Receptionists are usually the first point of contact that clients and customers have with an organisation, and so must maintain a positive public image. They usually work at a desk in an organisation's front office or lobby, where they can greet visitors as they arrive. Many receptionists work regular office hours, Monday to Friday, however, this can vary depending on an organisation's business hours and may include evenings and weekends.

Receptionists often use quite complex phone systems, with multiple incoming lines and potentially hundreds of possible extensions to other offices within the organisation. They also use a variety of standard office equipment such as fax machines, photocopiers, scanners and computers.