Host/Hostess Job Description Templates
Hosts and Hostesses are front-of-house staff members responsible for welcoming and seating guests upon their arrival at a restaurant or dining area.
They manage reservations, handle inquiries about the menu and assist various restaurant staff (such as Servers) as needed to ensure a pleasant dining experience for customers. As such, they play a pivotal role in leaving a good first impression.
To attract top talent for the role, it’s important to put together a good restaurant Hostess job description that clearly outlines their duties and responsibilities.
Additionally, a job description for a Hostess or Host should clearly state what qualifications they’re expected to have to be considered for the role.
Restaurant Host/Hostess Job Description Example
Download this template of a job description for a Hostess or Host in PDF or Word format and customize it to your specific needs, so you can find the perfect candidate to help make your restaurant welcoming and warm.
Host/Hostess Job Overview
We are looking for a customer-oriented Host or Hostess to join our team at [Company Name]. You will be in charge of creating exceptional experiences for our guests from the moment they walk in.
Your responsibilities will include greeting and seating guests, handling reservations and making sure that guests have everything they need for an enjoyable experience.
If you have a passion for hospitality and excel at delivering top-notch service, [Company Name] offers an exciting opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills and grow professionally.
Salary: $18–$20/hour
Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, employee discount
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Host/Hostess Duties & Responsibilities
- Warmly welcome arriving guests
- Handle reservations and seating assignments
- Help manage waiting lists during busy periods
- Accompany guests to their tables and provide menus
- Inform guests about daily specials and promotions
- Coordinate with Servers to ensure efficient service
- Address guest queries and resolve complaints politely
- Thank the departing guests and invite them to visit again
Host/Hostess Experience & Skills
- Previous experience in a hospitality or customer service role preferred
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Capability of multi-tasking under pressure
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Friendly and outgoing personality
- Ability to stay composed in challenging situations
- Familiarity with reservation systems is a plus.
Host/Hostess Qualifications & Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Training in customer service or hospitality is advantageous.
Contact Information
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to submit your application to:
[Name of Contact Person] – [Position of Contact Person]
Contact Email Address: [Contact Email]
Contact Phone Number: [Contact Phone Number]
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Lead Hostess Job Description Example
As its name suggests, the Lead Host/Hostess role is different given that it includes leadership responsibilities like training and supervising other Hosts/Hostesses. They’re also more involved in managing front-of-house operations to ensure guests receive excellent service across the board.
Lead Host/Hostess Job Overview
We are looking for an experienced and customer-focused Lead Host/Hostess to join our team at [Company Name]. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the front-of-house operations, managing a team of Hosts/Hostesses and ensuring exceptional service for our guests from the moment they arrive.
Your responsibilities will include coordinating seating assignments, managing reservations, training and supervising hosts/hostesses and resolving any guest concerns promptly.
If you have a strong background in hospitality and leadership, [Company Name] offers an exciting opportunity for you to excel and grow professionally.
Salary: $22–$25/hour
Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, employee discount, commuter benefits
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)Lead Hostess Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily operations of the front-of-house team
- Welcome and greet arriving guests
- Manage seating assignments and reservations
- Train, supervise and schedule hosts/hostesses
- Handle guest complaints and resolve issues promptly
- Ensure smooth communication between front-of-house and back-of-house staff
- Monitor and manage guest flow to optimize table turnover
- Maintain a welcoming and organized reception area
Lead Hostess Experience & Skills
- At least three years of experience in a front-of-house role
- Previous experience in a leadership role within hospitality or customer service highly preferred
- Excellent communication and team management skills
- Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail
- Ability to multitask and stay composed under pressure
- Friendly and approachable demeanor
- Proficiency with reservation systems and restaurant management software
Lead Hostess Qualifications & Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Additional training in hospitality management or customer service is a plus.
Contact Information
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or submit your application to:
[Name of Contact Person] – [Position of Contact Person]
Email Address: [Contact Email]
Contact Phone Number: [Contact Phone Number]
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Host/Hostess Job Description
In case you want to write a restaurant Hostess job description from scratch instead of copying our template, here’s your step-by-step Host and Hostess job description writing guide:
1. Add company information
Start by providing relevant details about your company, including its name, location and a brief overview of its values, mission statement and unique features.
2. Provide an overview of the Host/Hostess position
Provide a short description of the Host/Hostess role in your establishment, including key responsibilities and preferred personality traits. Don’t forget to add details about the salary, benefits and schedule to ensure transparency:
- Salary: The salary for the Host/Hostess position can either be a range (e.g., [$X/hour to $Y/hour]) or an estimate (e.g., [$Z/hour]), with the ability to earn additional income through tips. Check out our Host/Hostess salary page to see how compensation for this position varies in different states and cities across the U.S.
