Job Description, Duties, Interview Questions and Salary for Restaurant Hostess Position

The role of a restaurant hostess is to welcome guests, provide them with menus, and direct them to their table. A hostess should have excellent communication and customer service skills, as they will be the first point of contact for guests. They should also be able to multitask and work well under pressure.

In addition to greeting guests, a hostess will also be responsible for managing reservations, ensuring that tables are set up correctly, and maintaining a clean and organized front-of-house area. They may also assist with basic food and beverage service, such as refilling water glasses and clearing plates.

To be successful in this role, a restaurant hostess should have a positive attitude, be able to work well in a team and have a genuine interest in providing guests with a memorable dining experience. Previous experience in a customer-facing role is desirable, but not always necessary as training can be provided.

Overall, a restaurant hostess plays a key role in the smooth running of a restaurant and can greatly contribute to a guest’s overall satisfaction.

The restaurant hostess is the first employee to interact with arriving guests as they enter the restaurant. She should ensure to provide proficient and professional Food and beverage service to the guests by meeting and exceeding their expectations.

Welcome the guests by greeting them as per the standards and responding to customer queries by resolving issues in a timely and efficient manner to ensure customer satisfaction.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Check the reservation book for reservations for the next meal period.
2.  Notify the supervisor of any parties of more than six.
3.  Distribute reservations among all servers equally, informing them of all information necessary. For example, Birthdays, anniversaries, bills not to be taken to the table, or any other unusual requests.
4.  See that the reservation signs are placed on the tables.
5.  Inquire with the kitchen what the daily specials are for the shift.
6.  Always answer the phone politely using a friendly tone and being informative.
7.  The telephone must be answered on a maximum of three rings.
8.  If a customer has any questions, it is your responsibility to answer them accurately. Therefore, know your product and price list.
9.  You must have complete knowledge of all food and beverage menus: The ingredients; the preparation; how items are served and with what; know your prices; know the daily specials.
10.  Read the Area Information Magazine to know the area and what is going on.
11.  Ask the day and date required.
12.  Ask the time they would like to dine.
13.  Ask how many in the party.
14.  Ask if they would prefer smoking or non-smoking.
15.  Ask under what name they would like the reservation.
16.  Ask for the phone number or room number.
17.  Ask if there are any special occasions or requirements.
18.  Once all of the information is obtained, repeat it to the customer using their name.
19.  All reservations are to be printed directly into the reservation book. Never write a reservation on a piece of paper.
20.  Please inform the reservation that we will hold their reservations for 15 minutes and then we will be releasing it.
21.   Except in emergencies, no employees are permitted personal phone calls or the use of the telephone at any time.
22.  You are not permitted to give out any personal information over the telephone. For example, Phone numbers, and schedules to anyone except staff members.
23.  When a staff member calls to inform us that they will be absent or late, you are to inform the supervisor on duty.
24.  All messages are to be taken on the appropriate message pad, and not on a scrap piece of paper.
25.  The hostess is a very important part of Your Restaurant’s experience. Always remember you are the first and the last person the customer sees. Therefore you are their first and last impression.
26.  It is of utmost importance that someone is present at the hostess station at all times.
27.  Go to the guest at the entrance welcome them to Aqua and introduce yourself.
28.  Never walk more than three paces in front of the guest.
29.  Never walk too fast.
30.  Once at the table, pull out the chairs for the ladies first and then any other guest you can accommodate.
31.  Once the guests are seated, hand them the menu in their hand and tell them who their server will be. Then tell them to enjoy their evening at Your Restaurant.
32.  On departure of a guest, you must make contact with them. Ask them how their evening was and say goodbye.
33.  If there are any complaints, retrieve a manager or supervisor immediately
34.  Handover the Restaurant Survey tracking form and get feedback from the guest.

JOB DESCRIPTION:  Restaurant HostessHostess - Hostess is a member of restaurant brigade. Duty of hostess includes taking restaurant rese...

REPORTS TO: Restaurant ManagerManager is a person in the hotel operations who is assigned to manage or supervise a group of employ...

PREREQUISITES:

Education: 

Degree, High schooling, or one year’s Diploma in HotelA Hotel or Inn may be defined as an establishment whose primary business is providing lodging facili... Management or equivalent.

Experience: 

Previous experience in a similar Job role.

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Interview Questions for the Restaurant Hostess PositionStatus of the number of rooms available for sale.

When interviewing for a restaurant hostess position, it’s important to assess both the candidate’s interpersonal skills and their ability to handle the demands of the role. Here are some common interview questions you might consider:

1. Can you describe your previous experience as a restaurant hostess?
   • This question helps you understand the candidate’s background and whether they have relevant experience.
2. How do you handle a busy restaurant night with a long waitlist?
   • This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle high-pressure situations and manage customer expectations.
3. What qualities do you think are important for a restaurant hostess to possess?
   • Look for answers that highlight communication skills, organization, patience, and the ability to multitask.
4. How do you handle difficult or upset customers?
   • This question gauges the candidate’s customer service skills and their ability to resolve conflicts diplomatically.
5. How do you prioritize seating guests during peak hours?
   • This question assesses the candidate’s ability to make quick decisions and manage the flow of customers efficiently.
6. Can you explain the importance of good communication between the hostess and other restaurant staff?
   • This helps evaluate the candidate’s understanding of teamwork and collaboration within a restaurant setting.
7. How would you handle a situation where a reservation was lost or double-booked?
   • This question assesses problem-solving skills and the ability to handle unexpected challenges.
8. What do you think is the role of a hostess in creating a positive dining experience for customers?
   • Look for answers that emphasize creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring a smooth transition between arrival and seating.
9. How do you stay organized and keep track of reservations?
   • This question assesses the candidate’s organizational skills and attention to detail.
10. Why do you want to work as a hostess in our restaurant specifically?
    • This question helps you understand the candidate’s interest in your establishment and whether they’ve done research on your restaurant.

Salary for Restaurant Hostess Position:

The salary for a restaurant hostess can vary based on factors such as the location, type of restaurant, level of experience, and local labor market conditions. As of January 2024, in the United States, the average annual salary for a restaurant hostess was around $25,000 to $30,000.

However, salaries can range from $20,000 to $40,000 or more depending on the factors mentioned above. It’s advisable to check more recent salary surveys or consult with local industry experts to get the most up-to-date information for your specific region and circumstances.