Host job summary
A great job description starts with a compelling summary of the position and its role within your company. Your summary should provide an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Outline the types of activities and responsibilities required for the job so job seekers can determine if they are qualified, or if the job is a good fit.
Example of a Host job summary
Our casual, laidback bistro seeks a friendly, upbeat Host to work variable shifts, including weekends. The ideal candidate loves making small talk with customers and is willing to learn patrons’ names in our small-town establishment. They should be willing to fill in as needed for bussers, servers and bartenders to keep up with busy shifts. Some back-of-house assistance might be needed, such as with counting down tills and inspecting/cleaning restrooms. If you love the restaurant business and genuinely enjoy people, we need to hear from you.
Host responsibilities and duties
The responsibilities and duties section is the most important part of the job description. Here you should outline the functions this position will perform on a regular basis, how the job functions within the organisation and who the employee reports to.
- Greet customers as soon as they walk through the door
- Provide patrons with accurate wait time estimates during busy periods
- Maintain a neat, organised front-of-house environment
- Seat guests and take initial drink orders as needed to ensure ideal speed of service
- Assist with opening/closing tasks and side work as needed
- Learn food and drinks menu
- Rotate seating between different stations to ensure even workloads for waitstaff
- Answer phones and schedule reservations with large parties
Host qualifications and skills
Next, outline the required and preferred skills for your position. This may include education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills. You may also include soft skills and personality traits that you envision for a successful hire. While it may be tempting to include a long list of skills and requirements, including too many could dissuade qualified candidates from applying. Keep your list of qualifications concise, but provide enough detail with relevant keywords and terms.
- School leaver’s certificate preferred
- Flexible schedule, particularly for weekend/evening shifts
- 1+ years’ customer service experience, preferably in the hospitality industry
- Ability to work 6+ hours on your feet at a time
- Advanced time management experience
- Friendly, open disposition
- Team player who looks for ways to help out other employees whenever needed
- Willingness to work at least every other holiday
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