Do you remember when you went to a quaint seaside cafe, where the Host/Hostess greeted you with a warm smile that instantly made you feel at home? If that moment sparked your interest in creating the same experiences for others, you might be looking to apply for a Host/Hostess position.
But first things first — you’ll need help to brush up on your Q&A skills. This is why we’ve put together a list of customary Host/Hostess interview questions (along with some sample answers) that can help you land the coveted job offer.
We’ve also compiled a few tips for employers on how to select the best Hosts/Hostesses for their restaurants.
Host/Hostess Interview Questions About Skills and Experience
Questions about your skills and experience allow your employer to get a grasp of what you can bring to the table. They’re looking to see how well your background fits with their requirements and how you’ve handled challenges in the past.
Do you have any experience working as a Host/Hostess in a restaurant?
Example answer: “Yes, I’ve been working as a Hostess for the past two years. I’m in charge of managing reservations, offering accurate wait times, greeting guests and working closely with our wait staff to make sure there are available seating options.”
What do you think are the most important skills a Host/Hostess should have?
Example answer: “In my experience, the most important ones a Host/Hostess should have are unparalleled communication and organizational skills. Effective communication is paramount as you’re constantly interacting with both your guests and other co-employees. It also ensures everyone is on the same page and each issue is promptly addressed. Organizational skills are vital as well, since you’re simultaneously managing reservations, seating arrangements and coordinating with the Head Chef and other kitchen team members to keep everything running smoothly.
I’d also like to emphasize the need to be calm under pressure in this role. Given that the restaurant can get busy — especially during peak dining hours or special events — staying composed helped me address unexpected situations, such as last-minute changes in seating arrangements.”
How do you cope with several responsibilities at the same time?
Example answer: “When I work a busy shift, I make sure to use a checklist to track reservations and talk with the kitchen staff and Waiters/Waitresses to make sure everything runs smoothly.”
Can you remember a time when you helped improve a work process at your previous job?
Example answer: “When I worked at a trendy restaurant downtown, I noticed that there was a problem with communicating wait times. This caused customers to get impatient because of the lack of updates. I then suggested that we update guests every 10 minutes. Doing so definitely reduced complaints.”
How do you ensure accuracy when managing seating charts?
Example answer: “I double-check all reservations when they come in and give it a second look on the day of each reservation. I also update my seating charts with new details, like VIP guests who arrive without any reservations, and promptly communicate these changes to the team.”
Can you stand for long periods of time?
Example answer: “Of course! I don’t mind standing for long periods of time. Truth be told, in the previous establishments I’ve worked at, I was on my feet for most of my shift. I learned a trick that wearing comfortable shoes can help me manage longer shifts. I also think this form of physical activity helps me stay fit, which is a great plus.”
Host/Hostess Interview Questions About Customer Service & Interaction
Customer service is the heart of the Host/Hostess role. When answering questions regarding your customer service skills, it’s a great idea to share positive stories from your past experiences.
During busy periods, how do you prioritize which guest needs to attend first?
Example answer: “During busy periods, I prioritize guest needs based on several factors: how urgent a customer’s request is, if they have any special needs and what the restaurant’s current seating setup is. This way, I can make sure everyone feels looked after.
So, if a guest has a reservation and arrives on the dot, I make it a priority to have them seated right away. And if there’s a walk-in guest who has been waiting, I balance that by checking our reservation schedule to see where we can fit them in without disrupting other customers.”
What do you think about the saying, “The customer is always right”?
Example answer: “I try to approach every situation with the mindset that the customer’s experience is a top priority. While we do our best to go above and beyond for our guests, I believe it’s also important to be fair and reasonable with their requests.”
How do you adjust your communication style to suit different types of customers?
Example answer: “Well, it depends on the guest’s behavior and what they’re comfortable with. For example, if a customer seems like the chatty type, I’ll take a bit more time to talk with them and maybe ask about their day. But if they look like they’re in a hurry, I try to get straight to the point and ask what they would like to order.
