Dr receptionist

safesound

I know its a really sad thing to admit but I've always wanted to work in a Dr's surgery as a receptionist.
I saw an advert this afternoon for one at my local surgery but although I have an ECDL I have no experience of working in an office environment (I have worked retail all my life, CSA/supervisor/Asst manager etc). I was wondering if people thought it would be good idea to include additional information such as the fact that I live literally 500 yards away, I've worked locally for the last 2 years so am known to their patients (I am one!) and I have experience with elderly/infirm people as I cared for my mother in law for 3 years (she was on higher rate DLA).
Does adding all that make me sound as desperate as I think it does, or is it a good idea to balance out the fact I've only ever worked in retail?

hollydays

The emphasis on clerical work will be helpfull to your application,I would have thought.

Tigsteroonie

My suggestion would be that you emphasise the ECDL, the fact that you've organised systems in the past (retail not office, but organising is organising), and that you've got great front-of-house experience from your retail background - you'd be surprised how many office staff don't actually know how to handle the public face-to-face.

Go for it!

lauranurse

Good luck with your application!

My mum works as a secretary/receptionist at a dr's surgery, and from what she says about the prospective applicants they have for jobs, it sounds like you would beat them all hands down!

Im not saying that it will be easy, but your previous skills should secure you an interview, and you could then use this chance to impress them with your general all-roundedness - this would be the best time to mention things such as caring for your MIL rather than putting it on your CV.

I think that what they will be looking for is someone who can work well as part of a team, can deal with difficult patients (so stress here how you have managed difficult customers in your previous jobs) and someone who is flexible and willing to learn.

Oh, and the pay is better than retail too!

safesound

Many thanks for all your helpful replies!
I have difficulty in modifying my CV for admin type work because I've never done it before so I don't actually know what they are looking for.
Do you think it would be better putting the information in bulletin form or writing a paragraph (or more)? I hate writing about myself (who doesnt?) so I'm thinking it may read better if I do it in bulletin points.
Thanks for all the advice guys.

standupguy

Bullet points are far easier to read from a busy employers point of view.

You need to sell yourself to get the interview so do not be shy about your achievements.

hollydays

I remember once getting a video,out of the library called something like "How to be a good Receptionist",it was excellent.

The one thing I always remembered was how the "good" receptionist ,if she was on the phone ,for example,would always hold up her finger to a new customer at her desk and mouth "One minute" (I will be with you in one minute),and give eye contact and smile.Shame this isn't universally taught to anyone dealing with the public.

If you get the job,please spread the word,it is very rude to ignore people who are waiting to speak to you..vent over..lol

lauranurse

Yes I agree, definitely go with the bullet points. Make them fairly detailed though, as if they are too brief it may look as if you couldnt be bothered to do it properly, and also wont give enough information

safesound

How about something like this;

• 8 Years experience working with the public on a one 2 one basis.

• ECDL certificate passed in 2005

• Team building experience during retail Management training

• Typing speed: 40WPM [1]

• Excellent inter-personal skills with a confident, efficient and calm manner.

• Aggressive situation management training.

• Excellent telephone skills

• Strong organisational / multi tasking skills with an eye for detail

[1] I dont type 'properly' with all fingers, would this make a difference?

Tigsteroonie

safesound wrote: »

I dont type 'properly' with all fingers, would this make a difference?

Nope. Shouldn't even come up as an issue. How people type is up to them!

LittleVoice

• 8 Years experience working with the public on a one-to-one basis.
• ECDL [strike]certificate passed in[/strike]2005
• Team building experience during retail Management training
• Typing speed: 40WPM
• Excellent inter-personal skills with a confident, efficient and calm manner[strike].[/strike]
• Trained and experienced in countering aggression [strike]Aggressive situation management training.[/strike]
• Excellent telephone skills
• Strong organisational/multi-tasking skills with an eye for detail