Hostess Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the service industry, the demand for exceptional hostesses is perpetually high.

As the face of the restaurant, hostesses set the stage for the dining experience, and their role is often underappreciated.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a hostess?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager creating the profile for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of restaurant operations,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable hostess job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Hostess Duties and Responsibilities

Hostesses provide the first impression for guests at a restaurant or event, ensuring a warm welcome and smooth running of the front of house.

They also play a critical role in managing reservations and seating arrangements.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Greeting guests as they arrive and showing them to their table
• Taking, managing, and organizing reservations over the phone or online
• Preparing tables with special attention to sanitation and order
• Manage waiting list and offer accurate wait times
• Ensure guests are provided with menus and are attended to by the waiting staff
• Coordinate with the kitchen staff and floor staff to ensure smooth operation and guest satisfaction
• Handling complaints and special requests from guests in a professional manner
• Maintain a clean and organized reception area
• Assisting in cleaning and resetting tables as needed
• Supporting other staff members as needed to ensure optimal service to guests

 

Hostess Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a warm and friendly hostess to greet and welcome guests, manage seating arrangements, and provide excellent customer service.

The Hostess will be responsible for ensuring guests feel comfortable and valued while in our establishment.

Duties will include answering phones, taking reservations, and ensuring tables are clean and tidy when guests arrive.

Our ideal candidates are quick on their feet, have a positive attitude, and are committed to providing outstanding customer service.

 

Responsibilities

• Greet guests and manage seating arrangements
• Take reservations over the phone and in-person
• Ensure tables are clean and properly set before guests arrive
• Assist with other duties as needed, such as serving food and beverages
• Answer guest inquiries about the menu and restaurant
• Respond to complaints and ensure guest satisfaction
• Maintain a clean and tidy reception area

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a hostess or waiter
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure
• Basic math skills for handling cash and calculating bills
• Familiarity with restaurant management software is a plus
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hostess
• Work Environment: Busy restaurant setting. Weekend and evening shifts are common.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Restaurant Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $10.00 minimum to $15.00 maximum per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hostess Do?

A Hostess typically works in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other hospitality establishments.

Their main role is to ensure that guests are welcomed and comfortably seated in a timely manner.

They greet customers as they enter the establishment, take their reservations or put them on a waiting list, give them menus and show them to their seats.

They also provide customers with estimated waiting times, manage the reservation list, and ensure tables are clean and well prepared.

A hostess also handles phone calls and customer queries about the establishment and reservations.

They may also assist in setting up dining rooms, coordinating with the kitchen staff, and managing the schedule of the servers.

Their job is to provide excellent customer service, ensuring the customer’s initial interactions with the place are positive.

They may also be tasked with handling customer complaints and ensuring customer satisfaction.

In some cases, hostesses are also responsible for processing payments and bidding guests goodbye as they leave the establishment.

Their role is crucial in managing the flow of guests in the establishment, ensuring a smooth-running operation.

 

Hostess Qualifications and Skills

Hostesses are often the first point of contact at restaurants or events, and therefore need to have a variety of skills and qualifications, such as:

• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with guests and staff, providing a warm and welcoming environment.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively interact with guests, understand their needs, and relay information to the rest of the staff.
• Attention to detail to manage reservations, organize seating arrangements, and keep track of the tables and their statuses.
• Poise under pressure to handle high volumes of guests and any complaints or issues that may arise.
• Good physical stamina to stand for extended periods of time and move around the restaurant as needed.
• Customer service skills to ensure all guests feel valued and enjoy their experience, encouraging return visits.
• Basic administrative skills for tasks such as answering phones, managing reservations, and updating the guest database.
• Problem-solving abilities to address any issues that may arise during a guest’s visit and find a quick and efficient resolution.

 

Hostess Experience Requirements

Hostess roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with no prior experience necessary for entry-level positions.

However, having some previous experience in the foodservice or hospitality industry, such as a busser or server, can be a significant advantage.

Many hostesses learn their skills on the job, but gaining experience through part-time roles or internships at restaurants can provide valuable customer service and organizational skills.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may be comfortable managing reservations, coordinating seating arrangements, and have a strong understanding of restaurant operations.

They may also be experienced in handling customer complaints and ensuring a smooth dining experience for guests.

Those with over 3 years of experience often have developed advanced interpersonal and problem-solving skills, are proficient in using reservation software, and may have experience training new host staff.

They may also be ready to move into a hostess team lead or restaurant management role.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience are typically well-versed in all aspects of restaurant operations and may have held leadership positions.

These individuals may be suitable for restaurant manager or front-of-house manager positions.

 

Hostess Education and Training Requirements

A hostess usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with a focus on hospitality or customer service being beneficial but not compulsory.

Prior work experience in a similar role or in the hospitality industry can be advantageous.

Many employers provide on-the-job training to ensure that hostesses are familiar with the restaurant’s procedures, protocols, and expectations.

Communication skills, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving abilities are often more important than formal education in this role.

Hostesses must also have a good understanding of the restaurant’s menu, be able to handle reservations and customer queries, and coordinate with the restaurant staff to ensure a smooth dining experience for guests.

While not required, some hostesses may choose to pursue further education or training in hospitality management or a related field to advance their careers.

Some restaurants may also require hostesses to have food handler’s certificates or alcohol service certifications, depending on the specific duties associated with the role.

 

Hostess Salary Expectations

A Hostess can expect to earn an average wage of $11.00 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings can vary significantly depending on factors such as the location of the establishment, the hostess’s previous experience, and the size and prestige of the restaurant or hotel.

 

Hostess Job Description FAQs

What skills does a hostess need?

A hostess should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they are the first point of contact for guests.

They need to be able to manage reservations and seating arrangements efficiently.

Good organizational skills and the ability to multitask are also vital for this role.

Furthermore, a hostess should be patient and calm to handle any customer complaints or issues that may arise.

 

Do hostesses need a degree?

While a degree is not a requirement to be a hostess, a high school diploma or GED is typically required.

Training is usually provided on the job, but previous experience in a similar role or in customer service can be beneficial.

Some high-end establishments might prefer candidates with a degree in hospitality management.

 

What should you look for in a hostess resume?

When evaluating a hostess resume, look for previous experience in customer service roles, specifically in the hospitality industry.

Skills like excellent communication, ability to multitask, and good organizational abilities should be highlighted.

Check for the ability to work under pressure and handle difficult situations calmly.

 

What qualities make a good hostess?

A good hostess is friendly, welcoming, and professional.

They have excellent customer service skills and the ability to handle customer complaints with grace.

They should be able to work well in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, and have good problem-solving skills.

Furthermore, a good hostess should be detail-oriented, ensuring that all guests are taken care of and that the dining area is well organized.

 

What are the daily duties of a hostess?

Daily duties of a hostess may include greeting guests as they arrive, managing reservations, assigning tables, and ensuring a smooth flow of guests to the dining area.

They may also handle any customer complaints, answer phone calls, and assist with cleaning duties in the restaurant.

Additionally, they may be tasked with opening and closing duties, such as setting up the dining area for service or closing down at the end of the night.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the exciting world of being a hostess.

Guess what?

It’s not just about greeting guests.

It’s about creating memorable experiences, one guest at a time.

Armed with our go-to hostess job description template and real-life examples, you’re prepared to make your move.

But why not go the extra mile?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to shine.

Remember:

Every interaction with a guest contributes to their overall experience.

Let’s create those unforgettable moments. Together.

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