At the end of the day, it’s all about reading the situation and making sure the customer feels valued.”
Situational/Behavioral Questions Asked in a Host/Hostess Interview
When answering these types of Host/Hostess interview questions, it’s helpful to use the STAR method, which stands for “Situation, Task, Action and Result.”
Set the scene with a specific example from your past work experience. Explain the task you needed to accomplish, then dive into the actions you took to address the situation. Then finally, wrap up by sharing the results of your actions.
Describe a time when you had to deal with a rude customer. How did you handle the situation?
Example answer: “There was this one time when a rude customer was upset about the wait time. He raised his voice and made some harsh comments about our service. I stayed calm and listened to his concerns without interrupting. This seemed to help put out the tension a bit.
When he started to calm down, I apologized for the inconvenience and explained the reasons behind the delay. I also offered him a complimentary drink while he waited.”
How do you manage a sudden surge of customers beyond regular hours?
Example answer: “There was a time wherein right as we were about to close the restaurant, a large group of customers walked in. Instead of turning them away, I quickly checked with our kitchen staff to ask if we could accommodate a final order. Once I got their green light, I welcomed the group with a smile and explained that we were closing soon but we’d be happy to serve them. This way, we provided great service without overwhelming our team.”
Describe a situation where you had to mediate a conflict between guests. What did you do?
Example answer: “There was a time when two guests whose tables were next to each other started bickering over seating proximity — it was during busy restaurant hour and space was inevitably tight. I approached both parties calmly and listened to each customer to understand their concerns.
As a solution, I suggested that we could move one of the patrons to a different table that had just become available. Lastly, I apologized for the inconvenience and thanked them for their patience.”
How To Prepare for a Host/Hostess Interview
Prepare for your job interview like a pro and (fingers crossed!) ace it with flying colors by following these four simple steps:
1. Understand the role
Do your homework and research what a typical day looks like for a Host/Hostess at the restaurant you’re applying to. Restaurants are usually fast-paced, so be ready to discuss how you can manage busy shifts or long queues.
2. Review common interview questions and potential answers
Think about the questions we mentioned earlier, like how to deal with difficult customers or manage a busy shift efficiently. Then, prepare specific examples from your past experiences.
Reviewing these example Host/Hostess interview questions and answers will help you answer confidently.
3. Visit and find out more about the restaurant
If you can, visit the restaurant as a customer to observe the atmosphere and service style. Understand their menu, specials and any unique features as thoroughly as possible to show your interest in and dedication to the role.
4. Ask questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions surrounding the team, shifts or any ongoing training. This can show your interviewer that you’re thinking about how you can fit into the team’s dynamics.
Here are some questions you can ask during your Host/Hostess interview:
- Could you tell me a bit about the team I’ll be working with? What’s the work culture like here?
- Are there opportunities for flexible scheduling?
- Does your restaurant offer an ongoing training program that can better help me in my current role?
How To Employ the Right Host/Hostesses for Your Restaurant
Here are top tips on how you can attract, evaluate and hire ideal Hosts/Hostesses for your restaurant:
- Build a clear and extensive job description. Outline the skills and experiences you’re looking for, like the ability to manage large-volume guests and having excellent communication skills.
- Ask about the candidate’s specific experiences and skills during the interview. When interviewing candidates, dive deeper into their skills and previous experience as Host/Hostess. For example, you could ask them to walk you through how they would adjust a seating plan for a large group on a busy Friday night. Doing so can help you navigate how they handle real-life scenarios they might encounter in your restaurant.
- Always check references. Previous employers can provide insights into how the candidate you’re interviewing handled the responsibilities and pressures of the role.
- Offer an attractive salary and benefits package, such as competitive hourly rates, like health insurance, paid time off and perhaps a 401(k) plan.
- Establish a solid onboarding program for new hires to set them up for success. This can include training on your restaurant’s systems, introduction to the team and an overview of your customer service expectations.
