The first point of contact for bank customers, a bank receptionist is a highly visible and important position within a financial institution. This line of work is completely dissimilar from other receptionist positions that do not have as high a stress level and personal client contact. As such, a bank receptionist job description gives a glimpse into the tasks such a professional performs on a daily basis, as well as the skills that she must possess to succeed in this demanding career.

Importance of the Bank Receptionist

A bank receptionist embodies the "look" and "feel" of personal service today's banking institutions seek to convey to clients. A receptionist is the first face a client sees when entering the bank, and she is the first point of contact for a consumer who calls the financial institution. A bank receptionist has the power to start off a client's banking experience on a positive note. Conversely, she may put a client on edge and also place her on the defensive--if poorly trained or selected for the position.

Basic Bank Receptionist Job Description

A quick look at the bank receptionist job postings on Career Builder proves that virtually all bank receptionists have the same, basic job description: they act as liaison between clients and bank personnel, perform basic clerical duties, and impart a professional impression on the general public. The job description is a mix of administrative work, basic banking tasks and a high degree of customer service.

Expanded Bank Receptionist Job Description

Depending on the receptionist's seniority and training, she adds supply management and file maintenance to her job duties. In some cases she assists clients when accessing their safe deposit boxes. If the receptionist is bilingual, she may frequently assist foreign clients and translate interactions between bank personnel and the consumer. The smaller the bank by which she is employed, the more extensive the expanded bank receptionist's job description becomes. In some cases she doubles as an administrative assistant to a bank manager or sales manager.

Necessary Bank Receptionist Attitudes

Although not explicitly stated in a bank receptionist job description, there are some implied attitudes that candidates for the position must possess. Unlike office receptionists who deal with a minimum of face to face client contact, a bank receptionist faces clients consistently while also dealing with other clients on the phone. This requires a personality that is unshakeable, even if a phone interaction is unpleasant or a face to face interaction leaves the receptionist upset. The receptionist must be energetic from the moment the bank opens until the time it closes, strive for a nonstop professional attitude and outward appearance, and receive constructive criticism from bank personnel without problem.

Job Requirements

A bank receptionist job description implies that successful candidates for the position are computer literate in Microsoft Word and Excel, type a minimum of 50 words per minute, understand the concepts of client confidentiality, and know how to work a front desk position that requires extensive multitasking. Keeping the reception area clean and uncluttered is another job requirement that may not be listed in the job description, but is heavily implied. Even though training is usually part of the initial month of employment, human resources managers expect their new receptionist to get a running start in these areas. Dedicated professionals frequently opt to step up their training at home. Some use the Phone Coach (a link is placed in the resources section) training program to not only heighten their skills and marketability, but also set the tone for what could be a career with upward mobility.