Talking about Your Most Important Contribution to the Previous Company (As a Receptionist)

Receptionist in an InterviewReceptionists are the first people clients see and speak to during a visit or a call. They are the connection between the clients and the company; they are the front line of the business. Thus, receptionists should possess a high degree of professionalism and efficiency in order to represent the company well.

 

When you’re applying for a position as a receptionist, one of the questions interviewers ask will be about your most important contributions to the previous company. Interviewers ask this to know what benefits they can get from you; what you can offer to the company; and if you can help build and maintain a good reputation for the company. They want to know if hiring you will be a wise decision.

Now, how do you answer this question?

1. Relax and reflect. Before going to that interview, prepare for this question by writing down the things you think you contributed to the previous company. Whether it’s a skill or an accomplishment, as long as it was helpful, you can include it in your list. Possible answers could be one of the these things:

  • Personality and hard work. If you are able to finish tasks and obligations under time pressure even before the deadline, then that is something you can be proud of. Being able to finish your work earlier than expected can give you time to help other personnel achieve their goals.
  • Good etiquette. As a receptionist, you are required to have a pleasing personality. A good attitude toward work results in a better attitude toward clients and coworkers. When you have good etiquette, clients will be pleased to talk to you because they will feel safe and comfortable.
  • Experiences. Having a lot of experience means that you are capable of teaching and training new employees. By being able to get them ready for the job, you have already contributed to the company’s needs.
  • Skills and abilities. Of course, your skills and abilities to do the job are a major asset to the company. Your skills and abilities will determine how useful you will be.
  • Accomplished goals. With your exceptional skills and abilities, you will be able to accomplish goals easily; this means that you can make significant contributions to the company.

2. Give examples of your past experiences. Examples are sometimes the best explanations, so provide a situation in which you were able to help your previous company grow by accomplishing a major goal. In line with this, explain how you can leverage your experience for the benefit of the new company.

3. Describe in detail. Prepare a detailed representation of your example. Make it remarkable by providing specific information showing how you were able to work effectively, implement needed change, and get results for the company.

4. Connect your abilities to the company’s goals. After explaining your contributions to the previous company, don’t forget to relate your skills to the goals of the potential employer. Let them know that you possess skills that are necessary to do the job. Promote your ability to meet challenges effectively (like meeting different types of clients), your flexibility to do any kind of work (like accomplishing unexpected tasks and duties), and your diplomacy and ability to work well with coworkers and higher authorities.

These are just some of the things you need to remember when answering questions about your major contributions to the previous company. Remember, the interviewer wants to know if you have what it takes to be their next receptionist. Impress him or her by giving answers that are straight to the point, but detailed and highly satisfactory.

Read 61925 times Last modified on Thursday, 18 January 2018 11:05
Alan Carniol

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 80,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.