How to Write a Host & Hostess Resume
When you’re looking for a host or hostess job, you’ll want to network, as many restaurants hire more by referrals than standard applications. But what if you see a promising host or hostess job advertised? In those cases, you’ll need a resume ready so you don’t miss the chance for an interview.
Don’t worry. You can write a great host or hostess resume by focusing on your skill at engaging with customers and supporting restaurant operations. The following tips and examples will show you how to achieve that focus so your resume helps you find your next host or hostess job.
1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
As the person welcoming guests to a restaurant, you know the importance of first impressions. You can make a great first impression on hiring managers if you write a compelling Profile summary of your skills as a host or hostess. For instance, describe your communication style and how that promotes a positive dining experience for new and returning customers. Or you might emphasize teamwork collaborating with diverse bussers, waitstaff, maître d’s, and restaurant managers.
Your Profile is also a great place to mention if you have a background at a similar dining establishment. By showing your related experience in this way, you can assure restaurant managers that you’d train quickly.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Efficient Hostess with two years of experience in privately owned restaurants. Skilled at providing courteous service, collaborating on a team, and making and updating reservations for guests. Thrive in dynamic and fast-paced work environments.
Mid-Career Profile Example
Host with eight years of experience in popular bars and restaurants. Skilled at managing customer databases, arranging for large parties, and answering calls and emails. Combine strong organizational skills with a friendly service style. Calm, professional, and focused on finding solutions in high-pressure work environments. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.
2. Add a results-driven experience section
A strong Experience section describes not just your relevant duties but also the positive impact of those duties. You can show your impact as a host or hostess by giving specific numbers on your performance, such as how many guests you served or where you ranked on your team.
Also, consider whether you created or improved any standard procedures in each restaurant where you have worked. For instance, maybe you developed a more efficient way to prepare orders for customers using new food delivery apps. Or perhaps you helped find a better system for reducing wait times during the restaurant’s busy summer season. Try to quantify improvements like these in terms of lower restaurant costs, higher productivity, or better guest satisfaction scores. When data isn’t available, you can still show results by describing how your work supported a generally positive dining experience for guests.
Mid-Career Experience Example
Host, The Galley Restaurant, Rochester, NY | March 2016 to January 2023
[Popular, award-winning seafood restaurant with 40 tables]
- Maintained warm and professional manner interacting with guests by phone and in person
- Sat 130+ diners per night in 3 separate seatings while upholding restaurant’s high service standards
- Reconciled cash in tills at end of each shift
Highlight:
- Member of team that drove a 15% increase in customer satisfaction on monthly surveys, earning special recognition from corporate in 2019
Senior-Level Experience Example
Hostess, The Michelin Restaurant, Newport, RI | April 2018 to March 2023
- Arranged all ~40 party reservations per night
- Answered incoming calls and emails in a warm and professional manner
- Filed incident reports as needed
Highlights:
- Implemented a new CRM database that raised customer satisfaction ratings by 20% in 3 years
- Efficiently managed wait list, helping reduce average wait times 10% and prevent overcrowding in server sections
3. Include relevant education and certifications
While host and hostess jobs typically don’t have formal education requirements, you should cite any degree you’ve earned, especially if the degree is focused on hospitality. Also, cite any hospitality-related certifications you’ve gained. Finally, consider including any safe food handling permit you have, since that’s required for restaurant workers in some states.
The following are templates and examples to help you format education or certification details on your resume. Note that optional template areas appear in [brackets].
