A hostess is the face of any establishment and the gateway to the customer's overall experience. An outstanding hostess resume can not only reflect your professional experience and skills but also set you apart from other potential applicants.

Soup is to the meal, what the hostesses smile of welcome is to the party. A prelude to the goodness to come.

Louis Pullig De Gouy

This article presents 9 compelling hostess resume examples to guide and inspire you in crafting an impactful resume. Whether you're looking for your first hostess job or are a seasoned professional, here’s a roadmap to delight potential employers and land the job.

Hostess Resume Examples

1. Experienced Hostess Resume Example

Professional Summary

Dedicated hostess with 10 years of experience and a proven track record of ensuring seamless guest experiences. Seeking a challenging position where I can leverage my exceptional customer service skills and expertise in managing reservations to contribute to the success of a high-end restaurant.

Experience

Lead Hostess, Riverside Grill (San Francisco, CA)

July 2018 - Present

  • Manage daily front-of-house operations for a high-volume restaurant.
  • Oversee a team of 6 hostesses.
  • Develop reservation management strategies, resulting in a 15% improvement in customer service ratings.
  • Collaborate with the waitstaff, reducing wait times by 25% during peak hours.

Senior Hostess, Urban Bistro (San Jose, CA)

March 2015 - June 2018

  • Managed reservations for a bustling bistro
  • Improved the overall dining experience.
  • Collaborated closely with the kitchen to ensure seamless communication and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
  • Introduced upselling strategies, resulting in increased revenue (20%) from special events and promotions.

Hostess, Coastal Cafe (Oakland, CA)

June 2013 - February 2018

  • Greeted and seated guests.
  • Maintained a positive and professional atmosphere in a popular seaside cafe.
  • Effectively managed reservations during peak hours.
  • Optimized table turnover and minimized wait times.
  • Addressed guest concerns promptly, ensuring a positive dining experience and fostering customer loyalty.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (2015)

Harbor City University

  • GPA: 3.8/4.0
  • Relevant coursework: Restaurant Management, Customer Experience Optimization, Event Planning in Hospitality.

Skills

  • Excellent communication;
  • Customer service;
  • OpenTable proficiency;
  • Multitasking;
  • Time management;
  • Problem-solving;
  • Team collaboration;
  • Upselling techniques;
  • Adaptability.

Languages

  • Spanish;
  • Italian.

Awards

  • Outstanding Performance in Hostess Role (Riverside Grill, 2022)
  • Distinguished Service Recognition (Urban Bistro, 2016)
  • Leadership in Guest Satisfaction (Coastal Cafe, 2014)

Positive aspects:

  • Quantifiable achievements. This resume includes quantifiable achievements, such as optimizing table turnover, improving customer satisfaction scores, and reducing wait times. This provides evidence of the candidate's impact in previous roles.
  • Leadership experience. The inclusion of a "Senior Hostess" role demonstrates management experience. It highlights the ability to lead a team, mentor junior staff, and oversee daily operations, showing a higher level of responsibility.
  • Education. The educational background provides a foundation for the expertise. Mentioning a high GPA and relevant coursework adds an academic achievement aspect.
  • Awards. Multiple awards, ranging from customer service excellence to leadership recognition, further emphasize a history of outstanding performance.

While this example effectively describes hostess responsibilities for resume, it can be enhanced for even greater impact:

  • Language details. Provide more details about your language proficiency. Specify your level (fluent, conversational) and mention any specific achievements or experiences that may set you apart.

2. No Experience Hostess Resume Example

Professional Summary

Motivated, personable individual seeking a hostess position. Have communication skills and a passion for providing excellent customer service. Eager to bring an enthusiastic and diligent attitude to the role. Able to set a warm, welcoming tone for guests, and ensure a quality dining experience.

Education

High School Diploma

San Francisco High School

Volunteer Experience

Community Events Volunteer, San Francisco Community Center (San Francisco, CA)

June 2022 - August 2022

  • Assisted in organizing and coordinating community events, demonstrating teamwork and effective communication skills.
  • Welcomed and guided attendees, providing a positive and friendly atmosphere.

Skills

  • Interpersonal skills;
  • Communication skills;
  • Detail-orientation;
  • Organizational skills;
  • Ability to multitask;
  • Effective time management;
  • Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings and weekends;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
  • Quick learner willing to gain knowledge on job-specific skills.

