How to Be Host/Hostess - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 24, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Hosts and hostesses play an important role in the hospitality industry. When guests enter a restaurant or other hospitality facility, they are often greeted by a host or hostess. This first interaction is key to setting the tone for a positive experience.

When a host or hostess is friendly and professional, guests feel welcome and comfortable, which can lead to a more enjoyable overall experience. On the other hand, if the host or hostess is unfriendly or unprofessional, it can create a negative impression that can negatively affect the guest's overall opinion of the establishment. Good hosts and hostesses also help to ensure that restaurant operations run smoothly.

They can manage seating arrangements, take orders, and provide support to other staff members as needed. good hosts and hostesses are often responsible for ensuring that guests have any necessary information about the establishment, such as menu items and specials. hosts and hostesses are essential to the success of any hospitality business.

Steps How to Become

Obtain the necessary education and qualifications. Depending on the type of establishment you wish to work in, you may need to possess a minimum amount of education, such as a high school diploma, or even a college degree. Many employers require their host and hostesses to have prior customer service experience.
Develop good customer service skills. Hosts and hostesses must be friendly, approachable, and well-mannered. They should be able to answer questions and provide information about the restaurant to customers.
Apply for jobs. Most restaurants accept applications in person or online. Some employers may ask for a resume; if so, make sure to include relevant customer service experience, any certifications you may have, and any other qualifications that make you a good candidate for the job.
Complete an interview. During the interview, youll likely be asked about your customer service experience, ability to multitask, and knowledge of the restaurant. Make sure to be professional and answer questions honestly.
Learn the procedures and protocols. Once hired, youll need to learn the procedures and protocols of the restaurant. These may include learning how to use the reservation system, understanding seating procedures, and familiarizing yourself with menu items.
Greet guests. When guests arrive, your job is to greet them warmly, provide menus, and seat them in the appropriate area. You may also be responsible for taking phone calls and answering questions about the restaurant.
Manage seating. Its your responsibility to manage seating, which may include accommodating special requests, making sure tables are clean and ready for customers, and handling any complaints or issues that may arise.
Ensure customer satisfaction. As a host or hostess, its your job to make sure that guests have a positive experience at the restaurant. This includes providing them with accurate information about the menu, ensuring their orders are taken correctly, and addressing any complaints or issues that may arise.

The ability to be a successful host or hostess relies on having certain skills and competencies. These include having excellent customer service skills, being organized, having the ability to multitask, and having problem solving skills. When these skills are present, customers will feel welcomed and appreciated, leading to a positive dining experience.

This in turn leads to increased customer satisfaction and better reviews, which can help attract more customers and build a successful business. having these skills can also help hosts and hostesses handle unexpected situations quickly and effectively, resulting in less stress and improved efficiency. Thus, it is important for those looking to be successful hosts and hostesses to focus on developing their skills and competencies in order to provide a memorable experience for customers.

You may want to check Lead Server, Cocktail Waiter, and Room Service Attendant for alternative.

Job Description

Greet and welcome guests
Answer phone inquiries
Provide accurate wait times and monitor waiting lists
Manage reservations and seating arrangements
Take payment and process transactions
Ensure all guests feel welcome and comfortable
Address complaints and concerns with professionalism
Ensure all areas are clean and organized
Monitor dining rooms for seating availability, service, and safety
Coordinate food delivery to guests tables
Assist and support servers and other staff as needed
Answer questions regarding menu items and specials

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service skills
Knowledge of food and beverage menus
Knowledge of restaurant policies and procedures
Ability to handle customer complaints and disputes
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Proficient in basic computer skills
Ability to work well as part of a team
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

The most important skill for a host or hostess is communication. It is essential for them to be able to effectively communicate with customers, as well as other staff members. Good communication skills can help hosts and hostesses create a welcoming environment, understand customer needs, and provide excellent customer service.

Furthermore, strong communication skills make it easier for hosts and hostesses to resolve customer complaints, explain policies and procedures, and build relationships with customers. Without effective communication, hosts and hostesses may struggle to carry out their duties, resulting in unsatisfied customers and a decline in customer loyalty. poor communication could result in miscommunications between staff, which could have negative effects on the overall working environment.

Thus, it is essential for hosts and hostesses to possess excellent communication skills in order to be successful in their role.

Cart Attendant, Silver Service Waiter, and Cafeteria Worker are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in customer service?
What do you think is the most important quality for a host/hostess to have?
How do you handle difficult customers?
How do you handle multiple tasks at once?
How do you prioritize tasks?
What do you do when there are no guests to greet?
What strategies do you use to make guests feel welcome?
How would you handle an emergency situation?
How do you stay organized while managing a busy restaurant?
How do you handle mistakes or errors in customer service?

Common Tools in Industry

Reservation System. A system that tracks, organizes, and stores customer reservations (e. g. OpenTable).
Point of Sale (POS) System. A system used to process customer payments (e. g. Square POS).
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. Software used to store customer data and track customer interactions (e. g. Salesforce CRM).
Scheduling Software. Software used to manage employee schedules (e. g. When I Work).
Social Media Management Software. Software used to manage social media accounts and campaigns (e. g. Hootsuite).
Table Management Software. Software used to manage seating arrangements and tables (e. g. DineTime).
Inventory Management Software. A system used to track food and beverage inventory (e. g. Bevager).
Online Ordering System. An online system for customers to place orders (e. g. Grubhub).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Conference Centers (IACC)
National Restaurant Association (NRA)
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)
Convention Industry Council (CIC)
Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
International Special Events Society (ISES)
International Live Events Association (ILEA)
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
Association of Luxury Suite Directors (ALSD)

We also have Server Assistant, Food Expo, and Busboy jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Waitstaff. Employees of a restaurant or other establishment who serve and assist customers.
Barista. A person who prepares and serves coffee drinks.
Busser. An employee who clears tables, replenishes supplies, and performs other related tasks in a restaurant.
Bartender. A person who mixes and serves alcoholic drinks in a bar or restaurant.
Host/Hostess. An employee who is responsible for greeting customers and seating them at their tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the primary duties of a Host/Hostess? A1: A Host/Hostess is responsible for greeting guests, seating them and taking reservations. They may also be responsible for managing the restaurant's wait list, answering phone calls and providing general customer service. Q2: What qualifications are needed to be a Host/Hostess? A2: To be a Host/Hostess, you typically need to have excellent customer service and communication skills and the ability to multitask. Some restaurants may also require prior experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry. Q3: How many hours does a typical Host/Hostess work per day? A3: The amount of hours a Host/Hostess works can vary depending on the restaurant. Generally, they may work anywhere from 4 to 8 hours per day. Q4: What is the average hourly wage for a Host/Hostess? A4: The average hourly wage for a Host/Hostess in the United States is around $11.20 per hour. Q5: Are tips commonly given to Hosts/Hostesses? A5: Yes, tips are commonly given to Hosts/Hostesses for their service. Depending on the restaurant, tips can range from 10-20% of the total bill.

Web Resources

Host and Hostess | Community College of Philadelphia www.ccp.edu
Host/Hostess Career & Professional Development | University career.du.edu
Host/Hostess | Hospitality | Hospitality | New York, NY | Northwell ... jobs.northwell.edu