Host or Hostess Job Description Template
Use this Host or Hostess job description template to advertise the open roles for free using Longlist.io. You can use this template as a starting point, modify the requirements according the needs of your organization or the client you are hiring for.
Job Brief
We are looking for a Host or Hostess to join our team and be the first point of contact for our guests.
Host/Hostess responsibilities include greeting guests, providing accurate wait times and escorting customers to the dining and bar areas. For this role, you should have solid organizational and people skills to make sure our guests have a positive dining experience from the moment they arrive till their departure. You should also be available to work in shifts.
Ultimately, you’ll ensure we provide excellent customer service and a pleasant dining experience to our guests.
Responsibilities
- Welcome guests to the venue
- Provide accurate wait times and monitor waiting lists
- Manage reservations
- Escort customers to assigned dining or bar areas
- Provide menus and announce Waiter/Waitress’s name
- Greet customers upon their departure
- Coordinate with wait staff about available seating options
- Maintain a clean reception area
- Cater to guests who require extra attention (e.g. children, elderly)
- Answer incoming calls and address customers’ queries
- Assist wait staff as needed
Requirements
- Previous work experience as a Host/Hostess or Waiter/Waitress
- Understanding of restaurant etiquette
- Familiarity with health and safety regulations
- Experience in managing reservations
- Demonstrable customer-service skills
- Excellent communication skills (via phone and in-person)
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to monitor the entire dining and bar area
- Availability to work in shifts as needed
- Good physical condition to walk and stand during an entire shift
- High school diploma; hospitality certification is a plus
What does Host or Hostess do?
A Host or Hostess typically performs the following tasks on a day-to-day basis:
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Greeting and welcoming guests: The host or hostess is usually the first point of contact for guests. They greet customers as they arrive, engage in friendly conversation, and make them feel welcome.
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Seating guests: The host or hostess ensures efficient seating and manages the flow of guests to balance the workload for servers. They may use seating charts or reservations systems to assign tables.
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Managing reservations: They handle incoming reservation calls, manage the reservation book, and update reservations as needed. They need to keep track of available tables and communicate any special requests or notes to the serving staff.
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Answering questions: Hosts and hostesses provide information about the restaurant, including menu items, daily specials, wait times, and general inquiries from guests.
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Assisting with customer concerns: They address any immediate concerns or complaints from guests and ensure that their issues are resolved promptly and satisfactorily. They may involve restaurant managers or servers as necessary.
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Coordinating with serving staff: Hosts and hostesses are responsible for coordinating with the servers to make sure that tables are set up properly and that guests' needs are met. They communicate special requests or requirements from guests to the serving staff.
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Keeping the host stand clean and organized: They maintain a neat and organized host stand area, which may include keeping menus clean and organized, offering promotional materials, ensuring clean floor mats, and providing a clean and welcoming environment.
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Managing waitlist and wait times: During peak hours or busy periods, the host or hostess manages the waiting list, estimates wait times, and keeps guests informed about the status of their table.
Note that the specific tasks and responsibilities may vary depending on the establishment and its policies.