Use this Hostess job description template to attract friendly and customer-focused candidates who can welcome guests and ensure a smooth dining experience.
A Hostess is a hospitality professional responsible for greeting guests, managing reservations, and coordinating seating arrangements in a restaurant or dining establishment. They ensure guests have a pleasant experience from the moment they arrive until they are seated.
A Hostess plays a key role in creating a welcoming atmosphere and keeping front-of-house operations running smoothly. Key tasks include:
- Greeting and welcoming guests upon arrival.
- Managing reservations and waitlists.
- Coordinating seating arrangements for efficient flow.
- Answering phone calls and providing restaurant information.
- Ensuring guests are comfortably seated and attended to promptly.
Hostess Job Description Template
We are looking for a polished, friendly, and organized Hostess to welcome guests and manage seating in our establishment. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills, a warm personality, and the ability to handle busy periods with grace. You will serve as the first point of contact for guests, creating a positive and inviting first impression.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Greet guests warmly as they arrive and direct them to their tables.
- Manage reservations, walk-ins, and waitlists efficiently.
- Coordinate seating plans to optimize dining room flow.
- Provide menus and inform guests about wait times when necessary.
- Answer phone calls and assist with inquiries or booking requests.
- Communicate with servers and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization at the front desk and waiting areas.
- Monitor dining room activity and anticipate guest needs.
- Assist with special guest requests or accommodations.
- Handle guest concerns professionally and escalate issues when needed.
Requirements & Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Previous experience in hospitality or customer service is preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Friendly, welcoming attitude with strong customer-service orientation.
- Ability to stay calm and professional during busy shifts.
- Good organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Basic computer and reservation system skills.
- Polished appearance and professional demeanor.
Who do Hostesses report to?
Hostesses typically report to:
- Restaurant Manager
- Front-of-House Manager
- General Manager
- Shift Supervisor
Post this on job boards and career pages to hire individuals skilled in customer service, reservation management, and front-of-house operations. Feel free to customize the responsibilities and requirements based on your restaurant or hospitality needs. Similar job titles include Host, Guest Services Associate, and Front-of-House Attendant.
How to Assess Hostess Skills Effectively
Candidates may list front-of-house or hospitality experience on their resumes, but assessing their actual ability to greet guests, manage reservations, and maintain smooth service flow before the interview is crucial. A structured Hostess assessment ensures you hire professionals who can create a warm first impression and keep operations running seamlessly.
Here’s how you can assess hostess proficiency effectively with WeCP:
- Guest Greeting & Communication – Test candidates on their ability to welcome guests warmly, manage introductions, and communicate clearly with both guests and staff.
- Reservation & Seating Management – Evaluate their skills in handling bookings, managing waitlists, and organizing seating to optimize table turnover and guest satisfaction.
- Customer Service & Problem-Solving – Assess their ability to address guest concerns, handle complaints diplomatically, and ensure a pleasant dining experience.
- Coordination with Staff & Workflow Management – Check their ability to work closely with servers, bussers, and kitchen teams to maintain smooth operations.
- Professionalism & Composure – Ensure they can remain calm during busy hours, maintain a polished demeanor, and multitask effectively.
With WeCP’s Hostess assessments, you can efficiently filter out underqualified candidates, streamline the hiring process, and ensure high-quality hires who can enhance guest experiences and keep your front-of-house operations running smoothly.
