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

Sep 4, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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When a restaurant host/hostess is friendly and organized, it can have a positive effect on their customers. Customers will feel comfortable and welcome when they enter the restaurant, leading to a better overall experience. A good host/hostess will also ensure that tables are filled efficiently and that the guests' needs are met in a timely manner.

This can result in faster turnarounds for tables, increased sales, and improved customer satisfaction. All of these factors can have a positive impact on the restaurant's reputation, resulting in more customers and higher profits.

Steps How to Become

Research different job requirements for a restaurant host/hostess. This will give you an idea of what employers are looking for in a potential hire.
Take classes or obtain certifications to learn about customer service, restaurant operations, and the hospitality industry in general.
Create a resume that highlights your customer service experience, education, and any other qualifications related to the job.
Use online job boards, classified advertisements, and other resources to find openings for restaurant host/hostess positions.
Submit your resume and cover letter to each position you find and follow-up with a phone call or email if you dont hear back.
Attend interviews and be prepared to answer questions about your experience, customer service skills, and any other qualifications related to the job.
If hired, complete necessary paperwork and orientation procedures.
Follow proper protocols when seating guests, taking orders, and handling payments according to company policies.
Maintain a professional attitude while interacting with customers and coworkers.
Monitor restaurant activity to ensure customer satisfaction and handle any customer complaints.

The role of a restaurant host or hostess is an important one, as they are often the first point of contact for customers. As such, their ability to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere plays a key role in ensuring customers have a positive experience. This is why it is essential for an ideal and capable host or hostess to be professional and attentive to their customers' needs.

An effective host or hostess should also be knowledgeable about the restaurant's menu, service procedures and policies, and be able to answer customer questions accurately and promptly. Furthermore, a good host or hostess should also possess strong organizational skills, allowing them to effectively manage seating arrangements and reservations, thus creating an efficient and pleasant dining experience for customers. In short, the role of a restaurant host or hostess requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and professionalism in order to create a positive and memorable dining experience for customers.

You may want to check Restaurant Delivery Driver, Restaurant Delivery Person, and Restaurant Prep Cook for alternative.

Job Description

Greet and seat guests in a timely manner.
Answer telephone calls, take reservations, and manage waiting list.
Manage guest seating arrangements to ensure maximum occupancy and customer satisfaction.
Monitor guest seating and adjust as necessary to maintain efficient service.
Assist servers with table maintenance, such as cleaning and setting tables.
Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Provide guests with menus and answer any questions they may have about menu items.
Answer questions regarding available facilities, specials, and promotions.
Maintain knowledge of restaurant layout and services to provide accurate directions to guests.
Follow up with guests to ensure satisfaction with their dining experience.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service skills
Positive attitude and friendly demeanor
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
Ability to work with a diverse group of people
Good organizational and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of restaurant menu offerings
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to take orders accurately
Ability to use a computer for reservations
Ability to handle money transactions accurately
Demonstrated knowledge of health and safety regulations

Being a successful restaurant host or hostess requires a number of key skills. Firstly, excellent customer service is essential; the ability to welcome guests with a smile and make them feel comfortable, as well as providing helpful information on the menu and services offered, is paramount. Secondly, strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary in order to effectively interact with both customers and team members.

problem solving abilities are also important in order to handle any potential conflicts or customer issues that may arise. Lastly, organization is essential in order to ensure that tables are managed efficiently, seating guests appropriately and taking reservations accurately. All of these skills combined create a successful restaurant host or hostess, who is able to provide customers with a positive and enjoyable dining experience.

Restaurant Cashier, Restaurant Barback, and Restaurant Catering Server are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in customer service?
Describe a difficult situation youve encountered while working in a restaurant.
How do you handle customer complaints?
What do you consider to be the most important responsibility of a host/hostess?
How would you handle a busy shift?
Describe a time when you had to multitask and prioritize effectively.
How do you ensure that customers feel welcomed and comfortable?
What would you do if you realize that youve made a mistake with a reservation?
How do you manage customer expectations and keep them informed of wait times?
Describe a time when you had to deal with an angry or difficult customer.

Common Tools in Industry

Restaurant Management System. A computerized system used to manage and keep track of reservations, seating, and customer orders. (eg: OpenTable)
Point-of-Sale System. A computerized system that allows restaurant staff to process customer orders and payments quickly and accurately. (eg: Square)
Booking Software. Software that helps Hosts/Hostesses manage reservations, seating, and customer check-ins. (eg: Resy)
Greeting App. An app designed to help Hosts/Hostesses greet customers and provide a personalized experience. (eg: TableReady)
Customer Relationship Management Software. Software that helps restaurant staff track customer preferences and loyalty programs. (eg: Zoho CRM)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
American Culinary Federation
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
National Association of Professional Women in Hospitality
Restaurant and Hotel Management International
Foodservice Consultants Society International
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals
United States Personal Chef Association
International Special Events Society
International Caterers Association

We also have Restaurant Food Preparer, Restaurant Cook Helper, and Restaurant Ice Cream Server jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Busser - A restaurant employee responsible for clearing tables, cleaning and resetting them, and providing assistance to the waitstaff.
Maitre d' - The person responsible for overseeing the front of the house operations in a restaurant, including seating guests, handling reservations, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Waitstaff - Employees in a restaurant who take orders and serve food to guests.
Server - A restaurant employee who takes orders and serves food and drinks to customers.
Busboy - A restaurant employee responsible for clearing tables and providing assistance to waitstaff.
Greeter - A person who welcomes guests to a restaurant and helps them find their table or seat.
Food Runner - A restaurant employee responsible for delivering food from the kitchen to the dining room.
Hostess - A female restaurant employee responsible for seating guests, taking reservations, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main responsibilities of a Restaurant Host/Hostess?

The primary responsibilities of a Restaurant Host/Hostess include greeting guests, managing reservations, seating guests, and handling customer inquiries.

What qualifications are needed to become a Restaurant Host/Hostess?

Qualifications for a Restaurant Host/Hostess include excellent customer service and communication skills, the ability to multitask, and basic knowledge of food and beverage service.

What other tasks might a Restaurant Host/Hostess be responsible for?

A Restaurant Host/Hostess may also be responsible for taking orders, answering the phone, taking payment, setting up tables, and cleaning up the dining area.

How many hours per week does a Restaurant Host/Hostess typically work?

A Restaurant Host/Hostess typically works between 25-40 hours per week.

What is the average salary for a Restaurant Host/Hostess?

The average salary for a Restaurant Host/Hostess is approximately $10.25 per hour.

Web Resources

Restaurant Host/Hostess - Lancaster County Career lancasterctc.edu
Restaurant Host - Housing & Hospitality housingandhospitality.ucla.edu
Restaurant Hosts and Hostesses - careerwise.minnstate.edu careerwise.minnstate.edu