Extracurricular Activities

Hospitality Club Member, San Francisco High School (2021 - 2023)

  • Participated in workshops and seminars.
  • Developed a foundational understanding of hospitality principles.

Languages

French (Conversational).

This hostess resume:

  • Focuses on transferable skills gained through education, certifications, volunteer work, and leadership experiences.
  • Emphasizes eagerness to learn and positive attitude, that make a strong candidate for a hostess job.
  • Shows involvement in community events and extracurricular activities, which demonstrates teamwork, organizational skills, and a customer-focused mindset.

Areas for improvement:

  • Specifying any particular achievements, projects, or roles within the hospitality club would add depth to the extracurricular involvement.
  • Consider adding a few more skills that are specifically relevant to the hospitality industry.

3. Entry-Level Hostess Resume Example

Professional Summary

Enthusiastic and dedicated individual seeking a hostess position to leverage strong interpersonal and organizational skills in providing exceptional customer service. Aim to contribute to the positive atmosphere and ensure every guest receives impeccable service.

Experience

Sales Associate, Urban Retail (Austin, TX)

June 2021 - August 2022

  • Assisted customers in finding products.
  • Provided information on promotions.
  • Handled cash transactions.
  • Maintained a clean and organized work environment.
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets.

Education

High School Diploma

Austin High School

Skills

  • Customer service;
  • Communication;
  • Adaptability;
  • Friendly demeanor;
  • Teamwork;
  • Attention to detail;
  • Multitasking;
  • Learning agility.

Courses

Customer Service Basics Certificate (2022)

Harmony Hospitality Institute

Languages

Spanish (Conversational).

This entry-level resume for a hostess position is great for several reasons:

  • Clarity. The resume begins with a clear and concise resume summary that communicates enthusiasm for a job in the hospitality industry. It sets a positive tone for the rest of the document.
  • Transferable experience. The experience section shows skills gained in the previous customer service role. It demonstrates the ability to interact with customers, handle transactions, and contribute to a positive work environment.
  • Learning. The resume emphasizes adaptability through descriptors like "learning agility" and "collaborated with team members" which are valuable traits in entry-level positions.

While this hostess' resume is generally strong, it can be refined:

  • Quantify achievements. Whenever possible, consider quantifying achievements or responsibilities. For example, instead of stating a generic phrase, provide a specific achievement like "Contributed to a 15% increase in monthly sales through effective teamwork."

4. Restaurant Hostess Resume Example

Professional Summary

Highly capable and patient hostess with over 6 years of experience in customer service and the hospitality industry. Excellent communications and customer service skills. Highly organized with the ability to handle multiple tasks with a high degree of professionalism.

Experience

Lead Hostess, Culinary Delights (Chicago, IL)

December 2020 - Present

  • Coordinate guest reservations and manage seating arrangements in a bustling restaurant.
  • Train and mentor new hostess staff, ensuring a smooth front-of-house operation.
  • Implement efficient reservation management strategies, resulting in a 20% reduction in wait times.

Hostess, Urban Bistro (Chicago, IL)

April 2019 - January 2020

  • Greeted and seated guests with a friendly and professional demeanor.
  • Collaborated with the staff to streamline communication and enhance guest satisfaction.
  • Implemented creative solutions to manage peak-hour guest flow, reducing customer wait times by 15%.

Hostess, Riverside Grill (Chicago, IL)

May 2018 - February 2019

  • Managed reservations and seating arrangements during busy dining hours.
  • Provided excellent customer service, contributing to positive feedback.
  • Collaborated with the hostess team to optimize front-of-house operations.

Education

Associate of Arts in Hospitality Management

Boston University, Boston, MA (May 2016)

Skills

  • Excellent communications and people skills;
  • Proficient in Point of Sale (POS) systems, OpenTable, and Microsoft Office Suite;
  • Ability to handle high-stress environments and stay organized;
  • Conflict resolution and problem-solving.

Certifications

Certified Food Handler

ServSafe (2021 - Present)

Languages

  • English (Fluent);
  • Spanish (Fluent);
  • French (Conversational).