- Benefits: Offer a comprehensive list of employee benefits, including healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid time off and any additional perks.
- Schedule: Indicate whether the position offers part-time, full-time or flexible arrangements to accommodate varying schedules and preferences.
3. List duties and responsibilities
Provide a full list of primary duties and responsibilities of a Host or Hostess in your establishment.
That way, candidates applying for the position know what their day-to-day duties and responsibilities involve.
Feel free to read our Host/Hostess Career Overview for further details on what this role entails.
4. Specify experience and skills
The Host or Hostess job description skills section should specify the technical skills (e.g. proficiency with reservation software) and soft skills (e.g. communication, teamwork) required for the role.
Also, make sure you specify the relevant professional background and experience you are looking for in prospective candidates. Some establishments want candidates to have at least one year of relevant experience while others are open to hiring complete beginners.
When it comes to Lead Hosts/Hostesses, it’s recommended to require a minimum of two to three years of relevant experience, along with strong leadership skills, as this role involves supervising other staff members and managing front-of-house operations.
5. Indicate education and additional qualifications
Specify the required educational background. In most cases, restaurant Hosts/Hostesses only need a high school diploma or GED.
Also, highlight any preferred qualifications, like additional training in customer service or hospitality.
6. Add contact information
Provide the following contact information so that candidates can reach out with questions or submit applications:
- Contact person
- Contact email address
- Contact phone number
For this section, it’s best to include the contact information of the person most directly involved in the hiring process, such as the recruiter or HR manager. However, in smaller establishments, the restaurant owner or general manager might be the appropriate contact.
5 Tips for Writing a Compelling Host/Hostess Job Description
While writing your Host or Hostess job description, keep the following things in mind:
- Focus on essential skills and qualifications: Highlight key skills like communication, customer service and organizational abilities. Avoid listing certain qualifications — such as specific hospitality certifications or knowledge of specific reservation software — as required. These can be learned on the job, especially if you’re only looking for an entry-level Host/Hostess.
- Describe your workplace culture and clientele: Provide insight into your establishment’s atmosphere and the type of clientele you serve. This helps the Host/Hostess applicants understand the environment they will be working in and whether it aligns with their preferences and skills.
- Mention perks and benefits: Highlighting perks and benefits can attract more candidates. These could include things like flexible schedules, employee discounts, health insurance and opportunities for tips.
- Mention career growth opportunities: Describe potential career paths within your company. This can motivate applicants who are looking for long-term growth and development.
- Use inclusive language: Make sure your Host/Hostess job description is welcoming to candidates from diverse backgrounds and identities. Avoid language that could be perceived as biased or exclusive and focus on creating an inclusive and inviting tone. Although 85% of people in this role are women, it’s important to consider male candidates as well.
For more detailed guidelines, check out our comprehensive guide on How To Write a Job Description.
Similar Job Titles
- Receptionist Job Description
- Concierge Job Description
- Valet Job Description
- Server Job Description
- Bartender Job Description
Host/Hostess Job Description FAQs
Yes, you should consider candidates with no prior work experience. What is most important is to look for individuals with strong soft skills such as communication, organization and a positive attitude. These skills are essential for the role and can be more important than experience.
When interviewing a Host/Hostess applicant, ask questions that assess their customer service skills, attention to detail and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Ask about their past experiences in customer-facing roles and how they handle difficult guests.
For a detailed list of questions, check out our Host/Hostess Interview Questions page.
Job descriptions are usually written by HR Recruiters, Hiring Managers or supervisors who understand the role’s requirements and expectations.
Typical issues with any job description include:
- Outdated or wrong information
- Lack of clarity
- Unrealistic expectations
The ideal length of any job description — including the Host/Hostess one is between 300 and 660 words. This is the ideal length because it’s long enough to be substantive, yet short enough to keep the candidate’s attention.
Hiring a Host or Hostess for your restaurant is not always required, but it can greatly enhance the guest experience by managing reservations, seating and first impressions.
Consider hiring one if you want to streamline operations and ensure a welcoming atmosphere for your guests.
Hostess and Waitress are distinct roles within a restaurant, each with specific responsibilities.
A Hostess is primarily focused on greeting and seating guests, managing reservations and ensuring smooth front-of-house operations.
A Waitress, on the other hand, is responsible for taking orders, serving food and beverages and providing direct table service. If you want to hire a Waitress instead, check out our Waitress job description templates.