Since I’m combing the want ads on a daily basis, I see receptionist wanted on a daily basis. This got me thinking about my time in that position. Today I’ll be discussing the cons of it, tomorrow the pros.
The title of receptionist is bestowed on a person (usually female) whose sole function is to sit at the front desk of the office and direct calls, sign for packages and distribute mail. That’s what I also started out as when I was given my first ‘real’ job. It was pretty straight forward. It gave me time to do homework, it was clean and I learned how an office works.
That was thirteen years ago and judging from the ads I see, the position has certainly evolved. The person must be now proficient in Microsoft Office, order office supplies, arrange and attend various meetings, take dictation, data entry, while simultaneously answering the phone, the fax and respond to email. Oh being bilingual is also a plus because this is Arizona. The requirements for the position are at least three years’ experience with these tasks and a college degree. For $9.50 an hour. That’s less than I made at my first real job.
I understand the ads need to include the job duties but what I don’t understand is why the receptionist position has turned into a dumping ground. Let me explain: the above tasks don’t usually take an entire day so a receptionist finds herself with time on her hands and being a good employee and wanting to show she’s better than her current position, she asks for more work. However when other employees learn the receptionist wants more work, they begin handing over the menial tasks they don’t have time or desire to complete. Pretty soon the receptionist desk becomes a dumping ground for other employees work and her time is spent working on those tasks, not the ones originally assigned to her. However she (and it’s almost always a she) continues to juggle the added workload because it’s what she asked for.
I think at times the people doing the hiring lose sight of the original purpose of a receptionist because answering the phone and signing for packages is so basic and that’s what they’re looking for. But I would argue that position is so much more. The above job description is one that I read every day. I have all of those skills and more but I’m insulted at the $9.50 an hour. Minimum wage is AZ is $7.35 so yes $9.50 is a nice increase. But when your ad states an individual must have at least three years’ experience, pay them accordingly. The receptionist position has evolved into all things to all people, depending on what sort of office you work in. At my old company she also did accounting. At the company before that she (meaning me) did all the hiring. The place before that the receptionist also was responsible for marketing of all things!
My point is, stop insulting the job force, or reminding them they should be grateful for $9.50. I’ve been turned down for those positions lately because I have so much experience that companies know I would leave for greener pastures when possible.
Today’s lie: is actually a truth. I’m way over-qualified for receptionist positions but the admin positions I apply to don’t want me at all.
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