Host/Hostess

Industry:
Hospitality
Last Updated:
May 1, 2023

Job Description Overview

If you're interested in working in the hospitality industry, a Host/Hostess job description might be perfect for you! Hosts or Hostesses are the friendly faces that greet guests when they visit a hotel, restaurant, or other hospitality venue. In this job, you're responsible for ensuring guests feel welcome and comfortable during their stay. This includes assisting with seating arrangements, answering guest questions, and providing general information about the venue.

As a Host/Hostess, you'll also need to be detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks at once. You'll be responsible for keeping track of reservations, managing waiting lists, and coordinating with other staff members to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests. Good communication skills are a must, as you'll be interacting with guests, fellow employees, and management on a regular basis.

Overall, a Host/Hostess job description requires a genuine love of people and a desire to make sure they have a great time. If you're up for the challenge, this could be a perfect fit for you!

Struggling with Product Marketing?👇

PMMTeam is a world-class Product Marketing Agency with a unique "as a service" subscription model.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Greet and welcome guests as they enter the restaurant or establishment
  • Manage reservations and ensure the efficient seating of guests
  • Communicate with the kitchen and waitstaff regarding table availability and status
  • Help maintain a clean and organized dining area, including setting and resetting tables
  • Assist guests with any special needs or requests, such as high chairs or menu questions
  • Monitor wait times and make adjustments to seating arrangements to maximize efficiency
  • Uphold the establishment's standards and policies, such as dress code and behavior guidelines
  • Act as a point of contact for customer inquiries or concerns, and resolve issues when possible
  • Coordinate with other staff members to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience for all guests

Experience and Education Requirements

To be a host/hostess in the hospitality industry, you need to have a friendly and welcoming personality! Education-wise, you don't need a degree, but a high school diploma or equivalent is usually required. Experience-wise, it's helpful to have worked in customer service roles before, such as in a restaurant or retail store. That way, you'll have practiced interacting with different types of people and handling stressful situations. It's also important to be organized and able to stay calm under pressure. So, if you have a love for people, are well-mannered, and can juggle multiple tasks, the role of a host/hostess may be right up your alley!

Salary Range

As a Host or Hostess in the Hospitality industry, the expected salary range varies by location and experience. In the United States, the average pay falls within the range of $8 to $15 per hour, with tips also included. However, this varies based on location, with cities like New York or Los Angeles having a higher average salary due to their higher cost of living. According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a host/hostess is $25,850 per year.

For example, in the UK, the average pay for a host/hostess is £8.35 per hour, according to Payscale. In Canada, the average pay falls in the range of CAD$12 to CAD$18 per hour.

Sources:

https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/host-hostess-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm

https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Host%2FHostess/Hourly_Rate

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/516/noc

Career Outlook

As per the Occupational Outlook Handbook by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Hosts/Hostesses in the hospitality industry is expected to grow by 8 percent over the next five years. This growth is primarily due to the increasing number of people eating out and traveling, which would require more restaurants, hotels, and resorts to hire hosts/hostesses to manage their front desk and seating areas. Additionally, with the rise of popular online reservation platforms and mobile apps, hosts/hostesses are needed to coordinate customers' online reservations and ensure that the seating arrangements are efficiently managed. Hence, there seems to be a positive future for Hosts/Hostesses in the hospitality industry over the next five years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does a Host/Hostess do in the Hospitality industry?

A: A Host/Hostess greets and seats customers, answers phone calls, makes reservations, and assists with maintaining the flow of service in a restaurant or hotel.

Q: Do I need any experience to be a Host/Hostess?

A: While experience is often preferred, it is not always required to be a Host/Hostess. Employers may provide on-the-job training to help develop your skills.

Q: What are the necessary skills for a Host/Hostess?

A: Good communication skills, customer service skills, problem-solving skills, ability to multitask, and attention to detail are necessary for a Host/Hostess to succeed in the hospitality industry.

Q: What are the work hours like for a Host/Hostess?

A: The work hours can vary depending on the establishment, but typically include nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts can range from morning to late-night, and can be part-time or full-time.

Q: Are there any opportunities for advancement as a Host/Hostess in the hospitality industry?

A: Yes, there are often opportunities for advancement in the hospitality industry. With experience, a Host/Hostess can move into supervisory roles such as Head Host/Hostess or Front-of-House Manager.


Copyright 2023 JobDescription.org - All Rights Reserved // Privacy Policy
//
Terms and Conditions
//
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal information
All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.