Hosts and Hostesses are front-of-house staff members responsible for warmly 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 as needed to ensure a pleasant dining experience for customers.
Optimize your hiring process by copying the following Host/Hostess Job Description Template and customize it for your job ad.
Host/Hostess Job Description Template
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-$20/hour
Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, employee discount
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Host/Hostess Duties & Responsibilities
- Warmly welcome arriving guests
- Handle reservations and seating assignments
- Help manage waiting lists during busy periods
- Accompany guests to their tables and provide menus
- Inform guests about daily specials and promotions
- Coordinate with Servers to ensure efficient service
- Address guest queries and resolve complaints politely
- Thank the departing guests and invite them to visit again
Host/Hostess Experience & Skills
- Previous experience in a hospitality or customer service role is preferred
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Capability of multitasking under pressure
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Friendly and outgoing personality
- Ability to stay composed in challenging situations
- Familiarity with reservation systems is a plus
Host/Hostess Qualifications & Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Training in customer service or hospitality is advantageous
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Host/Hostess Job Description
In case you want to write a Host/Hostess job description from scratch instead of copying our template, here’s your step-by-step Host/Hostess job description writing guide:
1. Add company information
Start by providing relevant details about your company, including its name, location and a brief overview of its values, mission statement and unique features.
2. Provide an overview of the Host/Hostess position
Provide a short description of the Host/Hostess role in your establishment, including key responsibilities and preferred personality traits. Don’t forget to add details about the salary, benefits and schedule to ensure transparency:
- Salary: The salary for the Host/Hostess position can either be a range (e.g., [$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 the duties and responsibilities of a Host or Hostess in your establishment.
4. Specify experience and skills
Specify the relevant professional background and experience you are looking for in prospective candidates, as well as the technical skills (e.g. proficiency with reservation software) and soft skills (e.g. communication, teamwork) required for the role.
5. Indicate education and qualifications
State the educational background, certifications and credentials necessary or highly preferred for the position.
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
5 Tips for Writing a Compelling Host/Hostess Job Description
While writing your Host/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 unnecessary qualifications, such as specific hospitality certifications or knowledge of specific reservation software — this can be learned on the job.
- 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 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.
For more detailed guidelines, check out our comprehensive guide on How To Write a Job Description.
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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.
