Apply for the Pepkor Lifestyle Receptionist – Switchboard Operator Position
Are you an organised, friendly and customer-focused professional looking for a permanent opportunity in a corporate environment? Pepkor Lifestyle is recruiting a Receptionist – Switchboard Operator to join its Customer Resolution Centre in Sandton, Gauteng.
As the first point of contact for customers, visitors and employees, you will play an important role in creating a positive first impression of the company. This position is ideal for candidates who have receptionist or switchboard experience, excellent communication skills and enjoy working in a fast-paced office environment.
If you have a Grade 12 qualification and experience managing switchboards, greeting visitors and providing administrative support, this could be your next career opportunity.
Job Overview
Details
Information
Company
Pepkor Lifestyle
Position
Receptionist – Switchboard Operator
Division
Customer Resolution Centre
Business Unit
Call Centre
Employment Type
Permanent
Location
Sandton, Gauteng
Industry
Retail
Experience Required
2–3 Years
Minimum Qualification
Grade 12 (Matric)
Closing Date
17 August 2026
About the Role
Pepkor Lifestyle is looking for a professional Receptionist and Switchboard Operator to provide exceptional front-office support while ensuring incoming calls are handled efficiently.
The successful candidate will greet visitors, answer and transfer calls, assist customers with enquiries, coordinate meeting rooms and provide general administrative support. This role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to multitask while maintaining a high standard of customer service.
Key Responsibilities
As a Receptionist – Switchboard Operator, your duties may include:
Answering and directing incoming calls.
Greeting and welcoming visitors professionally.
Assisting customers with enquiries.
Providing excellent customer service.
Managing the company switchboard.
Troubleshooting basic switchboard issues.
Scheduling meeting rooms.
Maintaining an organised reception area.
Providing administrative and clerical support.
Collaborating with colleagues to support office operations.
Recording visitor information where required.
Ensuring all reception duties are completed accurately and on time.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should have:
Grade 12 (Matric).
Between 2 and 3 years of receptionist or switchboard experience.
Experience in a corporate or professional environment (advantageous).
Basic knowledge of telecommunications systems.
Strong computer literacy.
Experience using office software.
Familiarity with CRM systems (advantageous).
Excellent communication skills.
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
Professional telephone etiquette.
Excellent customer service.
Strong verbal and written communication.
Active listening skills.
Time management.
Multitasking ability.
Problem-solving skills.
Organisational skills.
Attention to detail.
Ability to work under pressure.
Relationship-building skills.
Professionalism.
Why Join Pepkor Lifestyle?
Pepkor Lifestyle offers employees the opportunity to work in a professional retail organisation that values customer service, teamwork and career development.
Benefits of joining the company include:
Permanent employment.
Stable corporate working environment.
Opportunity to develop customer service skills.
Exposure to retail and call centre operations.
Career growth opportunities.
Professional workplace experience.
Documents You May Need
Prepare the following before applying:
Updated CV.
Certified South African ID.
Certified Grade 12 certificate.
Copies of any additional qualifications.
Supporting documents requested during the online application.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official Pepkor Lifestyle recruitment portal before the closing date.
Before applying:
Ensure your CV is updated.
Highlight your receptionist and switchboard experience.
Include any customer service or administrative experience.
Confirm your contact details are correct.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a permanent position?
Yes. This is a permanent employment opportunity.
2. Where is the position located?
The position is based in Sandton, Gauteng.
3. What qualification is required?
Applicants must have Grade 12 (Matric).
4. How much experience is required?
Applicants should have 2–3 years of receptionist or switchboard experience.
5. Is corporate experience required?
Corporate or professional services experience is advantageous but not compulsory.
6. Do I need computer skills?
Yes. Applicants should have good computer literacy and be comfortable using office software.
7. Is CRM experience required?
CRM experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
8. What is the main responsibility?
Managing the switchboard, greeting visitors and providing professional customer service.
9. Are language skills important?
Yes. Strong English communication skills are essential, and additional languages are an advantage.
10. Will only shortlisted applicants be contacted?
Yes. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the recruitment process.
10 Interview Questions and Sample Answers
1. Tell us about yourself.
Sample Answer:
“I have experience working as a receptionist where I managed incoming calls, welcomed visitors and provided administrative support. I enjoy interacting with people and always strive to deliver excellent customer service.”
2. Why do you want to work for Pepkor Lifestyle?
Sample Answer:
“Pepkor Lifestyle is a respected retail company with a strong focus on customer service. I would like to contribute my communication and organisational skills while growing my career in a professional environment.”
3. How would you handle multiple calls arriving at the same time?
Sample Answer:
“I would remain calm, answer calls professionally, place callers on hold when necessary, prioritise urgent enquiries and transfer calls efficiently.”
4. What would you do if an angry customer called?
Sample Answer:
“I would listen carefully, remain polite, acknowledge the customer’s concerns and work towards resolving the issue or direct the call to the appropriate department.”
5. Why is telephone etiquette important?
Sample Answer:
“The receptionist is often the first person customers interact with. Professional telephone etiquette creates a positive first impression and reflects well on the company.”
6. How do you stay organised?
Sample Answer:
“I keep my workspace organised, prioritise tasks, maintain accurate records and use scheduling tools to ensure nothing is overlooked.”
7. What would you do if the switchboard stopped working?
Sample Answer:
“I would follow the company’s troubleshooting procedures, notify the relevant technical support team and keep management informed while minimising disruption.”
8. Why should Pepkor Lifestyle hire you?
Sample Answer:
“I am professional, organised, customer-focused and experienced in reception duties. I communicate well, enjoy helping people and work efficiently under pressure.”
9. How do you protect confidential information?
Sample Answer:
“I only share information with authorised people, follow company policies and ensure confidential documents and conversations remain secure.”
10. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sample Answer:
“I hope to have grown within the company, expanded my administrative skills and progressed into a senior customer service or office administration role.”
Nonhlanhla Ndlovu is the founder and publisher of EduFeeds, a South Africa–focused platform that shares verified learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job opportunities for young people and job seekers.
With a strong focus on helping South African youth access real career opportunities, Nonhlanhla researches and verifies programmes from official company sources and public announcements before publication. EduFeeds aims to simplify the application process by providing clear guidance, requirements, and practical tips to help applicants apply with confidence.
Nonhlanhla continues to monitor updates from SETAs, companies, and training providers to ensure information on Edu Feeds remains current and useful. She focuses on publishing timely and accurate opportunity updates for the South African youth employment market.