Positive aspects:

  • Certifications. Educational background in Hospitality Management and certification as a Certified Food Handler are appropriately highlighted. They show the commitment to hostess duties and professional development.
  • Languages. Including language skills in your professional resume is a positive addition, especially in a diverse city. This could be advantageous in a restaurant setting with a multicultural clientele.

5. Fine-Dining Hostess Resume Example

Professional Summary

Highly organized and personable fine-dining hostess with 6+ years of experience in the restaurant industry. Passionate about giving top-notch hospitality services and creating a memorable dining experience for guests. Good understanding of dining etiquette, table placement, and serving.

Experience

Senior Hostess, Platinum Star Restaurant (Los Angeles, CA)

May 2019 - Present

  • Handle restaurant bookings to optimize dining experiences and efficiently accommodate up to 200 guests daily.
  • Train and oversee a team of host staff, improving the team’s customer engagement practices.
  • Develop relationships with regular customers to create a comfortable and welcoming dining atmosphere.
  • Assist restaurant manager with service standards, improving overall guest satisfaction by 25%.

Hostess, Sapphire Eats (San Diego, CA)

July 2017 - April 2019

  • Managed reservations and coordinated seating arrangements for group sizes ranging from 2 to 30 guests.
  • Collaborated with service staff to ensure smooth operations during high-traffic hours.
  • Addressed customer queries and complaints, ensuring immediate resolution and enhancing satisfaction scores by 20%.
  • Assisted in event planning, including liaising with organizers for adequate preparations.

Education

Associate Degree in Hospitality Management

San Diego Community College (May 2018)

Skills

  • Reservation management;
  • Upselling techniques;
  • Poise and professionalism;
  • Multitasking in fast-paced environments;
  • Team collaboration;
  • Wine knowledge;
  • OpenTable proficiency.

Languages

Spanish (Professional).

Positive aspects:

  • Job-specific. The hostess resume skills section is well-tailored for a fine-dining setting, including communication, reservation management, and wine knowledge.
  • Experience. The work experience section emphasizes leadership roles and achievements in fine-dining establishments. Quantifying the increase in overall revenue adds impact.
  • Structure. The resume is well-organized and concise, providing relevant information without overwhelming the reader.

6. Event Hostess Resume Example

Professional Summary

Results-driven event hostess with over five years of experience. Coordinated and executed diverse events, ranging from corporate conferences to high-profile social gatherings. Proficient in managing VIP protocols and guest interactions to ensure a seamless and enjoyable event experience.

Experience

Event Hostess, Grand Occasions Events

September 2020 - May 2023

  • Coordinated event logistics, including guest registration, seating, and transportation.
  • Assisted in the management of pre-event planning, including monitoring budgets and schedules.
  • Handled unexpected issues or emergencies with professionalism and composure.

Event Hostess, Metropolitan Events Management

October 2016 - June 2018

  • Welcomed and assisted guests at high-profile events.
  • Maintained a polished and professional demeanor.
  • Worked closely with catering teams to ensure guest satisfaction.
  • Implemented crowd management strategies during large-scale events.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management

New York University (May 2018)

Skills

  • Event coordination;
  • Guest interaction;
  • VIP protocol;
  • Multitasking;
  • Team collaboration;
  • Communication;
  • Problem-solving;
  • Poise under pressure.

Professional development

Event Management Certification

  • New York Event Professionals Institute (2019)

Digital Marketing for Event Professionals Course

  • EventsMarketingPro (2019)

Positive aspects:

  • Development. The addition of various certifications and courses reflects a commitment to ongoing learning and staying current in her field.
  • Structure. This hostess resume sample is easy to read and presents information in a clear, logical order. The formatting is consistent, helping to make it easily navigable.

Areas for improvement:

  • Gap. There's a 2-year gap between work entries. This can be explained due to personal reasons, returning to school, or taking care of a family member. The employer will probably ask you about it during the job interview.

7. Club Hostess Resume Example

Professional Summary

Customer service-oriented and friendly professional with 4 years of experience. Adept at organizing various club activities while ensuring outstanding guest service. Proficient in creating a fun and engaging environment, understanding patrons' needs, and driving the success of the establishment.