Education
Template:
Degree Name — [Major], School Name, City, ST | [Year]
[relevant coursework]
Example:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) — Hospitality Business, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Select Coursework:
- Hospitality Food Service Operations
- Service Management Principles
Certification
Template:
Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
Example:
Certified Guest Service Professional, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
4. List key skills and proficiencies
Include a “Key Skills” or “Areas of Expertise” section on your host or hostess resume to show your core strengths, such as customer service, reservations management, or rapid problem-solving. You may also want to cite more technical skills, such as proficiency in point-of-sale systems used by the restaurants you’re applying to. Below are some common skills and keywords for hosts and hostesses:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Cash Till Reconciliation | Conflict & Complaint Resolution |
| CRM Databases | Customer Relations & Satisfaction |
| Facilitating Guest Turnover | Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems |
| Rapid Problem-Solving | Reservations Management |
| Restaurant Operations Support | Task Prioritization |
| Team Collaboration | Time Management |
| Wait List Management | Wait Time Estimates |
| Work Scheduling | |
How to Pick the Best Host & Hostess Resume Template
As with most vocations, hosts and hostesses should use a resume template that’s clear and straightforward. Opt for a visual format that lets the hiring manager quickly review your most impressive career details. Use a simple resume font, and avoid any template with overly colorful or elaborate designs.
Host & Hostess Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Melanie Wilson
(123) 456-7890 | mela[email protected] | Springfield, MO 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example
Profile
Efficient Hostess with two years of experience in privately owned restaurants. Skilled at providing courteous service, collaborating on a team, and making and updating reservations for guests. Thrive in dynamic and fast-paced work environments.
Key Skills
- Conflict & Complaint Resolution
- Customer Relations & Service
- Rapid Problem-Solving
- Reservation Management
- Restaurant Operations Support
- Task Prioritization
- Team Collaboration
Professional Experience
Restaurant Hostess, Fresca’s Fine Dining, Springfield, MO | January 2022 to Present
[Long-running upscale Italian restaurant]
- Courteously answer phone calls, welcome and seat guests, and present menus
- Prepare seat arrangements and organize reservations to ensure guest satisfaction
- Monitor dining room for proper cleanliness and supply levels
- Follow up with diners to ensure their satisfaction and address any additional requests
- Manage a 2-seating per night reservations system, with 100 diners per seating
Restaurant Hostess, Jimmy’s Pizza, Springfield, MO | June 2021 to January 2022
[High-volume pizza restaurant with 30 tables]
- Greeted and escorted customers to their table when seating was available
- Completed various dining room tasks while providing excellent customer service
- Answered and directed phone calls
Education
Graduate, Northwest High School, Springfield, MO | 2021
Will Harrison
(752) 814-7263 | [email protected] | Rochester, NY 14610 | www.linkedin.com/example
Profile
Host with eight years of experience in popular bars and restaurants. Skilled at managing customer databases, arranging for large parties, and answering calls and emails. Combine strong organizational skills with a friendly service style. Calm, professional, and focused on finding solutions in high-pressure work environments. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.
Key Skills
- Cash Till Reconciliation
- CRM Databases
- Customer Relations & Satisfaction
- Task Prioritization
- Time Management
- Wait Time Estimates
Professional Experience
Host, The Galley Restaurant, Rochester, NY | March 2016 to January 2023
[Popular, award-winning seafood restaurant with 40 tables]
- Maintained warm and professional manner interacting with guests by phone and in person
- Sat 130+ diners per night in 3 separate seatings while upholding restaurant’s high service standards
- Reconciled cash in tills at end of each shift
Highlight:
- Member of team that drove a 15% increase in customer satisfaction on monthly surveys, earning special recognition from corporate in 2019
Restaurant Host, The Hilton Hotel, Providence, RI | September 2014 to February 2016
- Charged with setting table arrangements and booking reservations
- Efficiently handled restaurant POS software
- Greeted and escorted all guests to their designated tables
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) — Hospitality Business, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Select Coursework:
- Hospitality Food Service Operations
- Service Management Principles
Professional Development
Certified Guest Service Professional, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
Language
- Fluency in Spanish
Katherine Ryan
(735) 917-2745 | kathe[email protected] | Providence, RI 02909 | www.linkedin.com/example
Profile
Organized and friendly Hostess with 10+ years of experience. Natural problem-solver with a positive attitude toward handling guest questions and concerns. Experienced maintaining CRM databases and booking large party reservations. Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.
