Host Person

Industry:
Hospitality
Last Updated:
July 18, 2023

Job Description Overview

The Host Person job description is an important role within the hospitality industry. A Host Person is the first point of contact for guests as they enter a venue. They are responsible for greeting guests, checking reservations, and ensuring they are comfortable. The Host Person is also in charge of managing the seating arrangements, keeping track of any special requests, and answering any questions about the menu or venue. They need to be communicative, friendly, and able to multitask. A successful Host Person should have great customer service skills, some knowledge of food and drinks, and the ability to work under pressure. This role requires standing for extended periods and working flexible hours. If you enjoy interacting with people and creating a positive experience for customers, the Host Person job might be a perfect fit for you.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Greets guests as they arrive
  • Assists in seating guests
  • Manages restaurant floor flow
  • Answers phone calls and takes reservations
  • Maintains cleanliness of lobby area
  • Helps guests with any questions they may have
  • Coordinates with servers and kitchen staff
  • Assists with bussing tables and resetting them for the next guest
  • Handles any customer service issues that may arise
  • Ensures a positive guest experience.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be a Host Person in the Hospitality industry, you need a few things. Education-wise, having a high school diploma or GED is usually enough. However, some employers might prefer someone with some college courses, especially in hospitality or customer service. It's also important to have great communication skills since you'll be the first person guests see when they arrive. 

Experience-wise, having worked in a similar role before is a plus, but if you're just starting out, don't worry. Many employers are happy to train someone who has the right attitude and work ethic. Having experience in customer service or working with people is also helpful. Lastly, being able to stay calm and friendly when things get busy or stressful is crucial.

Salary Range

As a host person in the hospitality industry, the salary range varies based on location, experience, and employer. In the United States, the average hourly wage for a host person is $10.94, with a range of $8.02 to $15.94 per hour. Host persons in New York and California earn a higher hourly wage, with an average of $14.32 and $13.93 per hour, respectively. However, host persons in states like Mississippi and Arkansas earn a lower wage of $8.49 and $8.82 per hour, respectively. 

In the United Kingdom, the average salary for a host person is £8.06 per hour, with a range of £5.19 to £10.87 per hour. In Australia, the average hourly wage for a host person is AU$19.80, with a range of AU$17.16 to AU$24.85 per hour. 

Sources: 

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oesfoodprepandservingrelatedoccupations.htm
  • Payscale: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Host_Hostess/Salary
  • Adzuna: https://www.adzuna.com.au/salaries/host-person

Career Outlook

A Host Person in the hospitality industry can refer to various roles, such as a restaurant host, hotel front desk clerk, or event coordinator. The career outlook for this profession is growing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of hospitality and tourism occupations is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Moreover, the hospitality industry is experiencing a surge in demand due to the rise of tourism and travel, and the growth of the middle class. As a result, host persons can expect to see an increase in job opportunities in various areas of the industry. 

In addition, with the advancement of technology, host persons may also need to learn new skills to keep up with the changing needs of customers. For example, they may need to be proficient in using software for online reservations, customer communication, and social media marketing. 

Overall, the career outlook for Host Persons in the hospitality industry over the next five years is promising, and there are ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What exactly does a Host Person do at a restaurant?

A: A Host Person greets customers as they arrive, shows them to their seats, takes reservations, manages the waiting list, and helps keep the restaurant organized.

Q: What skills does a Host Person need to have?

A: Host Persons need to have excellent communication and customer service skills, be organized and able to multitask, and have a friendly and welcoming demeanor.

Q: Is training required for the job of Host Person?

A: Yes, most restaurants offer on-the-job training for Host Persons, which includes learning how to use reservation software and how to interact with customers.

Q: Do Host Persons work full-time or part-time?

A: Host Persons can work either full-time or part-time, depending on the restaurant's needs and the employee's availability.

Q: Is being a Host Person a good entry-level job in the hospitality industry?

A: Absolutely! Being a Host Person can be a great starting point for a career in hospitality, as it can lead to opportunities for advancement within the restaurant, as well as other roles in the industry.


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