Hire a Hostess
A hostess is the primary point of contact for diners at a restaurant. This employee sets up the customer for an exceptional dining experience. They greet the customers and direct them to their table, assist them with the restaurant specialties, make them feel welcomed and looked after, and ensure that the entire experience is seamless. Depending on the requirements of the restaurant, hostesses work part-time or in full-time schedules. Work benefits differ depending on the employer and the number of hours of work each week. Most restaurants provide lucrative benefits packages to qualified hostesses. The compensation package includes an average salary of $33,674 per year plus an average of $30 in tips per day. Other job benefits include discounts on meals, paid time off, healthcare coverage, and 401(k) retirement plans. Once the hostess gains enough industry expertise, they may be promoted to waitstaff or supervisory roles. Career advancement opportunities are usually available at the same restaurant once the manager has had a chance to observe the hostess's skills, knowledge, and ability. Being a hostess also provides a fabulous opportunity to build on customer service skills, thus preparing hostesses for future roles. Many restaurants offer paid training to new associates, helping them learn the essential job duties.
Hostess Essential Assignments
The primary duties of a hostess are to welcome guests, determine wait times, guide diners to their tables, explain the menus, and inform guests about daily specials. At some restaurants, hostesses are responsible for booking reservations. Additionally, they assist in regulating restaurant operations by maintaining continuous contact with servers and kitchen staff. Since most or all of a hostess's duties are customer-centric, the complexity of the job is dependent on how busy the restaurant is. During peak hours, the demand for quality customer service is imperative, and in such cases, the hostess should be able to manage the work without buckling under pressure. Considering the hostess is the first person the diners interact with when they enter the restaurant, they must represent the restaurant well at all times, with professionalism and courtesy.
Checking for suitability for a Hostess
Essential qualities that hiring managers look for in a hostess include: a friendly personality, patience, and organizational capability. Typically, restaurants do not ask for educational certifications for hostesses. However, most restaurants set the minimum working age requirement at sixteen years old. For this entry-level position, most establishments do not require previous work experience. However, prior experience in the foodservice industry is always a plus. The applicant is required to be presentable, be appropriately dressed, and exhibit confidence. One of the most valued skills is to maintain a positive attitude at all times, especially during peak business hours. Other essential skills that recruiters seek are the abilities to think ahead and multitask.
