Role-specific Front Desk Agent Interview Questions & Answers:

1. Please explain do you have the ability to multitask, and why would you say so?

Listen carefully. The candidate needs to demonstrate the ability to multitask, as a Front Desk Agent needs to perform numerous tasks concurrently.

2. Can you explain your previous duties as a receptionist?

I have had a couple of different receptionist jobs and feel that I have experience in a wide variety of duties. Some of the major responsibilities included answering multiple phone lines and directing calls or taking messages, scheduling and confirming appointments, welcoming customers and communicating with them about their needs, and maintaining records and an efficient filing system. Other duties included entering data, handling mail and email, and copying documents.

3. Tell us what are the qualities of a good receptionist?

A good receptionist is detail-oriented, comfortable with juggling multiple projects simultaneously, organized, and an excellent communicator. Since receptionists need to be familiar with telephone systems, having that experience and a pleasant telephone voice is critical.

4. Tell me why are you the best candidate for this position?

Employers want to hear about more than the hard skills you've listed on your resume. Think about the job description as well as what you've learned about the hotel's culture, mission and current needs. Then use your response to emphasize your compatibility and ways you will use those skills to help them tackle their challenges.

5. Can you explain me a time when you had to deal with an unhappy hotel guest. How did you handle the situation?

When presented with situational interview questions like this one, it's important to create a clear and concise answer that describes the problem you encountered, the steps you took to address it, and the ultimate solution. Stay positive and show that you learned something from the situation whenever possible.

6. Tell us on average, how many people did you come in contact with on a daily basis during your last position?

In my last position, I worked as a front desk receptionist for a very busy chiropractor who also employed a massage therapist, a physical therapist, and an acupuncturist. Among all of the appointments for the different providers, I came into contact with an average of 75 people daily and interacted with around 100 when you take into account phone calls with current and prospective patients.

7. Tell me a time you had to disappoint a guest. What was the situation and how did you handle it?

Not all guest problems can be solved. Hotel employers want to hire someone who can empathize and remain professional even when they're faced with an impossible task.

8. Tell us could you direct me to the following places nearby: a nightclub for patrons in my age group, an art gallery, a bakery and a tobacconist that sells cigars?

A Front Desk Agent needs to assist guests by providing them with general information. The potential hire needs to demonstrate this ability.

9. Please explain a situation in which you had to multitask?

My last position presented the most opportunities to learn how to juggle multiple things at one time. One day in particular stands out for me, and that was the day the practice hit a record number of visits. Among all of the providers, the practice saw 130 patients and clients between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. My main job was to check people in, direct them back to the correct provider, take payment, schedule for future visits, and answer the phone. I was also in charge of checking new patients out, which consisted of scheduling a series of visits and explaining insurance benefits. I always did my best to be friendly and give my attention to the people I had face-to-face contact with while still answering the phone, and I saved the paperwork for after-patient hours.

10. Explain me what do you wear to a receptionist interview?

What you wear to a receptionist interview depends on your industry. For example, a receptionist at a law firm would dress differently than a receptionist at a tech company. Look at the company's website to get a sense of their dress code, or ask your contact in recruiting about the proper attire. If all else fails, business casual is the safest bet.