Message #27966

[countrigal]

I would suggest, if it's not listed, waiting till you possibly get an interview and then asking what job duties would fall under the position.  Otherwise you might be locking yourself out of opportunities because of some perceived attitude from the letter.

But as to positions wanting receptionist and all...  look into what type of office it would be.  Our office has "receptionist" type duties, but it's for an office of 10, actually only answering the phone for 1 person, and voice mail all the way around, so it's not really receptionist type work.  You're not in an office in the main part of the buildng where everyone walks up to you, all calls for the company (or division) come through you, etc.  So just because it says it don't think it's what you currently have.  Some phone answering seems to be common, and in today's market I'm seeing that a lot of it is placed as "receptionist duties" when in actuality it's answering a 2 line phone in an office, where it really doesn't require receptionist skills.

The best advice is don't let the call for receptionist skills get you down.  Actually look at the company, try to see how it is set up, where the position is and if possible, talk to someone in that area who might be able to give you an idea of true duties.  I'm sure you wouldn't mind managing the office and answering the occassional call for bossie, and being able to forward to his/her voice mail if (s)he isn't available.  Look deeper than the job posting, cause heaven knows not all positions end up what they're advertised as.  My position as Program Specialist started out different than expected, and has grown to more than I imagined, and I do some receptionist duties still.  (Folks come into my office before anyone else's and I greet them, I answer bossie's phone if I can, along with my co-worker's phone, and she in turn answers mine, mail comes into my office for dissemination, etc)

Good luck in your search, and you do deserve a position that will give some sort of recognition for your work and years with them.

CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member