A Front Desk Clerk, also known as Receptionist, is responsible for providing excellent customer service to guests at hotels, resorts, and other types of hospitality establishments. They are the face of the business, often the first point of contact for guests, and play a crucial role in creating a positive and welcoming environment.
Front Desk Clerk job description involves greeting guests, processing check-ins and check-outs, answering inquiries, and providing information about the hotel's or resort's amenities, services, and local area attractions. They also make room reservations, handle guest complaints, and ensure that the lobby area is clean and organized.
To be successful in this role, applicants must have strong communication and interpersonal skills, be able to multi-task and work under pressure, and possess outstanding attention to detail. Previous experience in customer service or hospitality is a plus.
If you're passionate about serving others and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, a career as a Front Desk Clerk may be right for you.
To be a Front Desk Clerk in the Hospitality industry, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer candidates with a certificate or degree in Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field. It's also important to have good communication skills, both verbal and written, as you'll be interacting with guests and other staff members. Training on computer systems and software is essential, as you'll need to use them to make reservations, check-in guests, and perform other tasks. Here skills like multitasking and problem-solving abilities are beneficial to handle the rush-hour traffic. Some prior experience in a customer service role is preferred, but not always necessary.
If you're interested in becoming a Front Desk Clerk in the hospitality industry, you might wonder about the expected salary range. According to Payscale, the average hourly wage for a Front Desk Clerk in the United States is $11.86, with a total pay range of $8.70 - $16.27 per hour. Glassdoor reports an average base pay of $24,000 per year for Front Desk Clerks in the US, with a range of $19,000 - $32,000 per year. In the United Kingdom, Front Desk Clerks earn an average of £8.15 per hour (around $10.50 USD). In Australia, the average hourly wage is AU$22.09 (around $15.30 USD).
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The career outlook for a Front Desk Clerk in the Hospitality industry over the next five years seems to be stagnant. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the job growth rate for these professionals is expected to be only 1% between 2019-2029, which is much slower than the average for all occupations. Despite this, there will still be a demand for Front Desk Clerks because people will continue to travel, although the need may vary depending on industry trends, such as the rise of online bookings. Additionally, those with multi-lingual abilities or who work in big cities or tourist destinations may have better job opportunities. Therefore, there are pros and cons to this career path, and it ultimately depends on a person's specific circumstances.
Q: What does a Front Desk Clerk do?
A: A Front Desk Clerk is responsible for checking in and out guests, answering phone calls and inquiries, managing reservations, and ensuring a positive guest experience.
Q: What skills do you need to be a Front Desk Clerk?
A: A Front Desk Clerk needs good communication and customer service skills, as well as attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with computer software.
Q: What kind of hours do Front Desk Clerks work?
A: Front Desk Clerks typically work in shift rotations, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Q: How much does a Front Desk Clerk earn?
A: The median hourly wage for a Front Desk Clerk is around $12-$15 per hour, depending on experience and location.
Q: What education or training is required to become a Front Desk Clerk?
A: A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required for this job. Some employers may prefer or require previous hospitality experience, and additional training or certification may be offered on the job.