Experience

Club Hostess, Celestial Lounge (Miami, FL)

March 2022 – Present

  • Greet and welcome guests upon their arrival.
  • Coordinate and organize events, promotions, and other activities.
  • Regularly communicate with patrons, building rapport to ensure exceptional service.
  • Provide information about the events and special offers, which helped increase overall business by 20%.
  • Drive the VIP table reservations and anticipate high-profile clientele needs.

Club Hostess, Starlight Nightclub (Miami, FL)

June 2019 – February 2022

  • Managed exclusive club events and maintained excellent relationships with guests.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization in the front-of-house area.
  • Trained 10 new staff members in customer service techniques.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management

University of Miami (2020)

Skills

  • VIP services;
  • Guest interaction;
  • Crowd management;
  • Upselling techniques;
  • Reservation coordination;
  • Team collaboration;
  • Communication;
  • Conflict resolution.

Languages

Bilingual (English and Chinese).

Positive aspects:

  • Experience. The work experience entries are detailed. They showcase experience in managing VIP services, coordinating events, and contributing to the overall energetic atmosphere of clubs.
  • Event coordination. Clubs often host special events and promotions. Highlight your experience in coordinating and managing such occasions.

Areas for improvement:

  • Specific positions. Tailor your hostess resume for each club or venue you apply to. Highlight specific skills and experiences that align with the requirements of each establishment.

8. Hotel Hostess Resume Example

Professional Summary

Hotel hostess with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Proven expertise in reception services, reservations management, and ensuring a warm welcome for guests.

Experience

Lead Hotel Hostess, Bayview Grand Hotel (Portland, OR)

August 2019 - Present

  • Oversee guest reception and ensure a seamless check-in and check-out process.
  • Manage reservations, providing personalized service to meet guest preferences.
  • Collaborate with concierge and housekeeping teams.

Hotel Hostess, Sunset Suites (Portland, OR)

May 2016 - July 2019

  • Greeted and assisted guests with a professional and friendly demeanor.
  • Coordinated reservations and managed room assignments for maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Implemented efficient communication strategies between the front desk and other hotel departments.

Education

High School Diploma

Portland High School | 2016

Skills

  • Guest reception;
  • Reservation management;
  • Concierge services;
  • Multilingual (English, Spanish);
  • Interpersonal communication;
  • Problem-solving;
  • Team collaboration;
  • Time management.

Awards

Excellence in Guest Service

  • Bayview Grand Hotel, 2021

Outstanding Performance in Reservation Management

  • Sunset Suites, 2018

Positive aspects:

  • Awards section. Including awards adds a positive touch to your hotel hostess resume. It demonstrates recognition for excellence in performing hostess duties.
  • Team collaboration. Hotel hostesses often work closely with other departments. It is useful to highlight instances where you collaborated with housekeeping, front desk, and other teams to enhance the overall guest experience.

9. VIP Hostess Resume Example

Objective:

Dedicated and experienced VIP Hostess with a proven track record of delivering exceptional guest experiences in upscale hospitality environments. Skilled in reservation management, guest relations, and event coordination. Seeking to leverage expertise in providing personalized service to enhance the reputation and profitability of a prestigious establishment.

Professional Experience:

VIP Hostess | Elysium Lounge & Restaurant (New York, NY)

May 2021 - Present

  • Manage VIP guest reservations, ensuring personalized service and satisfaction for high-profile clientele.
  • Coordinate seating arrangements to optimize guest comfort and maintain smooth flow of service.
  • Provide detailed menu knowledge and recommendations, enhancing dining experiences and driving sales.
  • Handle cash transactions and processed payments accurately and efficiently.
  • Facilitate private events and special occasions, overseeing logistics and ensuring seamless execution.
  • Collaborate with management and staff to uphold brand standards and exceed guest expectations.

Lead Hostess | Elysium Lounge & Restaurant (New York, NY)

January 2019 - April 2021

  • Supervised hostess team, providing guidance and support to optimize performance and guest satisfaction.
  • Managed reservation system, maintaining accurate records and accommodating guest preferences.
  • Implemented seating strategies to maximize restaurant capacity and minimize wait times.
  • Trained new staff members on hostess duties, restaurant procedures, and customer service standards.
  • Contributed to marketing and promotional initiatives to attract and retain clientele.

