
3. Give a proper greeting
Most companies will provide you with the type of greeting they want you to use for incoming calls. If you are the "first-contact" receptionist, you may even be given the exact words to say. However, there are standard rules that any company would expect you to follow.
Here are some of those rules:
- If you answer all incoming calls, your greeting should include the company name and a short, positive phrase. You don't need to add your own name: "Good morning, Humboldt Construction, how may I help you?"
- If you receive a transferred or direct call to your office, state your name: "Good morning, this is Matthew Equilian."
- Keep your tone positive and expectant.
- Never answer with "Hold, please" before giving a greeting, even if you have three other calls waiting. This is extremely rude!