the company?
    • - Do they like the work environment?

  • Question: How old are you?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out if the candidate is over the age of 18.

    Sample Answer: I am 22 years old.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Is the candidate over the age of 18?
    • - Do they have a good reason for not being over 18?

  • Question: Have you ever had a customer who was angry with you?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see how the candidate deals with conflict.

    Sample Answer: I have had a customer who was upset with me. I apologized and explained that I had not been able to get in touch with my boss. I made sure to let him know that I would make sure that my boss called him back as soon as possible. He seemed satisfied with my response.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a good attitude about conflict?
    • - Do they have a good approach to conflict?
    • - Do they have experience with conflict?

  • Question: What do you know about us?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to find out what the candidate knows about the company.

    Sample Answer: I have read your website and I am very impressed with your company's history. I am also very impressed with your company's commitment to the environment. I am very excited to be a part of this team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they know about the company culture?
    • - Do they know about the company's products?
    • - Do they know about the company's history?

  • Question: Are you sure this is something you want to do?

    • Question Overview: The goal is to see how the candidate responds to a question that is not directly related to the job.

    Sample Answer: I am sure this is something I want to do. I have been a receptionist for ten years and I love it. I am looking for a new challenge and this job seems like it will be a great fit for me.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Do they have a good response to the question?
    • - Do they demonstrate a sense of humor?
    • - Do they seem like they are sure about the job?