receptionist Review

I'm currently on maternity leave but my role as a receptionist includes opening the reception desk in the morning if doing the morning shift, preparing paperwork and computers for the day. I take bookings for accommodation and functions, deal with payments for these and queries, answer the phones and respond to emails and other correspondences. I assist the managers with customer and staff communications, allocate bookings and keep up with general cleaning and tidying. Finally, if doing an evening shift, I cash up and close the desk.

My past jobs have mainly involved retail and agriculture so having a desk and computer based job has been an interesting change. I have enjoyed the new organisational challenges, particularly multi-tasking. I have vastly improved on my computer skills and have thoroughly enjoyed learning to work efficiently alone and develop my confidence in my own skills. I also love stationary and filing and have developed skills in prioritising and communication with staff and customers.However, I feel that the NVQ merely asked me to answer questions to show the knowledge I already should have to fulfill this role rather than adding to these skills, I don't feel as though the qualification has taught me any new skills

I love the challenges of multi tasking on particularly busy days. Balancing, phone calls, emails and in-person queries effectively is very rewarding. I also enjoy working with a large team and assisting my colleagues makes me feel very appreciated. I didn't enjoy the NVQ however for the reasons stated in the last question

My direct managers that I work with at our hotel make me feel very valued and appreciated, they always express gratitude for a job well done. Although I do appreciate the odd incentive from our area managers for hard work, I feel that minimum wage is not competitive with other businesses and shows a lack of appreciation for quality staff by Greeneking the company, we also have our hours cut regularly which adds to the resentment sometimes.

I felt that as our trainer had to travel some distance to see us, there was always a lot of miscommunication and faffing trying to book a visit.This was mainly because our trainer had to see as many of us as she could to minimise travel but was not convenient for us and quite often felt unorganised.

Although I felt we didn't see our trainer as much as some trainees would've liked, she was always available by phone, text or email and she was always very supportive, encouraging and friendly.

A lot, the managers were always available and willing to help.

As previously mentioned, I don't feel that minimum wage matches my skill set and certainly a higher wage would help with travel costs etc.

I'm sorry I don't really understand the question. If by opportunities from the NVQ I'm not sure this could be transferred to outside of work except for volunteering oportunities. Greeneking does provide reduced accommodation to staff around the country which is great as it gives us the opportunity to travel the country and enjoy a cheap break

Yes

Although pay is poor, holiday hours are plenty and there is opportunity for promotions with NVQs and high staff turn over. Working for a large company does offer job security and I am currently able to enjoy a lot of time with my new son due to a good maternity pay system so would recommend to anybody wanting to have children during their career.

I would advice that the people that work for Greeneking are usually very friendly due to working in large groups so you often become like family. If you are not very confident, your colleagues at Greeneking will help to build your confidence working with the public. There is a great HR team so you are guaranteed correct procedures taken if you do ever have any issues with bullying, discrimination etc so you know you will be looked after.