Host/Hostess
A host or hostess typically welcomes guests and manages reservations at restaurants, hotels, or events, ensuring high customer satisfaction and efficient table turnover.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Host/Hostess
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a friendly and organized Host/Hostess to join our team at our bustling restaurant. This role is pivotal in creating an inviting atmosphere and ensuring guests feel welcome from the moment they step in.
Required Skills
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
- A friendly and outgoing personality.
- Detail-oriented and able to learn and memorize menu items and restaurant procedures.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Previous customer service experience is preferred but not required.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to work effectively in a team setting.
Responsibilities
- Greeting guests as they enter, and putting them on a waiting list as necessary.
- Providing guests with menus and explaining any specials and/or restaurant promotions.
- Managing the flow of guests into the dining and bar areas, providing accurate wait times to incoming guests if required.
- Maintaining a clean and organized host station and entrance lobby.
- Coordinating with the wait staff about available seating options and ensuring a smooth handoff.
- Answering phones, taking reservations, and answering questions regarding menu and restaurant.
- Assisting with opening and closing tasks as well as other duties assigned by the manager.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a friendly, organised and customer service-oriented individual to join our team as an intermediate-level Host/Hostess. The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing an excellent first impression to our guests, managing reservations and ensuring that dining experiences are seamless and enjoyable.
Required Skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to multitask effectively
- Strong verbal communication and customer service skills
- Proficient in using reservation software and point-of-sale systems
- Attention to detail with a focus on guest satisfaction
- Problem-solving skills and ability / willingness to resolve conflicts
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- 2-5 years of experience as a host/hostess in a busy restaurant or hospitality setting
- Knowledge of reservation systems and restaurant management software
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and remain calm under pressure
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
Responsibilities
- Greet guests in a warm and friendly manner, ensuring a positive first impression of the establishment
- Manage, plan, and organize waiting lists and reservations using appropriate software and tools
- Monitor dining room activity and work with the service staff to manage the flow of guests and table turnover
- Address guest complaints or issues and find solutions to ensure guest satisfaction
- Communicate effectively with both guests and staff to facilitate a harmonious dining environment
- Ensure that menus and promotional materials are up to date and presented neatly
- Assist with event planning when necessary, including seating arrangements and special requests
- Provide feedback to management on guest experiences and opportunities for improving service
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Senior Host/Hostess, you will be the first point of contact for our guests and set the tone for their dining experience. With your extensive experience in the hospitality industry, you are adept at managing reservations, greeting customers, and coordinating dining room activities to ensure a seamless service. You will lead by example and support the training and supervision of junior staff.
Required Skills
- Leadership
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Multi-tasking
- Communication
- Reservations management
- Staff training
- Dining room coordination
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a host/hostess or similar role within the hospitality industry.
- Proven track record of leadership and staff management.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain composure under pressure.
- Experience with reservation management software and point of sale systems is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide a warm welcome to guests, manage reservations, and maintain a waitlist during peak dining hours.
- Oversee and organize the seating arrangements to maximize dining room efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Coordinate with kitchen and wait staff to ensure smooth operation and timely turnover of tables.
- Handle guest concerns with professionalism and resolve issues to the guest's satisfaction.
- Train and mentor junior hosts/hostesses, and support them in managing their responsibilities.
- Ensure the entrance, waiting area, and dining room remain clean and inviting.
- Stay informed on the restaurant's offerings, promotions, and any special events.
- Participate in staff meetings and provide feedback to improve guest experience and operational efficiency.
See other roles in Consumer Services and Public Sector and Hospitality
Sample Interview Questions
Have you ever trained or mentored junior hosts/hostesses? If so, how did you support and guide them?
What strategies do you use to maintain a clean and inviting entrance, waiting area, and dining room?
