Hostess Job Description

Hostesses (or hosts) assist with meeting, greeting, and seating restaurant guests. They also help provide an enjoyable dining experience by ensuring that customers have everything they need. They may manage reservations, set tables, take drink orders, and provide other required items.

If you are also looking for a Host or Hostess, use this Host or Hostess job description to advertise the Hostess open roles in your organization. You can use this template as a starting point, and modify the requirements according to the needs of your organization or the client you are hiring for.

Hostess Job Description

Location: On-site: Temporary

Overview: We are seeking an ideal host/hostess candidate who provides friendly and responsive service to create an exceptional experience for all our guests by welcoming and warmly greeting guests upon arrival. Manage efficient and timely seating of our guests or waiting areas when applicable. To do well in this role the candidate should be comfortable standing for long periods and manage a very busy shift. You represent the guest's first exposure to our staff as they walk in the door so a positive and friendly attitude is a must! We are looking for passionate industry professionals.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Greets guests in a positive, friendly manner, making them feel welcome. Acknowledge guests as they leave
• Create and maintain a wait list if necessary
• Effective use of OpenTable
• Provide guests with menus and answer any initial questions
• Seat guests at tables or in designated waiting areas
• Assign guests to tables they prefer, while keeping table rotation in mind so that servers receive the right number of customers
• Respond to complaints and help resolve them or get a manager involved 
• Answer phone calls, take reservations, and answer any general inquiries guests may have
• A running knowledge of the food and beverage menu

Skills and Requirements

Required qualifications: 

• 1+ years in a customer service-related role
• Ability to stand/walk a minimum of 8 hours or as needed
• Comply with health and food safety standards
• Maintain cleanliness in all areas of the host stand including counters, menus, computer, shelves, and storage areas
• Ability to provide top-notch customer service in a fast-paced environment
• A positive attitude and ability to work well under pressure with all restaurant staff
• Must have a great sense of hospitality and understand how it impacts on our business

Hostess Salary Range: $15 - $18/hour- based on work experience

Benefits:

• Retirement Plan
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance, and Voluntary Benefits
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Also Read: 

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Pharmacy Technician Job Description  

Paraprofessional Job Description 

Retail Sales Associate Job Description 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a host and a hostess?

The term host refers to the male version of the job role, and hostess to the female version. However, both hosts and hostesses have an equal amount of work and responsibility. Generally, the job role can be referred to as host.

What skills are needed to be a host/hostess?

A host/hostess should make customers feel welcome and looked after. Also, one of the most valued skills in this job role is to maintain a positive attitude at all times, especially when the restaurant is at its busiest. Other important skills to have include the ability to be organized and think ahead.

Why would you want to be a host/hostess?

A good host or hostess is responsible for greeting guests in person and over the phone, and taking and organizing reservations, among other things.