Host/Hostess job description opportunities offer one of the best entry points into the hospitality industry. If you’re exploring a career in this field, becoming a host or hostess can set the foundation for future growth. It may seem simple from the outside – greeting guests and escorting them to their tables – but the role extends far beyond that.
As a host or hostess, you’re the first impression and the final goodbye. You set the tone, manage the flow of the dining room, and ensure every guest feels welcome and well taken care of.
We’ll break down the full host/hostess job description, including:
- Key responsibilities
- Core requirements
- Top skills and proficiencies
You’ll also learn how to use this information to tailor your resume and stand out to hiring managers, especially when applying online, where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used to screen resumes.
Whether you’re applying to a restaurant, hotel, or event venue, understanding the role is the first step to landing the job.
Understanding the Host/Hostess Job Role
A host or hostess plays a critical front-of-house role in restaurants, hotels, and event venues. You’re not just there to greet guests; you’re there to set the tone for their entire experience.
You are the first face customers see and the last one they remember. That makes your job extremely important. From coordinating seating to handling reservations, your job requires a mix of personality, precision, and people skills.
Think of yourself as the air traffic controller of the dining room. You make sure everything flows smoothly from the moment guests arrive to when they leave with a smile.
Detailed Host/Hostess Job Description
A host or hostess ensures smooth guest flow, maintains the reservation system, and creates a welcoming atmosphere. The position requires strong interpersonal skills, excellent organizational abilities, and the stamina to remain focused in a fast-paced environment.
This role involves balancing customer service and operational tasks. In many establishments, hosts and hostesses also assist with cleaning, answering phones, and even managing to-go orders.
A well-written resume that accurately reflects this job description gives you a more substantial chance of getting hired, especially if it includes the right keywords for ATS systems.
Key Host/Hostess Responsibilities
Understanding the core tasks in a Host/Hostess job description will help you write a better resume and prepare for interviews.
Guest Interaction
- Greet guests with a warm smile and welcoming attitude
- Escort guests to their tables while balancing section rotation for servers
- Provide menus and introduce the assigned server or waiter
- Inform guests about current specials, promotions, or wait times
- Offer high-quality service by responding to guest questions and special requests
Reservation & Waitlist Management
- Answer incoming calls in a professional manner
- Take and manage reservations using booking platforms or manual logs
- Update and monitor the waitlist, providing real-time wait estimates
- Maintain accurate records of table availability and guest turnover
Front-of-House Maintenance
- Keep the host stand, menus, and entryway clean and organized
- Refill beverages or assist servers during slower periods
- Ensure restrooms are stocked and cleaned (depending on establishment policies)
- Handled to-go orders and payments when required
Team Coordination
- Work closely with servers, bussers, and managers to ensure smooth service flow
- Communicate seating availability and customer feedback
- Monitor guest satisfaction and alert management to any concerns
- Support teammates by stepping in during peak periods
Host/Hostess Job Requirements
These are the standard requirements employers expect from candidates applying for a host/hostess role. While entry-level positions may not require all of them, listing these qualifications helps your resume align with job ads.
- High school diploma or GED (preferred but not always required)
- Minimum of 6 months experience in a full-service or high-volume restaurant (preferred)
- Strong communication skills, verbal and written
- Able to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods
- Ability to lift to 30 lbs., if assisting with supplies or setup
- Comfortable with reservation software (e.g., OpenTable, Resy, Yelp)
- Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
- Basic math skills (for managing to-go payments or calculating wait times)
- Positive attitude and willingness to support a team
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, noisy environments
- Clear and articulate phone voice for handling incoming calls
- Excellent personal hygiene and adherence to dress code standards
Top Skills for Host/Hostess Success
Whether you’re writing a resume or prepping for an interview, these are the most in-demand host/hostess skills. Include a mix of soft skills, hard skills, and technical competencies:
Soft Skills
- Customer Service – Providing excellent guest experiences
- Communication – Clear and friendly interactions
- Multitasking – Handling multiple tasks without losing focus
- Professionalism – Representing the brand with integrity
- Patience & Empathy – Staying calm under pressure and handling guests’ needs
- Conflict Resolution – addressing complaints or special requests diplomatically
- Teamwork – Working closely with front- and back-of-house staff
Technical & Hard Skills
- Reservation Software (OpenTable, Resy, Yelp, or POS-integrated systems)
- Waitlist Management Tools
- To-go Order Management
- POS System Basics
- Basic Cash Handling & Reconciliation
- Phone Etiquette & Call Screening
- Menu Familiarity (to answer guest questions or upsell specials)
💬 Pro Tip: Match these skills with real-life examples on your resume—like “Managed 100+ nightly guests while reducing wait times by 20% using OpenTable.”
Why All This Matters on Your Resume
The hospitality industry moves fast, and so does hiring.
To land the job, your resume needs to:
- Match the language and keywords in accurate job descriptions
- Prove that you know the core responsibilities of the role
- Show off your people skills and reliability
- Pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that screen out generic resumes
BoxResume can help. We specialize in crafting custom resumes that effectively highlight your value, align with job ads, and help you stand out.
A professional Host/Hostess job description highlights your ability to manage both guest service and operational responsibilities.
Whether you’re applying for your first restaurant job or advancing in the hospitality industry, your resume needs to reflect your capabilities and a guest-focused approach.
You now have everything you need to describe the role, responsibilities, requirements, and skills of a host/hostess job. Use this to tailor your resume and increase your chances of getting hired fast.For more Boxresume got your back. Reach out Today!
