What is the difference between reception and administration

While receptionists mostly work with large telephone systems, an admin might have just two or three lines to manage.

While neither receptionists nor administrative assistants earn the big bucks, in those roles, a whole lot of people in the company you work for depend on you and your abilities to multitask, deal with the public and manage the comings and goings of everyone from the top executive to the cleaning crew. Most everyone, visitor and employee alike, passes by your desk and knows who you are. Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience.

However, medical administrative assistants have much more favorable prospects with 16 percent job growth expected.

Experience with office computer systems and customer service skills can help with landing a job in either profession. Administrative assistants can complete short-term admin training programs, specialize in a niche or earn a degree to stand out.

Ashley Donohoe started writing professionally in about career, business and technology topics. She has a Master of Business Administration degree from Western Governors University along with eight years of experience managing all aspects of her small business. By Ashley Donohoe Updated August 25, Bureau of Labor Statistics: Receptionists U. Related Articles. A receptionist greets and welcomes clients, answers phones and makes customers feel comfortable when calling or coming into an office, business or another establishment.

Some consider receptionists the face of a company, given how much they interact with the public, and great customer service skills lend well to this role.

A receptionist also handles other light office tasks, like scheduling appointments, sorting mail and printing or faxing documents. Being a receptionist requires a high school diploma or equivalent and proficiency with basic computer programs.

It is possible to hire on as a receptionist and move up into an administrative assistant role, especially for those who enjoy the office environment and show motivation, initiative, teamwork and continued learning. Administrative assistants work closely with managers and coworkers, providing support to ensure efficiency in the workplace and coordinate the day-to-day administrative duties of an organization. Their role can incorporate the responsibilities of a receptionist, too, though administrative assistants often have a leadership position in the office with more detailed tasks, including:.

Administrative assistants often have specialized fields that require training, education or industry experience. For example, medical administrative assistants work with insurance payments, medical coding or medical records management. Administrative assistants in the legal field handle research and document preparation plus communicate with counsel, clients and judicial staff. Executive administrative assistants working for company executives often in the C-suite can see a higher salary, based on more years of work experience.

While the two jobs are similar, there are key differences between an administrative assistant and a receptionist, including:. Work schedules. Both roles can be part- or full-time, though administrative assistants often work during normal business hours. Receptionists may work early mornings, late nights or an overnight shift in order to greet and assist customers.

Both receptionists and administrative assistants are essential to any business, and they share many of the same skills. Here is a list of skills both positions require, even if used in different ways:. As a receptionist, your day involves talking with others, either in person or on the phone. A receptionist will always be handling the front desk or check-in counter; they are hired to serve as the face of the organization in many respects.

So, a great receptionist will have excellent customer service skills and should be used to dealing with members of the public. On the other hand, an administrative assistant may have those same duties but will also be responsible for a lot of behind-the-scenes work.

Administrative assistants are often responsible for invoicing, inventory, filing documents, drafting memos, editing company correspondence, transcribing meetings or phone calls, and basic bookkeeping and accounting. Both positions require a high level of organization, customer-service acumen, and multitasking ability.