I've never seen a job description for a receptionist to approach people. A receptionist is a person standing by to help with questions. Therefore the customer that entered the premise must already know why he/she is there or has a question or two needing answered. Thank them for visiting.
Welcome to ______________. Good morning, did you have any trouble finding this place? (there's NO need to say Sir or Madam - actually you can offend some people).
If you are a sales clerk rather than a receptionist, your approach will be very different.
A host/hostess should greet the prospect with a pleasant smile and answer their questions pleasantly. If its something specific in a lobby area, lead them to it and answer their questions. Lead them to whatever they are looking for. If you know the language of the customer, speak it. If not, simply smile and guide them with body jesters to an area or seat.
It's difficult to answer a question that is vague. Every product or service have their own unique approaches. Another note - a sitting waiting area should of plenty of magazines readily available on a nearby shelf or small table.
Hope this helped.
Hi Wombat,
Make it a point to approach every customer differently. Whereas it is normal standard to be jovial and lively, make sure to categorize your customers according to gender, age, languages, backgrounds and sometimes, I am sorry to say this, race. Learn to know what pleases an Italian in the morning and what impresses a Japanese immediately after lunch. I mean if you are the joking types, let your jokes be very diverse as much as possible, as well as laser targeted.
Contact ACAS, the employment experts, who handle anything to do with employment queries and problems. They will give you free, impartial and confidential advice. Masses of useful info, plus contact details, on their website: www.acas.org.uk or ring them on 08457 47 47 47.
You are a receptionist at a well established company, please answer the following:
How would you approach a customer and how would you adjust your language to make this customer feel welcome?
Thanks in advance
