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What does a security receptionist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read

A security receptionist is the person in charge of an entrance and is responsible for the signing in of visitors and ensuring the premises are secure. A security receptionist patrols the premises, takes phone calls, operates surveillance, and contacts the emergency departments in case of emergencies.

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Security receptionist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real security receptionist resumes:

  • Issue id badges to GlaxoSmithKline visitors, contractors, and employees.
  • Perform various duties such as answering phone lines, monitoring CCTV equipment, and providing access control.
  • include access control, de-escalating mentally challenge patients, & dealing with patients' families.I am CPR & CPI certify.
  • Operate company vehicle during patrol.
  • Conduct campus patrol and enforce company policies.
  • Maintain a standard of punctuality and dependability of attendance and retain myself cleanliness, tidiness, neatness and appropriately attire.
  • Escort VIP clientele and guest to meeting rooms and conferences.
  • Station as the VIP host, make sure all high end clients are exceptionally service.

Security receptionist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 33% of Security Receptionists are proficient in Customer Service, Direct Visitors, and ID. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Good judgment, and Observation skills.

We break down the percentage of Security Receptionists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 33%

    Front desk reception area Answered and directed telephone calls Security duties Provide excellent customer service skills

  • Direct Visitors, 18%

    Greet, identify and direct visitors, and arrange for escort as appropriate maintain visitor logs and related documentation.

  • ID, 17%

    Schedule appointments for security identification badges, take photos with digital camera and process security ID badges for staff.

  • Visitor Badges, 8%

    Maintain security control by following company procedures; issuing visitor badges.

  • HR, 3%

    Served as the primary resource for HR building, answered HR related questions and trained new employees on building procedures.

  • Phone Calls, 3%

    Answered telephone calls and made emergency calls to police/fire department when any incident occurred.

Common skills that a security receptionist uses to do their job include "customer service," "direct visitors," and "id." You can find details on the most important security receptionist responsibilities below.

Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a security receptionist to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what security receptionists do because "security guards and surveillance officers must communicate effectively with others, even in stressful situations." Additionally, a security receptionist resume shows how security receptionists use communication skills: "display strong communication skills while providing white glove customer service to those entering the building. "

Observation skills. security receptionists are also known for observation skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to security receptionist responsibilities, because "security guards and surveillance officers must be alert and aware of their surroundings, and be able to quickly recognize anything out of the ordinary." A security receptionist resume example shows how observation skills is used in the workplace: "co-developed company's first aid and emergency response team, ergo peer team, and stop observation's team. "

See the full list of security receptionist skills

The three companies that hire the most security receptionists are:

Compare different security receptionists

Security receptionist vs. Officer

An officer is responsible for managing the daily operations of the assigned area, ensuring its peace and security by monitoring and reporting unusual and suspicious activities. Officers are the ones enforcing strict safety protocols and procedures to maintain the order within the premises. They also coordinate with law enforcement agencies in conducting appropriate investigations for any violating cases. An officer must be highly-knowledgeable of the law policies, as well as possessing excellent leadership skills to manage the members under the officer's patrol.

The annual salary of officers is $17,758 higher than the average salary of security receptionists.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both security receptionist and officer positions are skilled in customer service, hr, and patrol.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a security receptionist are more likely to require skills like "direct visitors," "id," "visitor badges," and "phone calls." On the other hand, a job as an officer requires skills like "public safety," "law enforcement agencies," "financial statements," and "professional development." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

On average, officers reach higher levels of education than security receptionists. Officers are 8.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Security receptionist vs. Non-commissioned officer

A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is responsible for maintaining peace and order during military operations and training. Non-commissioned officers' duties include leading soldiers' training for military operations, responding to the soldiers' concerns that involve their physical and mental well-being, and utilizing military equipment and tools properly while following strict regulatory procedures. An NCO is in charge of leading unit activities, performing corrective actions as needed, and coordinating closely with the troop members. A non-commissioned officer must display excellent leadership and critical-thinking skills to guide the military troop efficiently.

A career as a non-commissioned officer brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a security receptionist. In fact, non-commissioned officers salary is $70,091 higher than the salary of security receptionists per year.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that security receptionist responsibilities requires skills like "customer service," "direct visitors," "id," and "visitor badges." But a non-commissioned officer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "combat," "logistical support," "nco," and "professional development."

Non-commissioned officers may earn a higher salary than security receptionists, but non-commissioned officers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $103,557. On the other hand, security receptionists receive higher pay in the utilities industry, where they earn an average salary of $34,859.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Non-commissioned officers tend to reach similar levels of education than security receptionists. In fact, they're 4.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Security receptionist vs. Unarmed security guard

The primary responsibility of an unarmed security guard is to monitor and protect properties against damage or criminal attack. They must be alert, patrol the premises, and respond to emergencies. They also monitor alarm systems and video surveillance cameras. In cases of security breaches, they are expected to bring in law enforcement agents.

On average, unarmed security guards earn lower salaries than security receptionists, with a $1,802 difference per year.By looking over several security receptionists and unarmed security guards resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "patrol," "emergency situations," and "incident reports." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from security receptionist resumes include skills like "customer service," "direct visitors," "id," and "visitor badges," whereas an unarmed security guard is more likely to list skills in "unarmed security," "english language," "unarmed guard," and "security services. "

Unarmed security guards earn the best pay in the utilities industry, where they command an average salary of $31,285. Security receptionists earn the highest pay from the utilities industry, with an average salary of $34,859.When it comes to education, unarmed security guards tend to earn similar degree levels compared to security receptionists. In fact, they're 0.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Security receptionist vs. Protection specialist

Protection specialists are security professionals who provide physical security and protection of the exterior and interior of their client companies' property. These specialists are required to utilize CCTV to detect and investigate fraudulent activities as well as provide security over the watch protection to prevent the loss of a company's assets. They must apprehend suspected thieves and detain them in a secure facility until the arrival of the local law enforcement officers. Protection specialists must also provide transportation and personal security for the CEO of the company, executive management, and designated other employees.

Protection specialists typically earn higher pay than security receptionists. On average, protection specialists earn a $41,559 higher salary per year.While both security receptionists and protection specialists complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like emergency situations, incident reports, and cctv, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "customer service," "direct visitors," "id," and "visitor badges" are skills that commonly show up on security receptionist resumes. On the other hand, protection specialists use skills like guest service, physical security, safety issues, and safety procedures on their resumes.In general, protection specialists hold similar degree levels compared to security receptionists. Protection specialists are 2.6% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of security receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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