Receptionist 

How did you get your current job?
I found my current job in the classifieds section of the Ventura County Star.

What was the application process?
I just went in for an interview and got the job right on the spot.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
Yes, they asked me for my resume and looked it over; asked how fast I typed and what I was looking for. It was my only interview and I interviewed with one of the reps at a local temp agency; one-on-one interview in a personal office.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
She asked me what I wanted to do with my life and what kind of job I was looking for. She also asked me what office skills I had and which office equipment I was familiar with.

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
She certainly prepared me and gave me the right job I was looking for. This is my second job through the temp agency and it fits me wonderfully. The first job was the best. I assembled CD and DVD promos for a musician and inputed addresses into Excel and Outlook. With my speed, I was able to finish the assignment faster than the client had hoped. This job was less inviting as I wanted to work away from customers and phones, but the environment is great. I get along with my supervisor and co-workers and sometimes we even go on a ride in his yacht!

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
No, but basics were traced all the way back to high school such as computer applications in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes not only in high school but in college. It taught me social skills I needed in real life and it also taught me ways to solve logical problems. Those term papers can come in handy. Homework comes with you til the day you die.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
If someone is to be either a temp or a receptionist, they should acquire very good typing skills and receptive skills such as passing a message along. They should also pay attention to detail as there is always a deadline to be met and if it’s not met, then out the door you go.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
Multi-tasking is very important. If someone comes in to visit a co-worker, the receptionist should ask if they need anything like water or coffee. Then notify the co-worker plus the phones may ring so you cannot be anxious or impatient in this field. Take a deep breath if you feel overcome with angst. Social skills are also important as you will be working with many different jobs in the temp world and this also goes in hand with being a receptionist. You will be introduced to many different types of people. Never bias. This is your job to make people feel comfortable. And don’t forget to smile.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
At least a high school diploma is required just to get the basic skills.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
There is always room for excelling your career. Many receptionists or temps may find their calling in their assignment. So don’t feel it’s a dead end job because a lot of people are counting on you and if one employer likes the work you do, they can promote you or keep you … raises anyone?