How to Be Desk Attendant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The rise in the cost of living has had a significant effect on people's lives. With housing costs, food prices and utility bills increasing, many people are struggling to make ends meet and are forced to reduce their spending in other areas. This is having an impact on the economy, as people have less money to spend on consumer goods and services.

In addition, it has caused an increase in unemployment, as businesses have had to cut back on staff due to reduced consumer spending. As a result of this, taxes have also increased in order to compensate for the economic decline.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Desk attendants are usually required to have at least a high school diploma or GED in order to be considered for the position.
  2. Obtain experience in customer service. Desk attendants must be able to provide excellent customer service, so gaining experience in customer service is important. Working in retail or hospitality is a great way to gain customer service experience.
  3. Apply for desk attendant positions. Desk attendant positions can be found in many different types of establishments, such as hotels, motels, and cruise ships. Search for openings in your desired location and submit your application and resume.
  4. Prepare for an interview. If you are selected for an interview, it is important to be prepared. Research the company and position, practice your answers to common interview questions, and dress appropriately.
  5. Complete any necessary training. After being hired as a desk attendant, you may need to complete additional training before beginning your duties. This could include learning how to use the reservation system, understanding the rules and regulations of the establishment, and becoming familiar with the layout of the property.
  6. Perform desk attendant duties. As a desk attendant, you will be responsible for greeting guests, providing information about the property, taking reservations, and checking guests in and out. You may also be responsible for answering phones and assisting guests with any questions or concerns they may have.

The reliability and capability of a desk attendant is key for any organization. Proper training, clear job expectations, and a supportive team environment are essential entities that contribute to the reliability and capability of an attendant. When an attendant is properly trained, they have the knowledge and understanding of their job responsibilities, enabling them to perform the tasks assigned with accuracy and efficiency.

Clear expectations ensure that the attendant understands what needs to be done and how they are expected to do it. A supportive team environment fosters collaboration among the attendants, offering encouragement, guidance, and feedback. With these three entities in place, a desk attendant can be reliable and capable, providing a valuable service to the organization.

You may want to check Help Desk Operator, Desk Aide, and Desk Sergeant for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Greet visitors and determine the nature and purpose of their visit.
  2. Answer incoming calls and direct them to the appropriate staff member.
  3. Assist with scheduling appointments and ensuring that visitors are informed of any changes to their scheduled meetings.
  4. Provide information about the company, its services, and products.
  5. Maintain files of visitor logs and other documents related to visitors.
  6. Monitor office supplies and order replacements when necessary.
  7. Ensure visitors are provided with the necessary forms and materials for their visit.
  8. Respond to inquiries from visitors and direct them to the appropriate staff member.
  9. Maintain a neat and organized workspace.
  10. Keep records of all visitors, including their contact information and purpose of visit.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Excellent customer service skills
  2. Knowledge of office equipment and procedures
  3. Knowledge of telephone etiquette
  4. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  5. Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
  6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  7. Ability to pay close attention to detail
  8. Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot
  9. Proficiency in computer programs, such as Microsoft Office
  10. Familiarity with office security procedures

Good communication skills are essential for a Desk Attendant to be successful in their role. When a Desk Attendant has strong communication skills, they can effectively interact with customers and colleagues, provide timely customer service, and resolve conflicts. a Desk Attendant must be able to listen carefully and pay attention to detail in order to accurately take and process orders, answer customer inquiries, and respond to customer complaints.

Having good organizational skills is also important for Desk Attendants, as it helps them to manage their time efficiently and prioritize tasks. Lastly, having a friendly and professional demeanor is essential for Desk Attendants, as it allows them to make customers feel welcomed and comfortable. These skills are all necessary for Desk Attendants to successfully perform their job responsibilities and ensure customer satisfaction.

Front Desk Manager, Help Desk Representative, and Office Desk Clerk are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have working as a Desk Attendant?
  • What challenges have you faced in this role and how did you handle them?
  • How would you handle an irate guest?
  • Describe your customer service style.
  • What do you think is the most important quality of a Desk Attendant?
  • Are you comfortable using computers or other technology to manage guest requests?
  • How do you handle multiple tasks simultaneously?
  • What do you do to ensure that guests are satisfied with their stay?
  • How would you handle a situation in which a guest has a complaint?
  • What skills or knowledge do you possess that make you well-suited for this job?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Computer. A device used to store and process information (e. g. Dell laptop).
  2. Telephone. A device used to make and receive calls (e. g. VoIP phone).
  3. Printer. A device used to print documents (e. g. Laser printer).
  4. Scanner. A device used to scan documents (e. g. Flatbed scanner).
  5. Fax Machine. A device used to send and receive documents (e. g. Multifunction fax machine).
  6. Copier. A device used to copy documents (e. g. Digital copier).
  7. Office Supplies. Items used in a typical office environment (e. g. Pens, paper, etc. ).
  8. Reference Materials. Books, magazines, pamphlets, or other materials used for reference (e. g. Encyclopedia).
  9. Multimedia Equipment. Equipment used to record or play audio/video (e. g. DVD player).
  10. Security Systems. Devices used to secure the office building (e. g. CCTV cameras).

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
  2. International Facility Managers Association (IFMA)
  3. The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
  4. American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP)
  5. National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)
  6. Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
  7. Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP)
  8. American Management Association (AMA)
  9. National Office Management Association (NOMA)
  10. Project Management Institute (PMI)

We also have Service Desk Technician, Desk Supervisor, and Help Desk Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Front Desk. A desk or counter located near the entrance of a building or facility, where visitors and guests are greeted and assisted.
  2. Concierge. An employee who provides assistance to guests, such as making restaurant or theater reservations, giving directions, and providing information about local attractions.
  3. Receptionist. A person who greets visitors, answers phones, and performs other administrative tasks.
  4. Lobbyist. A person who works to influence public policy or legislation on behalf of a company or organization.
  5. Greeter. A person who welcomes and greets customers or visitors in an establishment.
  6. Customer Service Representative. An employee who assists customers with inquiries and complaints.
  7. Hotel Manager. An employee responsible for overseeing all operations of a hotel, including hiring and training staff, managing finances, and resolving customer issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of a Desk Attendant?

The main duties of a Desk Attendant include welcoming guests, providing information about the hotel, taking reservations, checking in and out guests, and handling guest inquiries and complaints.

What qualifications are necessary for a Desk Attendant?

Desk Attendants should have excellent customer service skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience in a hotel or hospitality setting.

What is the average salary of a Desk Attendant?

The average salary of a Desk Attendant is $11.50 per hour.

How many hours per week does a Desk Attendant typically work?

Desk Attendants typically work 40 hours per week.

What type of environment do Desk Attendants typically work in?

Desk Attendants typically work in hotel lobbies or other customer service areas.

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