If you’re someone who enjoys meeting new people, keeping things organized, and being the friendly face that greets visitors, then working as a receptionist might be the perfect job for you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a new opportunity closer to home, finding receptionist jobs near you in the UK doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know — where to look, what to prepare, and how to stand out when applying. Think of this as your friendly roadmap to landing your next receptionist job with confidence.
💼 What Does a Receptionist Actually Do?
Before you start your job hunt, it helps to know what the role involves. Receptionists are often the first people customers or visitors meet, which makes them super important for creating a good impression.
Here’s what most receptionist jobs include:
- Greeting and assisting visitors or clients.
- Answering phone calls and handling inquiries.
- Managing appointments and schedules.
- Keeping the reception area neat and welcoming.
- Handling mail, deliveries, and basic admin tasks.
You’ll find receptionist jobs in all sorts of places — from hotels and hospitals to offices, schools, salons, and gyms. So, there’s something for everyone depending on your interests and skills.
🕵️♀️ Step-by-Step: How to Find Receptionist Jobs Near You
Let’s break down the process of finding receptionist jobs near you in the UK into easy, actionable steps.
1. 🌍 Start With Job Search Websites
The quickest way to find receptionist jobs nearby is through trusted UK job websites. Simply type “receptionist jobs near me” or include your city name (like “receptionist jobs in London”) in the search box.
Here are some of the best websites to start with:
- Indeed UK – one of the largest job sites, full of receptionist listings across the UK.
- Reed.co.uk – great for filtering jobs by salary, contract type, and experience level.
- Totaljobs – offers local job listings with detailed descriptions.
- CV-Library – lets you upload your CV and get matched with jobs automatically.
- Glassdoor – not only lists jobs but also shows company reviews and salaries.
💡 Tip: Set up email alerts so you get notified when new receptionist roles pop up in your area.
2. 🏢 Check Local Businesses Directly
Not all jobs are posted online. Sometimes, smaller companies — like salons, medical clinics, or small offices — prefer local candidates and advertise on their own websites or even through window signs.
Here’s how to find these opportunities:
- Walk around your area and look for “Now Hiring” signs.
- Visit business websites and check their Careers or Jobs page.
- Follow local companies on social media (many post vacancies on Facebook or Instagram).
You’d be surprised how often people land great local jobs just by popping in and saying hello!
3. 🗞️ Use Community Boards and Social Media
Local Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and even community notice boards are excellent resources. Many small offices or independent shops post job openings there before anywhere else.
Try searching for groups like:
- “Jobs in [Your City]”
- “Receptionist Jobs UK”
- “Local Part-Time Jobs”
Also, check your local library or community center — they sometimes have physical bulletin boards with job listings.
4. 🧑💼 Register With Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies can help you find office or receptionist jobs faster, especially if you’re open to temporary or part-time roles.
Some well-known agencies in the UK include:
- Office Angels
- Hays Recruitment
- Adecco
- Manpower UK
- Blue Arrow
They’ll match you with jobs that fit your skills, location, and schedule. It’s free for job seekers — they get paid by employers, not you!
5. 📝 Update Your CV and Cover Letter
Your CV and cover letter are your first impression, so make them shine!
Here’s what to include in your receptionist CV:
- A short personal statement that highlights your friendliness and organizational skills.
- Key skills like communication, multitasking, customer service, and computer proficiency.
- Any experience in front-desk, customer service, or administrative roles.
- Education and relevant certifications (like basic computer or office courses).
💡 Bonus Tip: Even if you don’t have direct receptionist experience, mention roles where you interacted with customers, handled calls, or managed schedules — those skills transfer well!
6. 💬 Practice for Your Interview
Once you land an interview, preparation is key. Expect friendly but practical questions like:
- “How do you handle busy situations?”
- “What would you do if a visitor is upset?”
- “How do you stay organized with multiple tasks?”
Employers want to see that you’re calm, approachable, and reliable — the kind of person who can make everyone feel welcome.
Before your interview, visit the company’s website to learn about their services and culture. That way, you can confidently explain why you’d be a great fit.
🌟 Real-Life Example
Let’s imagine Emma, who lives in Manchester. She wanted a receptionist job close to home but didn’t know where to start.
Here’s what she did:
- She searched “receptionist jobs near me Manchester” on Indeed and Reed.
- She also checked local hotel websites directly.
- Within two weeks, she got an interview at a nearby fitness center — and got the job!
Sometimes, it’s not about sending out hundreds of applications but being smart about where and how you look.
💖 Why Receptionist Jobs Are Worth It
Working as a receptionist is more than just answering phones — it’s about making people feel seen and valued. You become the face of the company, the problem-solver, and the one who keeps everything running smoothly.
Plus, it’s a great starting point for future roles in administration, HR, or office management. You’ll learn communication, organization, and multitasking — skills that are useful in almost any career.
So, if you’re looking for a job that’s friendly, people-oriented, and full of variety, being a receptionist might just be your calling!
