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

Oct 23, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The restaurant host is the first person a customer interacts with when they enter a restaurant. As such, they play a very important role in setting the tone for an enjoyable dining experience. When a host is warm and friendly, it can make customers more relaxed and excited to sample the restaurant's offerings.

On the other hand, if the host is disorganized or cold, it can turn customers away and lead to decreased business. Restaurant hosts must be organized, welcoming, and knowledgeable to ensure that all customers have a positive experience. This will help to create repeat customers and increase overall profitability for the restaurant.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Take hospitality classes. Even if you don't have any experience in the restaurant industry, taking classes related to hospitality can provide you with a good foundation of knowledge.
Get experience. Many restaurants may require restaurant host experience before applying for the job. Consider getting a part-time job or interning at a local restaurant to gain experience.
Apply to open positions. Check online job websites, newspapers, or visit local restaurants in person to apply for open positions as a restaurant host.
Interview and hire. After applying, you may be asked to come in for an interview. Make sure to dress professionally and be prepared to answer any questions the interviewer may have.
Follow training instructions. After being hired, most restaurant hosts are required to go through some type of training program. Follow the instructions provided by your employer and take notes so you can remember what you learned.
Perform duties as a restaurant host. As a restaurant host, your duties will include seating guests, answering phones, taking reservations, and maintaining the cleanliness of the restaurant.

In order to stay ahead and efficient as a restaurant host, it is important to remain organized, efficient, and customer-oriented. Being organized ensures that guests are greeted and seated in a timely manner, while efficiency helps minimize wait time and reduce customer frustration. by having a customer-oriented approach, hosts are able to provide a pleasant dining experience for their guests.

This can be achieved by being attentive to the needs of the customer, such as offering assistance with menu selections and providing helpful advice on drinks and food options. Furthermore, creating a personalized experience for each guest can also help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. staying ahead and efficient as a restaurant host requires organization, efficiency, and a customer-oriented mindset.

You may want to check Room Service Waiter, Service Assistant, and Restaurant Waiter for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers and seat them at their tables
Answer customer inquiries about menu items, specials, and general restaurant information
Manage waiting list and seating chart according to availability
Assist with setting up and breaking down dining areas
Distribute menus to guests
Take orders and relay them to kitchen staff
Monitor dining areas to ensure customer satisfaction
Help clear and reset tables after meals
Ensure all guests have a pleasant dining experience
Respond to any customer complaints or issues

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service skills
Knowledge of food and beverage menu items
Ability to handle multiple tasks at once
Ability to stay calm under pressure
Good organizational and time management skills
Knowledge of proper dining etiquette
Ability to use a computerized reservation system
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work well with a team
Ability to follow instructions and take direction

Being a successful restaurant host requires a variety of skills, but the most important one is excellent customer service. When customers enter a restaurant, they expect to be greeted with a friendly and helpful attitude. A restaurant host should be able to make customers feel comfortable and welcome in a timely manner, while also being able to answer any questions they may have.

the host should have effective communication skills in order to take orders accurately and efficiently. Furthermore, a good restaurant host must have excellent organizational skills in order to manage seating, handle reservations, and keep track of wait times. All of these skills are essential for creating a positive customer experience and ensuring that customers have an enjoyable dining experience.

Good customer service is essential for a successful restaurant business and having an experienced and knowledgeable host is an integral part of this process.

Food Server, Cafeteria Worker, and Room Service Attendant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a restaurant?
How do you handle a customer complaint or difficult situation?
Tell me about a time in which you had to manage multiple tasks simultaneously?
Describe a time where you had to go above and beyond for a customer?
How would you handle a situation in which there is not enough seating for a customer?
What would you do if a customer were to become upset at the length of wait time?
What qualities do you think are necessary for a successful host?
Describe a time when you had to be very flexible in order to accommodate guests?
How do you prioritize tasks on a busy night?
How would you react if a customer were to be rude or uncooperative?

Common Tools in Industry

Scheduling Software. Software used to manage and organize staff shifts, breaks, and other work hours. (eg: WhenToWork)
Point of Sale System. Software used to manage transactions, process payments, track inventory, and report sales. (eg: Square)
Customer Relationship Management Software. Software used to manage customer relationships, track sales leads, and automate marketing campaigns. (eg: Salesforce)
Table Management System. Software used to manage seating and table availability in restaurants. (eg: Resy)
Online Ordering Platform. Software used to manage online orders for restaurants. (eg: UberEats)
Reporting Software. Software used to report and analyze data related to restaurant operations. (eg: Tableau)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
National Association of Professional Women
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
Professional Convention Management Association
National Society of Professional Waiters and Waitresses
American Culinary Federation
International Association of Culinary Professionals
The American Academy of Chefs
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
The International Association of Hospitality Financial Managers

We also have Bartender, Cocktail Waiter, and Snack Bar Attendant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Reservationist. A person who takes reservations for a restaurant and is responsible for managing the seating process.
Waiter/Waitress. A person who serves food and drinks to customers in a restaurant.
Busser. A person who assists the wait staff by clearing tables, refilling drinks, and helping with other tasks.
Line Cook. A person who is responsible for preparing and cooking food items in the kitchen of a restaurant.
Sous Chef. The lead chef in the kitchen who is responsible for creating the menu, overseeing food preparation, and managing the staff.
Barista. A person who prepares and serves specialty coffee drinks.
Bartender. A person who serves alcoholic beverages to customers in a restaurant or bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Restaurant Host?

A Restaurant Host is responsible for greeting customers, taking reservations, seating guests, and providing general information about the restaurant.

How many guests can a Restaurant Host seat?

A Restaurant Host can typically seat up to 8-10 guests at one time.

What other duties does a Restaurant Host perform?

In addition to seating guests, a Restaurant Host may also answer phones, manage waitlists, and provide customer service.

What skills are required for a Restaurant Host?

To be successful as a Restaurant Host, an individual should possess strong customer service skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask.