Hostess Job Description

The hostess job description basically is to supervise and manage the activities of the dining area in a restaurant or in a hotel. The hostess is an important part of the work force in a hotel. The hostess position is often deprived of attention. Good hotels know the importance of a hostess while some hotels look at it as a formality.

Hostess/Host in small hotels are also known as lodging desk managers. Hotel hostess/host work in small groups. Hostess job description is to look after the guests dining in the bar or a restaurant.

Education for Hostess
Educational qualifications for being a hostess is not much; but you should be a person with an adjustable nature and soft spoken skills. To be a hostess, basic high school graduation is required. An associate degree or diploma in hotel management would be an added advantage. Fluency in a foreign language and a course in personal and facilities management would be considered beneficial.

Job description for hostess begins with a formal dress. To be a professional hostess, you must have the right attire. Good restaurants, hotels and airlines will have a dress code for hostesses; the important thing here is you should look neat and sharp. Wear minimum jewelry and don't apply too much perfume. Your hair should be neat, clean and tied. A hostess/host is a brand ambassador of an establishment, so make sure your first impression should be a good one.

Hostess Duties and Responsibilities
The hostess job responsibilities includes keeping the desk organized and clean at all times.

• Make sure all menus of the hotel are wiped and stain free.
• Check with housekeeping and ensure that doors are clean and stain free.
• Check with the telephone operator and answering machine to have an idea of all the advanced reservations.
• Confirm with the manager about the parties and events that are going to be held in the hotel.
• Plan out the guest seating list and the reservations.
• Have a note of all the supplies in the kitchen.
• Give a warm welcome to the guests, escort them to their tables, pull out the chairs for the ladies and present menus.
• Make sure that the guests have been seated at their respective tables.
• Make sure you interact with the guest while taking an order. Give and accept creative suggestions regarding the food menu; make the conversation with the guests lively.
• Make sure that the hotel lobby, dining room, bathrooms and menus are kept clean throughout hotel operations.
• Say a warm good-bye to the guests. Have a check with every guest to see if everything was wonderful. Give them a comment card and ask them for their valuable feedback regarding the hotel.
• Salary of a hostess ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 28,000 a year. Expect a USD 4 to USD 7 tip if the guest enjoyed he dinner and the ambiance of the hotel.

I hope this article has provided you the right information on hostess job description and it's key factors. The career as a hostess is a rewarding one. However, weigh all the options before you choose any career.