Key Skills
- Customer Relations & Service
- Digital Customer Databases
- Reservations Management
- Task Prioritization
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
Professional Experience
Hostess, The Michelin Restaurant, Newport, RI | April 2018 to March 2023
- Arranged all ~40 party reservations per night
- Answered incoming calls and emails in a warm and professional manner
- Filed incident reports as needed
Highlights:
- Implemented a new CRM database that raised customer satisfaction ratings by 20% in 3 years
- Efficiently managed wait list, helping reduce average wait times 10% and prevent overcrowding in server sections
Restaurant Hostess, The Hilton Hotel, Providence, RI | February 2013 to March 2018
- Maintained excellent customer service in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Organized table plans and booked reservations
- Reconciled cash tills at end of each shift
Education
Bachelor of Science (BS) — Hospitality Management, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI
Select Coursework:
- Food Service in Hospitality & Tourism
- Hospitality Sales & Meeting Management
Professional Development
- Certified Venue Executive (CVE)
- Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP)
Advice From a Recruiter: Chris Shatto
1. What are the most in-demand skills for hosting that should be featured on a candidate’s resume? +
For a hosting position, hard skills might include familiarity with reservation software, knowledge of health and safety regulations, and perhaps language skills if the establishment caters to a multi-lingual clientele. Soft skills are equally important: a host needs excellent communication and customer service skills, the ability to maintain composure during peak hours, and a welcoming demeanor that can set the tone for a guest's entire dining experience.
2. What work experience and other accomplishments are hiring managers looking for in a hosting candidate?+
Hiring managers typically look for previous experience in a customer service-oriented role, particularly within the hospitality industry. However, any examples of dealing with the public or managing situations under pressure can be relevant. Achievements that demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team, resolve customer complaints effectively, or manage multiple tasks concurrently will stand out.
3. What else in addition to a resume should a hosting candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers?+
While a resume is crucial, a cover letter can distinguish a candidate by showing personality and genuine interest in the job and establishment. If applicable, candidates might also provide references or letters of recommendation from previous employers that can attest to their reliability and work ethic.
4. What advice would you give a hosting candidate about their job search? +
First, target your applications to establishments where you can see yourself fitting in, as cultural fit is critical in hospitality roles. Then, customize your resume and cover letter to each job, highlighting the most relevant skills and experience. Lastly, remember that in hospitality, personality, and attitude can be as important as experience, so let your enthusiasm for the role and the industry shine through in every interaction you have with potential employers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Host & Hostess Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for host & hostess resumes?+
The following verbs list will help you brainstorm and write about the various ways you’ve made an impact in your service-industry experience:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Assisted | Attended |
| Collaborated | Coordinated |
| Enhanced | Generated |
| Greeted | Improved |
| Increased | Listened |
| Managed | Monitored |
| Organized | Oversaw |
| Prevented | Produced |
| Scheduled | Supported |
| Trained | Ranked |
| Resolved | Supervised |
| Welcomed | Won |
How do you align your host & hostess resume with a job posting?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that jobs for hosts and hostesses will increase by about 15 percent (or 52,600 jobs) between 2021 and 2031. This growth rate is much faster than the average for all US jobs.
You can get more interviews in this growing field if you tailor your resume for each application you send. One great way to tailor your resume is by adding descriptions of restaurants you’ve worked in, in brackets right below the restaurant name in your Experience section.
Restaurant descriptions let you show any similarity between the places you’ve worked at and the place you now want to work. For instance, maybe you’ve worked in the same type of cuisine or for a similar size facility. And if you’re applying to a high-volume or top-rated restaurant, you can use restaurant descriptions to emphasize any background you have in these environments. By including these details on your resume, you’ll make it much more relevant to the job opening.
What is the best host & hostess resume format?+
In nearly all cases, you should use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your pertinent skills and experience. It’s also easiest for you to modify based on your job goals.
With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your Experience or Work History section and an intro section. (This combination of work history and intro content is where the format gets its name.) As noted above, your resume intro should include a Profile summary and a Key Skills section. You may also add a Career Highlights or Awards section. Choose the details for these sections carefully. Make sure each point shows you have the service skills to help a restaurant succeed.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
To increase your chances of getting an interview, make sure you write a strong cover letter. The key to writing an effective letter is customizing it based on each employer you apply to. Read our food service cover letter guide to learn how. See our server and hotel front desk cover letter guides for other related examples.
