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Entry Level Receptionist Jobs in Cleveland, TN (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Receptionist information

See Cleveland, TN salary details

$8

$13

$22

How much do entry level receptionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level receptionist in Cleveland, TN is $13.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $14.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level receptionist?

Entry level receptionists are professionals who manage the front desk and perform basic administrative tasks in an office setting. Their responsibilities often include greeting visitors, answering phone calls, handling mail, and assisting other staff with clerical duties. This role typically requires good communication skills, basic computer knowledge, and a friendly demeanor. Entry level receptionists play a key role in creating a positive first impression for clients and guests. The position is often a starting point for those interested in administrative or office management careers.

What does an entry level receptionist do?

An entry-level receptionist provides customer service and performs general administrative tasks in an office environment. As an entry-level receptionist, you may work alongside a more experienced receptionist to receive on-the-job training until you’re ready to handle the job independently. You greet guests and visitors to the office, sign for packages, accept mail deliveries, process outgoing mail, answer phone calls, make copies of documents, and file important records both electronically and as hard copies. You also take messages and deliver them to the appropriate parties, manage calendars, and schedule appointments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level receptionist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Receptionist, you need strong organizational skills, basic computer literacy, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with office phone systems, scheduling software, and word processing tools like Microsoft Office is commonly required. Excellent verbal communication, professionalism, and a friendly demeanor help create a welcoming environment and support efficient office operations. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring smooth front-desk operations and leaving a positive impression on visitors and clients.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level receptionists, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level receptionists often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of phone calls, balancing multiple tasks simultaneously, and handling difficult visitors or clients. Adapting to these demands involves developing strong organizational skills, practicing clear and polite communication, and seeking support or clarification when needed. Over time, gaining familiarity with office protocols and leveraging digital tools for scheduling and communication can help new receptionists become more efficient and confident in their role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Receptionist vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectEntry Level ReceptionistAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer post-secondary education
Work EnvironmentFront desk, customer service, greeting visitorsOffice setting, handling correspondence, scheduling, and document management
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, corporate, hospitalityWidespread across industries, often with more responsibilities
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by entry-level job seekers or those new to administrative rolesCompared for roles with broader administrative duties

The main difference between an Entry Level Receptionist and an Administrative Assistant lies in their responsibilities. Receptionists primarily handle front desk duties and visitor interactions, while Administrative Assistants perform a wider range of office tasks, including scheduling and document management. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and daily duties.

Can I become an entry level receptionist with no experience?

Entry level receptionists typically do not need prior experience, as the role often provides on-the-job training. Basic skills such as communication, organization, and familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office can help candidates succeed. Employers may also look for a professional appearance and a friendly demeanor during interviews.

How to get started as an entry level receptionist?

To start as an entry level receptionist, gain basic skills in customer service, communication, and organization. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, and consider learning office software like Microsoft Office. Apply for positions through online job boards, prepare a professional resume, and demonstrate a friendly, professional demeanor in interviews.

What are the most commonly searched types of Receptionist jobs in Cleveland, TN?

The most popular types of Receptionist jobs in Cleveland, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Receptionist jobs in Cleveland, TN?

For Entry Level Receptionist jobs in Cleveland, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Receptionist jobs in Cleveland, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Receptionist jobs in Cleveland, TN are:

What cities near Cleveland, TN are hiring for Entry Level Receptionist jobs?

Cities near Cleveland, TN with the most Entry Level Receptionist job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Receptionist job openings in Cleveland, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,015 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

Intake / Reception Specialist

Garza Law Firm PLLC

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Garza Law Firm's Intake / Reception Specialist is an entry-level to skilled client-facing position responsible for serving as an initial point of contact for potential clients, current clients, visitors, vendors, and callers. This position combines intake screening, appointment scheduling, front desk operations, phone and communication management, administrative support, and client service. The role keeps client needs at the forefront, provides a personable and efficient relationship-first experience, and works closely with firm personnel while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, empathy, respect, and sound judgment.
The employees in this position do not have the authority to practice law, give legal advice, or set legal strategies for clients.
Requirements
Responsibilities
  • Client interaction and service: Warmly greet clients and visitors, assess their needs, direct them appropriately, offer refreshments, notify attorneys or staff as needed, and deliver a personable, efficient service experience that emphasizes the firm's relationship-first brand.
  • Intake and inquiry evaluation: Serve as a primary initial contact for potential clients, obtain and review necessary information, assess whether inquiries fit firm practice areas, identify key issues, and take appropriate action based on attorney guidance and firm policies.
  • Phone and communication management: Manage high-volume calls on multi-line systems, screen and route calls, handle voicemails, respond to inquiries with a pleasant and professional demeanor, coordinate conference calls or virtual meetings, and make outgoing calls to prospective clients by phone, email, and text.
  • Appointment scheduling and follow-up: Schedule and confirm appointments for potential clients who meet firm criteria, follow up after appointments to minimize lost leads, and create appointment folders for future visits.
  • Attorney and team coordination: Proactively contact attorneys to review critical case details, transfer clients to attorneys for case reviews when appropriate, route calls for current clients and vendors, and collaborate with firm personnel across divisions.
  • Administrative and operational support: Use systems such as Filevine, Lead Docket, Outlook, Word, Teams, and other Microsoft 365 applications to look up client information, enter data, file and manage documents, support mail and supply handling, maintain a tidy lobby, and assist legal assistants or paralegals as requested.
  • Office coverage and procedures: Provide phone and receptionist coverage during business hours, including flexible shifts as needed; follow office opening and closing procedures; and support front desk operations for callers, walk-ins, deliveries, paperwork drop-offs, and general inquiries.
  • Compliance, confidentiality, and problem-solving: Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards, protect client information and case details, resolve minor operational issues such as scheduling conflicts, and collaborate on process improvements that enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.
  • Client respect and professional conduct: Treat all clients, callers, visitors, and co-workers with dignity, empathy, situational awareness, and curiosity over judgment.
  • Professional development: Participate in training as required and accommodate occasional travel or overnight stays when needed.

Work Experience
Required
  • 1-2 years of receptionist, administrative, contact center, customer service, or related client-facing experience preferred for entry into the role.
  • Proficient typing skills, with the ability to type and talk with clients while accurately capturing important information; minimum typing speed of 50+ words per minute preferred for intake-heavy duties.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
  • Experience speaking regularly by phone and corresponding through email with a professional, confident tone.
  • Excellent communication, multitasking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills in a high-pressure, high-call-volume setting.
  • Professional appearance and conduct appropriate for a client-facing law firm environment.

Preferred
  • Experience in a law firm, reception role, contact center, customer service setting, or legal intake environment.
  • Minimum of 1-2 years of direct experience providing intake services in a legal firm, including initial client consultations, case assessment, and coordination of legal documentation.
  • Familiarity with case management systems such as Lead Docket and Filevine.
  • Basic knowledge of legal terminology.

Education, Certifications, and Qualifications
Required
  • High School Diploma.
  • Confidentiality of client information and cases.
  • Punctuality and demonstrated schedule adherence.
  • Willingness and ability to work in a high-call-volume environment for long periods during a typical work schedule.
  • Engaging, personable, and efficient phone communication skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication appropriate for a professional work setting.
  • Ability to show empathy with situational awareness regardless of the nature of a call or visit.
  • Ability to favor curiosity over judgment when assisting clients, callers, visitors, and co-workers.

Preferred
  • Fluency in Spanish.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft 365 products beyond basic daily use.
  • Ability to apply team communication strategies, including awareness of Print and Kolbe A scores, to enhance interactions with co-workers.