Host & Hostess Job Description (+ Average Salary)

In order to be certain that your professional resume will support your goals, use this host/hostess job description to be informed on what you should highlight on your resume.

This article will help you identify the relevant skills, credentials and work experience that matter most to an employer in your target field.

Host/Hostess Job Description

The word “host” and “hostess” describe the same job at a restaurant.

A” host” refers to a male staff member, and “hostess” refers to a female staff member.

Have you ever been to a function and welcomed by some beautiful and personable individuals with a pleasant ambience?

A host/hostess is responsible for playing this vital role and can really set the tone for a wonderful guest dinning experience.

The host/hostess at a restaurant is the first to meet the customer to ensure they feel welcomed, comfortable, cared for and valued.

They create a warm and enjoyable environment for their guest from the moment they enter the establishment.

A host/hostess greet guest upon arrival, inform guests of their wait time, monitor a waiting list, enter guest names into the computer system, show guest to their table and bid them farewell as they depart.

A Host/Hostess must be able to converse fluently and sweetly with guests without sounding scripted or intrusive.

Additionally, the Hostess performs light housekeeping duties such as passing out menus, cleaning glasses, and ensuring restrooms are tidy, and orderly.

The Host/Hostess may also need to answer phone calls and fill to-go orders when needed.

He/she must be readily available at all times.

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Hostess Job Description Duties And Responsibilities

A host/hostess primary duty is to focus on ensuring that guest have a positive experience as soon as they enter the restaurant.

Examples of hostess responsibilities and duties include:

• Warmly welcoming guests to a venue
• Greet incoming and departing guest with courteous
• Attend to special guest needs and requests (e.g., children, elderly)
• A host/hostess ensures tables are ready and neatly arranged for seating guests
• Answer incoming calls to the restaurant, address customers query and managing of reservations in a prompt and professional manner
• Provide guests with menus and announce waiter/waitress’s name
• Manage the flow of guests into the dining and bar areas, provide accurate wait times to incoming guests if appropriate
• Inspection of guest menu for cleanliness and rendering assistance to servers when necessary
• Give topnotch service and uses guest recognition and preference
• Host/hostess serves as intermediary between restaurant guests and restaurant staffs
• Give guests sincere advice and obliging recommendations
• Maintaining a positive and full energy altitude at all time
• Protect establishment and patrons by adhering to sanitation, safety and alcohol control policies
• Ensure that opening, closing and operational duties are completed daily
• Ability to stand and walk smartly for long hours
• Do table visits systematically at each meal period to ensure guest satisfaction
• Issue dining charges by verifying orders; calculating taxes; totaling bill for to-go orders
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by management
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

Requirements:

A good host/hostess should have the following:

• Must possess strong problem-solving skills
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be able to read menus
• Must posses an excellent communication skill (via phone and in person)
• Must posses a warm, friendly, positive and personal demeanor
• Must be able to clearly communicate guests’ needs to waiter/waitress’s, Bussers, Managers, etc.
• Must be able to hear well in a loud environment in order to answer telephone and respond to guest requests
• Must be able to walk smartly and stand for a long period
• Must have understanding of restaurant etiquette
• Must be able to articulate clear greetings and farewells to guests
• Must be able to understand a request for assistance
• Always ready to render genuine assistances where needed and work effectively within a team
• Passionate in providing extraordinary service
• Ability to handle guest complaints as per instructions and procedures
• Have an excellent knowledge about different items on the menu in order to be able to help guest answer questions and give other suggestions
• Ability to bend and lift heavy objects weighing up to 30pounds
• Ability to work a variety of shifts
• At least 6 months experience in a full-service restaurant, preferred
• Must be able to follow instructions and work with minimal or no supervision
• Ability to work positively under pressure
• Must follow appropriate food safety guidelines
• Acute attention to details in order to track guest reservation
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic and attractive personality                              

Educational requirements are not really necessary for this role, since this is an entry- level position.

Many hosts or hostesses are either in high school or college.

The hostess duties are one that may require on- the-job training.

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Host/Hostess Top Skills & Proficiencies

• Customer Service
• People Skills
• Professionalism
• High Energy
• Adept Multitasking
• Thoroughness
• Planning
• Basic Math
• Teamwork
• Attention to Detail
• Verbal Communication
• Organization
• Flexible
• Management Skills

Average Salary

Conclusion

A host/hostess create a warm and welcoming ambience for their guests.

Their primary aim is to ensure that their guests have a positive and satisfactory experience as they arrive and depart from the restaurant.

A good hostess must be an effective communicator and well- mannered at all times.

Whether they are talking to customers in person or taking reservation via phone, they will always speak clearly and coordinated without rushing their conversation or showing any sign of disrespect.

A hostess attitude towards guest can have a lasting impact and leave them with the decision of wanting to come back or otherwise.