Pros!

It took me longer than I thought to post this. Mainly because I’ve been searching for a job and stunned that while so many companies claim to be hiring, they’re sure not calling me. And they must not be receiving what they’re looking for since they’re still posting the same job.

But onward! The pros of being a receptionist! There are actually many. I started in that position at a quiet manufacturing company. It was so quiet that I was able to do homework since I was still in college at the time. And when that was done I’d ask for work. I started learning Spanish and human resources. I was about to be taught more of the accounting side when there was a change in management and all the positions were shuffled around. Anyway, at my next position I was further able to hone my HR and language skills. I’d applied for the next higher position but was declined because the supervisor said he didn’t have time to teach me the accounting portion. In hindsight I can see why, he was too busy courting the newly divorced woman he went on to marry.

My point is receptionist can be a great stepping stone to many other positions if you’re willing to learn. If you’re completing college or newly graduated it’s a great foot in the door. However the only downfall is if you’re so good at the job that no one wants you to leave it. Then it becomes a big problem. I was glad to be given more work and taught many new things but it was like a slap in the face when I was declined for other positions, being told I was too valuable in my current receptionist position.

It helps when your own manager sees your value and isn’t going to hold you back so they won’t have to break in someone new. At my last job I started off with a great manager and ended with a great manager. The in-between people weren’t so great, they were too busy advancing their own careers to notice me. Because its difficult to work AND just the bus schedule to know when to next throw me under it.

Did you know that most people undervalue the receptionist position? Vendors think you’re a part of the surroundings like the copier and don’t watch what they’re saying. Other times they treat you like dirt right to your face because they don’t understand that the receptionist is also the gatekeeper. Every receptionist position I held, I was asked by management how I was treated. If I wasn’t treated well, the vendor didn’t get our business. Oh on a side note, being the front desk person also allows you to see the major players are at a company. Not for the sake of sucking up but to see who has high level projects that perhaps you can assist with.

At this point I’ve all but given up on searching for a new job. I’ve been looking since September 15^th and it’s been the same positions over and over with the same companies. I don’t know if they’re not finding what they’re looking for or perhaps as my mom suggested, they’re just getting a really large stash of résumés ready for when they do need someone. All I do know is I’m tired of politicians saying ‘we’ need to create jobs and then nothing else happens. Perhaps to generate interest I’ll say I’m the 6^th woman Herman Cain propositioned! Its not true but he’s blaming Democrats for his behavior anyway!

Today’s lie: this will all be over soon and I’ll be back to working in no time.