How to Hire Hostesses: Your Practical Guide to Building a Welcoming Front of House Team

Ever walked into a restaurant and instantly felt at home? Odds are, you were greeted by a top-notch hostess. If you’re looking to hire hostesses who can set the tone for your guests and keep things running smoothly, you’re not alone. The right front of house staff can make or break your business—no exaggeration. But finding and keeping the best people? That’s another story. Let’s break down what it really takes to find restaurant staff who shine, recruit front of house talent, and fill those essential hostess positions with folks who’ll keep your guests coming back.

Why Hostesses Matter: More Than Just a Smile at the Door

Let’s be honest—first impressions stick. A great hostess is the face of your restaurant, setting the mood for every guest who walks in. They juggle reservations, manage waitlists, and handle the occasional curveball (late parties, cranky kids, you name it). But here’s the kicker: turnover in these roles is high, and it’s costing restaurants big time. According to Michelin Guide, high employee turnover is a persistent challenge in the industry, and the front of house is no exception.

So, how do you hire hostesses who’ll stick around and help your business thrive? It starts with understanding what makes a great hostess—and what keeps them happy.

What Makes a Great Hostess?

• Warm, genuine communication skills
• Ability to multitask under pressure
• Attention to detail (no one likes a lost reservation!)
• Team player attitude
• Professional appearance and demeanor

Want to dig deeper? Check out these tips for writing a restaurant employee handbook—it’s a goldmine for outlining expectations and setting your team up for success.

Recruiting Front of House: Where to Find and Attract Top Talent

Finding the right people is half the battle. The best hostesses aren’t always looking for work—they’re often already making guests feel welcome somewhere else. So, how do you recruit front of house stars?

Smart Sourcing Strategies

• Leverage social media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are where your future hostesses hang out. Posting job ads with real photos of your team and vibe can help you stand out. For inspiration, see how to use Instagram to hire hourly workers.
• Employee referrals: Your current team knows who’d be a good fit. Incentivize them to refer friends or former colleagues.
• Job boards and apps: Sites like Indeed and specialized platforms can help you hire efficiently and reach a broader audience.

Don’t forget to make your job postings stand out—a little creativity goes a long way in attracting the right candidates.

Interviewing and Selection: Spotting the Standouts

Once you’ve got applicants, it’s time to separate the stars from the crowd. Ask questions that reveal personality and problem-solving skills, not just experience. For example, “Tell me about a time you had to handle an upset guest,” or “How would you prioritize a long waitlist and a VIP reservation?” For more ideas, check out motivational interviewing techniques and cultural fit interview questions.

And if you’re pressed for time (who isn’t?), automated hiring tools like Workstream’s hiring automation can help you screen, schedule, and communicate with candidates—all from your phone. That means less paperwork, fewer no-shows, and a faster path to building your dream team.

Onboarding and Retaining Hostesses: Keeping Your Team Happy and Engaged

You’ve found the right people—now, how do you keep them? Hostess turnover is expensive and disruptive. According to Notch, losing a single front-line employee can cost thousands in lost productivity and training. Yikes.

Onboarding: Start Off on the Right Foot

• Use digital onboarding tools to make paperwork a breeze—no more lost forms or missed signatures. See how onboarding templates can help.
• Pair new hires with experienced team members for shadowing and support.
• Set clear expectations and provide a well-crafted handbook so there are no surprises.

Honestly, the first week on the job can make or break someone’s decision to stick around. Make it count!

Retention: Beyond the Paycheck

Sure, competitive pay matters. But benefits, flexibility, and a positive culture are just as important. According to DoorDash’s research, offering benefits can help restaurants hire and retain top talent, especially in competitive markets.

• Offer flexible scheduling—hostesses are often students or parents who need work-life balance. Tools like 24-hour schedule templates can help you manage shifts efficiently.
• Recognize and reward good work. A simple “thank you” or an employee-of-the-month program can go a long way.
• Provide opportunities for growth—many great managers started as hostesses. Check out what makes a great GM for inspiration.

For more on keeping your team engaged, you might want to read about employee engagement and traits of committed employees.

Compliance, Scheduling, and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Here’s the thing—hiring isn’t just about finding the right personality. There are rules and regulations to follow, too. The Department of Labor requires accurate recordkeeping for all employees, so make sure your onboarding and scheduling systems are up to snuff. For more on this, see the DOL’s recordkeeping guidelines.

Scheduling: Don’t Overlook the Details

Unpredictable schedules are a top reason hostesses leave. According to recent research, schedule instability increases turnover among hourly workers. Digital scheduling tools can help you create fair, transparent schedules and avoid last-minute chaos. If you’re tired of no-shows and scrambling to fill shifts, see how Gap gave employees more control over their schedules.

Legal Details and a Quick Disclaimer

Don’t forget: employment laws vary by state and city. Always check local labor laws regarding minimum wage, overtime, and breaks. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional.

Conclusion: Build a Front of House Team That Sets You Apart

If you ask me, hiring the right hostesses is like setting the table for your whole business. It takes effort, but the payoff is huge—happier guests, smoother operations, and a reputation that keeps people coming back. Use smart recruiting, thoughtful onboarding, and fair scheduling to win the talent game. And if you want to save time (and headaches), consider a platform like Workstream that brings hiring, onboarding, and scheduling together in one place. It’s not just about filling hostess positions—it’s about building a team that feels like family.

Want more tips? Check out these resources from Workstream:

• Restaurant hiring: What you need to know
• 4 tips for calling out benefits in your job descriptions
• Best job posting examples
• 5 Onboarding Templates For a Great New Hire Experience
• 8 Creative Tips to Make Your Job Posting Stand Out