Welcome to the Restaurant Hostess job description! As a Restaurant Hostess, your primary responsibility is to greet guests as they arrive and ensure they have a positive experience from start to finish. You will be the face of the restaurant, so it is crucial that you have excellent communication skills and a friendly personality. You must be able to manage reservations, assign tables, and assist guests with any questions or concerns they have. Your job also includes coordinating with waitstaff, bussers, and other team members to ensure that all guests are taken care of promptly and professionally.
To be successful in this role, you must have a keen eye for detail and be able to multitask effectively. You should be able to work under pressure, manage your time efficiently, and be flexible with your schedule. If you love interacting with people and are passionate about providing exceptional customer service, then the Restaurant Hostess job may be the perfect fit for you.
To become a successful restaurant hostess, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, excellent communication skills, and a friendly personality. You also need to be able to stand for extended periods and work in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience in customer service or hospitality is beneficial, but not always required as restaurants often offer on-the-job training. You'll need to know how to use a computer to manage reservations and seating arrangements. Most employers want candidates who can work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. To succeed as a restaurant hostess, you'll need to be comfortable working in a team, remain calm under pressure, and handle guest complaints in a polite and professional manner.
If you're looking for the expected salary range for a Restaurant Hostess in the hospitality industry in the United States, you can expect to earn around $9 to $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and type of establishment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for Restaurant Hosts/Hostesses in the United States is $10.66 as of May 2020. Some restaurants may offer additional tips or hourly pay above the standard range. In other countries like the UK, the average hourly pay for a Hostess is £8.01 ($10.96 USD), based on data from Payscale. In Canada, the average hourly rate is $13.35 CAD ($10.51 USD), according to Indeed. Remember that these are just averages and may vary based on specific factors like location and seniority.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/meet-and-greet-customers.htm
Payscale - UK Hostess Salary: https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Host-Hostess/Hourly_Rate
Indeed - Canada Hostess Salary: https://ca.indeed.com/salaries/host-hostess-Salaries
The career outlook for a Restaurant Hostess in the Hospitality industry over the next 5 years looks promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth rate for Host and Hostess jobs from 2019 to 2029. With the increase in tourism around the world, the demand for professionals who can greet and seat guests, handle reservations, and assist customers will remain steady. Moreover, establishments that embrace customer service and make a memorable experience for the customers, will continue to stand out in the market. Further, the ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and engage customers will make the Restaurant Hostess, a valuable asset to the industry. Overall, the future is bright for this role.
Q: What does a restaurant hostess do?
A: A restaurant hostess greets and seats customers, manages reservations, handles phone calls, and ensures a smooth flow of guests in the dining area.
Q: What skills do I need to become a restaurant hostess?
A: You should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be organized, able to multitask, and have a friendly, welcoming demeanor.
Q: Do restaurant hostesses work long hours?
A: Yes, restaurant hostesses usually work long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. You may work shifts ranging from six to 12 hours.
Q: What attire is expected for a restaurant hostess?
A: Depending on the restaurant's level of formality, a hostess may wear a uniform or elegant attire such as dresses, skirts, and blouses. It's important to maintain a professional appearance at all times.
Q: Can I advance my career as a restaurant hostess?
A: Yes, you can advance your career by gaining experience, training in customer service, and showing commitment and dedication to your role. Advancement opportunities may include becoming a supervisor or manager.
