Host job description template

Hosts run the front door: they greet every guest, manage the waitlist and seat tables so servers and the kitchen don't get slammed all at once. It's often a first restaurant job, so a good host post explains what you'll teach, which shifts you need and whether you take reservations or walk-ins.

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Host

Part-time
Your Company is hiring a host to welcome guests and keep our dining room running smoothly. You'll greet people at the door, manage reservations and the waitlist, and seat tables so every server gets a fair share. You'll also answer the phone and help with takeout pickups. We're looking for someone friendly, organized and calm when the lobby fills up. No experience needed. We'll train you.

What you’ll do

  • Welcome guests as they arrive and thank them as they leave
  • Manage reservations and the waitlist, and give guests realistic wait times
  • Seat guests by rotating sections so each server has a balanced workload
  • Answer the phone, book reservations and hand off takeout orders
  • Keep menus clean and the entrance, lobby and host stand tidy
  • Tell servers and managers about large parties, celebrations or special requests
  • Lend a hand clearing tables when the dining room is full

What we’re looking for

  • Warm, welcoming manner with guests in person and on the phone
  • Organized enough to track the floor plan, waitlist and reservations at once
  • Calm and polite when guests are frustrated about a wait
  • Able to be on your feet at the door and walk guests to tables all shift
  • Available Friday and Saturday evenings, when the door is busiest

Nice to have

  • Previous host, front desk or customer service experience
  • Experience with a reservation system such as OpenTable, Resy or Yelp Guest Manager
  • Interest in moving into a server role

Schedule

Part-time evening shifts with Friday, Saturday and holiday coverage. Some weekend brunch or lunch shifts may be available.

What we offer

  • Share of tips, based on our tip policy
  • Discounted meals on and off shift
  • Training for a server role when you're ready
  • A schedule built around your other commitments

Add your pay, location and schedule when you post. Jobs that show pay get noticeably more applicants.

Screening questions for a host

Ask these on the application form to sort applicants quickly. They’re added automatically when you post this template.

  • Are you able to cover evening host shifts on weekends and holidays?Yes / No · required
  • Where have you worked with customers before, whether in restaurants, retail or elsewhere?Short answer
  • How would you keep a frustrated guest happy during a long wait for a table?Paragraph

Host interview questions

  1. How would you greet a group that walks in without a reservation on a full night?
  2. A party of eight arrives early and their table isn't ready. What do you do?
  3. How would you decide which section to seat the next table in?
  4. A regular asks to skip the waitlist. How do you handle it?
  5. Tell me about a time you had to stay calm with an upset customer.
  6. How do you keep up with the phone, the door and the waitlist all at once?
  7. What makes a guest's first minute at a restaurant great?

Tips for hiring a host

  • Give a quick scenario during the interview, like quoting a wait time to a hungry party, and listen to how they phrase it.
  • Treat the host stand as your server pipeline. Hiring hosts who want to move up gives you trained servers later.
  • Ask candidates to walk you through a busy night using your actual floor plan. You'll see how they think about sections and table sizes.
  • Share the opening on your website, social media and a sign at the host stand. Guests who like your restaurant often make great hosts.