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What does a Hostess do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 2 min read

A hostess is a woman who is the head of a household. She is responsible for the guests and the food.

Hostess job duties include:

  • Greet guests and escort them to their seats
  • Answer phone calls and take reservations
  • Make sure the dining room is clean and presentable
  • Prepare menus and other promotional materials
  • Train new hostesses
  • Manage the seating chart
  • Coordinate with the kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery
  • Keep track of guest preferences and special requests
  • Handle customer complaints in a professional manner
  • Monitor guest satisfaction levels

Hostess Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for a hostess, although some restaurants may prefer applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification is not required, but completing a food safety course can give job seekers an advantage. Prior experience in the food service industry is also helpful but not always necessary. The most important qualities for a successful hostess are strong customer service skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and good organizational skills.

Hostess Skills

  • Welcoming
  • Friendly
  • Communicative
  • Service-oriented
  • Observant
  • Quick-thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Efficient
  • Organized
  • Multi-tasking
  • Detail-oriented

Related: Top Hostess Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Hostess

A hostess is a woman who is the head of a household. In order to become a hostess, one must be able to manage a household and its finances. One must also be able to cook, clean, and entertain guests. A hostess should also be well-spoken and have good manners.

Related: Hostess Resume Example

Related: Hostess Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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