Career Profile on Louise Coughlan winner of the Oyster 2007 Receptionist of the Year Awards

Career Profile on Louise Coughlan winner of the Oyster 2007 Receptionist of the Year Awards

Name:                  Louise Coughlan

Describe your current role in brief :  

Title:                     

Receptionist/Switchboard Operator

Industry:               

Drinks Industry - Heineken Ireland Limited .  

Size of Company :  

Around 420

Report to (title) ;           

Customer Service Manager Off-Trade

Day to Day Duties:  

Pr ovide effective cover of the switchboard, ensuring that all calls are answered and processed in a timely and customer friendly manner.

Provide effective cover of reception, so as to promote a professional image to all visitors.

Effective use of questioning and listening skills to answer internal/external customer related queries.

Demonstrate a professional and friendly first impression of the Company.

Ensuring the Company post is organised on time and in full.

Work as part of the Customer Service team.

Train all members of the team on reception and switchboard for relief cover.

Support the HR functions on an adhoc basis.

How many years have you worked in this position?        

                           Five and a half

Do you have a formal qualification?    If so what type?  

                               Yes. Montessori teaching

What was your biggest career break, and why?  

Winning the Oyster Receptionist of the Year award which was held last October 2007.

I was so delighted to be nominated by our managing director.   I felt so honoured to win the Corporate category and then winning the Overall award just blew me away.   I also really appreciated how Oyster has highlighted the importance of the role of a receptionist in every company, no matter what the size.

What tips/advice would you give to someone interested in advancing their career as an office professional?

Firstly, you must really want the role you may be interested in and ensure your personality is suited to this role.   As an office professional, you are meeting and communicating with people all day so you need to have a lot of energy, have a very pleasant and polite manner and have the utmost respect for everyone you meet.   Of course it is important to be efficient and know as much as possible about your company and your colleague’s roles.

Out of 10, are you happy in your choice of career and if so why?  

I am 10 out 10 happy with my choice of career because it’s all about looking after people’s needs and ensuring they are happy which I love to do.   I enjoy the interaction with the ongoing flow of people and the constant buzz of reception.

What are your top 3 favourite web sites?  

                             RTE.ie

Google.ie

Amazon.com

What shops would you buy most of your work outfits?  

                           Mexx, M&S, Oasis.