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

Sep 10, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Eating out at a restaurant can be an enjoyable experience, but it starts with the reservation process. For many restaurants, it is essential to make a reservation in order to guarantee a seat. Restaurant reservationists are responsible for taking calls and scheduling reservations for guests.

They must also have a clear understanding of the restaurants seating capacity and be able to accurately explain the menu and what the restaurant has to offer. With their help, guests can get the most out of their dining experience and the restaurant can ensure that their tables are full. Furthermore, a good reservationist will be able to upsell the guests by presenting them with options like special deals, promotions, or seasonal menus.

restaurant reservationists play an important role in the customer service of a restaurant, ensuring that guests have an enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require a minimum of a high school diploma in order to become a restaurant reservationist.
Consider earning a post-secondary degree or certification related to hospitality management or customer service. This will give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Search for job postings for restaurant reservationists. Many restaurants employ reservationists, and some may even require them.
Submit your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager of the restaurant you are applying to. Be sure to highlight your experience and qualifications, emphasizing any relevant education or certifications.
Participate in an interview with the restaurants hiring manager. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience, customer service skills, and knowledge of the restaurants menu and services.
Upon being hired, complete any necessary training and familiarize yourself with the restaurants reservation system and policies.
Greet customers when they arrive for their reservations, answer any questions they may have, and help them find their way to their table.
Update the restaurants reservation system as needed, ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
Monitor incoming calls and book reservations as needed according to the restaurants policies and availability.
Assist customers with canceling or changing existing reservations as necessary.

The role of a restaurant reservationist is to ensure the efficient operation of a restaurant. Keeping updated and capable is essential to the success of the position. To do this, one must stay current on new trends in the restaurant industry, understand the customers needs, and be knowledgeable of the restaurants offerings.

they must maintain a positive attitude, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and have a willingness to learn new processes and technologies. Having these qualities ensures that the reservationist can provide the best possible customer service, resulting in more satisfied customers and more return business for the restaurant. Furthermore, being up-to-date on the latest trends in restaurant technology allows for more efficient operations, leading to increased efficiency and improved customer satisfaction.

You may want to check Restaurant Hostess Cashier, Restaurant Chef de Partie, and Restaurant Barista for alternative.

Job Description

Greet and seat customers in a courteous manner
Answer customer inquiries and provide accurate information about the restaurant and menu
Handle reservations for groups and large parties
Manage waitlists and seating arrangements
Assist in setting up special arrangements for special occasions
Maintain the reservation system, including updating and canceling reservations
Take orders for food and drinks
Accurately record customer orders
Maintain cleanliness of restaurant and lobby area
Follow all safety and sanitation guidelines
Ensure customer satisfaction with their dining experience

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service and communication skills
Knowledge of restaurant operations
Ability to manage multiple reservations at once
Ability to explain menu items and specials
Familiarity with point-of-sale systems
Knowledge of food safety regulations
Ability to upsell and cross-sell services
Attention to detail
Problem-solving skills
Flexibility and adaptability
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in relevant computer software

Having excellent interpersonal and customer service skills is the most important skill a restaurant reservationist must possess. As the primary point of contact for customers when making reservations, a reservationist needs to be friendly, organized, and able to effectively handle customer inquiries. By having excellent communication skills, a reservationist can quickly and efficiently address customer concerns and answer questions, leading to a positive customer experience.

having strong organizational skills is important for managing reservation requests, ensuring customer information is accurately stored and updated, and that all reservations are properly recorded. With these skills, a restaurant reservationist can ensure that every customer has an enjoyable dining experience and that the restaurant runs smoothly.

Restaurant Valet Attendant, Restaurant Dining Room Attendant, and Restaurant Kitchen Steward are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in restaurant reservation management?
What do you think makes a successful restaurant reservationist?
How do you handle customer complaints or requests for special seating arrangements?
How do you ensure that all customers are taken care of and that reservations are scheduled efficiently?
How do you keep organized when managing multiple reservations?
How do you handle difficult situations involving customer requests and reservations?
Describe a time when you had to think quickly on your feet in order to solve an issue with a customers reservation.
How have you used customer relationship management software in the past to manage reservations?
How do you handle customer inquiries about availability and wait times?
How do you ensure that customer data is secure when taking reservations?

Common Tools in Industry

Table Management System. A software system used to manage restaurant tables, such as tracking bookings and customers, assigning seating, and managing waitlists. (e. g. OpenTable)
Point of Sale System. A computer-based system used to process customer orders and payments. (e. g. Square)
Reservation Scheduling Software. Software designed to help manage reservations, such as taking bookings and tracking availability. (e. g. Resy)
Customer Relationship Management System. A tool used to store customer data and track customer interactions. (e. g. Salesforce)
Online Booking System. A web-based system used to allow customers to book tables online. (e. g. Booking. com)
Digital Menu System. A digital interface that allows customers to view available menu items and place orders directly from their table. (e. g. Toast POS)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
Association of Professional Reservations Agents
International Air Transport Association
Professional Association of Innkeepers International
American Hotel & Lodging Association
Travel Technology Association
ConferenceDirect Global Alliance
National Business Travel Association
Global Business Travel Association
International Society of Hospitality Consultants

We also have Restaurant Counter Server, Restaurant Delivery Driver, and Restaurant Host/Hostess jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Host/Hostess. A restaurant employee responsible for greeting and seating guests, as well as providing general customer service.
Table Management System. A computerized system used for managing and organizing restaurant reservations, seating, and customer information.
Reservation Book. A physical book used to store and manage restaurant reservations, seating, and customer information.
Floor Plan. A diagram of a restaurant's layout, including seating arrangements and traffic flow.
Wait List. A list of customers waiting to be seated at a restaurant.
Cancellation Policy. A restaurant's policy for handling reservations that are cancelled or not kept.
Waiting Area. An area in a restaurant that is designated for customers who are waiting to be seated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a restaurant reservationist?

A restaurant reservationist is responsible for taking and managing customer reservations, providing customer service, and assisting in seating customers.

What skills are needed to be a successful restaurant reservationist?

To be successful, a restaurant reservationist should have excellent organizational skills, be detail-oriented, possess strong customer service skills, and be knowledgeable about the restaurant's menu, services, and policies.

How long does it take to book a reservation?

The time it takes to book a reservation will depend on the size of the party and availability of the requested time and date. Generally, it should take a few minutes to book a reservation.

What information is required to book a reservation?

To book a reservation, you will need to provide the name of the party, size of the party, desired date and time, and contact information.

Is there a minimum number of guests for reservations?

Yes, most restaurants require a minimum number of guests for bookings. This number is typically between two and four people.

Web Resources

Reservationist at Resort CALS Career Center | University of career.cals.arizona.edu
Reservationist at Resort Elevate Experiences | Illinois Tech elevate.iit.edu
Restaurant Reservation Form - University of Pittsburgh uc.pitt.edu