He or she will take a message if necessary, but also gives you a way of having a single public number covering everyone in the business A virtual receptionist should be more than an answering service. Sure, the basic idea is that you have a real person answering calls instead of letting them go to voicemail, but that’s just the start.Depending on whose statistics you believe, as many as three-quarters of first time callers to a business will hang up if they reach voicemail rather than a person. We don’t know how old that figure is, and we suspect people are more comfortable with voicemail now than they were a decade ago.
To become a virtual receptionist, you don’t have to pass any set academic standards. Instead, you have to able to provide a wide range of services, just as a receptionist would within a traditional office setting. Most office-based receptionists usually undergo some kind of on the job training, which is difficult for a virtual position. Instead, many people who wish to become virtual receptionists already have some kind of office experience.Many of the skills required to become a virtual receptionist can be obtained just from working at home. Coupled with a good general education, virtual receptionists should have a good working knowledge of office software, normally Microsoft® Word and Excel, as well as be able to respond to e-mails and telephone calls. Most importantly, virtual receptionists should have a flexible schedule and be able to work without supervision.
Before applying for any virtual receptionist roles, it is important to determine if you have the right qualities for this type of work, as well as the right equipment. To become a virtual receptionist, you must be willing to work odd hours, as evenings or early mornings are often required. Working from home can be an ideal situation for many people, including parents and those who are retired, but it takes a much different mindset and work ethic compared to working in an office.Equipment-wise, you will need to have a basic office set up that you can work from. Your office should be a quiet space free from animals or children, particularly if you have to speak on the phone to clients. Your office space should also include, at a minimum, a computer with a high speed Internet connection. Some companies require that their software is installed on your computer, so it is important that you have a computer for work, specifically, and not shared by all family members. Usually, you will be asked to have a landline telephone and sometimes, more than one line may be required.
Once you have evaluated your work space and if you have the time and commitment to become a virtual receptionist, it is time to contact potential employers. You will need a good resume that outlines how you meet the skills requirements for being a virtual receptionist. There are many sites on the Internet that list virtual receptionist jobs, so this is one of the best places to start your search. By taking the time to research the companies, you are sure to find a position relatively quickly and easily.