Top 30 Host/Hostess Interview Questions and Answers

In this article, you'll find a list of most frequently asked Host/Hostess interview questions (along with some sample answers) to help you nail the interview. If you're an employer, you'll also find a few tips that will ensure you pick the best Hosts/Hostesses for your restaurants.

Popular Host/Hostess Interview Questions

In the section below, you'll find the 30 most commonly asked interview questions for a Hostess or a Host, categorized into questions about skills and experience, customer service and behavioral scenarios.

Types of Host/Hostess Job Interview Questions

• 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.

• Questions About Customer Service and 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.

• Situational/Behavioral Questions: 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.

What Are the Top Host/Hostess Interview Questions and Answers?

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 about 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, an introduction to the team and an overview of your customer service expectations.

Written by Sasha Vidakovic

Content Specialist

Sasha is a seasoned content specialist holding a master’s degree in English and Russian. During the week, Sasha excels in crafting impactful content for OysterLink. Come the weekend, she trades the keyboard for hiking boots, exploring scenic trails. Beyond this, Sasha nurtures a deep passion for travel, enriching both personal and professional horizons.

Reviewed by Stefan Petrov

Editor and SEO Content Writer

With over 10 years of experience as a writer and editor, Stefan has worked in the automotive, IT, health and hospitality industries. Familiar with Google Search Console and other SEO tools like Ahrefs and Semrush, Stefan uses his experience to create content that's visually appealing to the user but also ranks in the SERPs.