Hostess | Elysium Lounge & Restaurant (New York, NY)

June 2016 - December 2018

  • Managed guest reservations and seating arrangements in a high-volume restaurant, ensuring optimal flow and customer satisfaction.
  • Provided personalized service to VIP clientele, accommodating special requests and preferences to enhance their dining experience.
  • Demonstrated exceptional communication and problem-solving skills, resolving guest concerns and conflicts with professionalism and efficiency.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management | New York University (New York, NY)

  • Graduated: May 2017

Skills:

  • Reservation Management
  • Guest Relations
  • Event Coordination
  • Menu Knowledge
  • POS System Proficiency
  • Multilingual Proficiency (Fluent in Spanish and French)
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Cash Handling
  • Team Leadership
  • Communication Skills

Certifications:

  • First Aid/CPR Certification | (2020)
  • Food Safety Certification | ServSafe (2017)

References:

Available upon request.

Strengths:

  • Clear Objective. The resume starts with a concise objective statement that outlines the candidate's goals and expertise, providing clarity to potential employers.
  • Relevant Experience. The professional experience section highlights specific accomplishments and responsibilities relevant to the VIP hostess role, showcasing the candidate's expertise in hospitality management.
  • Diverse Skill Set. The skills section showcases a diverse range of abilities, from reservation management to multilingual proficiency, demonstrating the candidate's versatility and suitability for the position.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Quantifiable Achievements. Adding quantifiable achievements, such as guest satisfaction ratings or revenue growth, could further demonstrate the candidate's impact in previous roles.
  • Education Section. While the candidate has a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, providing additional information about coursework or relevant projects could enhance the education section.
  • References. Including references or stating "References available upon request" can provide assurance to employers and streamline the hiring process.

Tips for a Good Hostess Resume

Embarking on a career as a hostess requires more than just a friendly smile. Here are some tips and tricks that will set your hostess resume apart, providing you with the best chance to secure that dream position.

Tip 1. Use a resume builder

Consider using an online resume builder to create your resume for a hostess job. It provides different templates and formatting assistance. Using a free resume maker can save time and help make your application papers visually appealing.

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Tip 2. Showcase your experience

Detail your relevant work experience, even if you've never worked as a hostess. Focus on roles where you interacted with customers, managed reservations, and contributed to a positive atmosphere. Remember to use action verbs to describe your responsibilities.

Tip 3. Mention transferable skills

If you're new to the hostess role but have experience in other spheres, highlight the skills that could be transferable. Excellent communication, time management, problem-solving, and customer service skills can set you apart.

The mean hourly wage for hostesses and hosts is $13.64.

Tip 4. Highlight hostess skills in resume

Emphasize the key skills such as customer service, reservation management, seating arrangement, and conflict resolution. Tailor these skills to align with the specific needs of a hostess role.

Tip 5. Keep it concise

Keep your resume short and aim for a one-page resume. Use a professional format with clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.

A good hostess makes her guests feel at home, even if she wishes they were.

Tip 6. Quantify achievements

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. For example, you can mention the number of guests served per shift or highlight any improvements in customer satisfaction scores.

Tip 7. Include certifications

If you have any relevant certifications, for example in Food Handling and Safety, be sure to include them in your hostess resume. If you don't have them, consider visiting some courses, especially if you have no experience in the hospitality sphere.

According to CareerExplorer, 15% of hosts and hostesses work full-time while 85% work part-time.

Tip 8. Use industry keywords

Carefully read the job description and incorporate relevant keywords to describe yourself and pass through automated applicant tracking systems (ATS). This will increase your chances of being noticed by employers.

Tip 9. Proofread thoroughly

Eliminate errors by proofreading your resume multiple times.

  • Use spellcheckers to find any spelling and grammatical mistakes you may have overlooked.
  • Check your name, email, and phone number. It's surprising how often people overlook this very important detail.
  • Keep your hostess resume consistent (e.g., all bullet points should begin with a verb), and ensure you've formatted all dates the same.

Tip 10. Stay updated

Regularly update your resume to include new skills and experiences. Make sure that it remains relevant to the current job market and industry trends.

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Top hostess resume skills

In the realm of hospitality, a hostess serves as the welcoming face, managing the flow of guests and ensuring a seamless experience.

While often overlooked, the role of a hostess requires a unique set of skills to navigate the complexities of customer interactions and maintain the harmony of the establishment. See the below list of the key competencies that define an exceptional hostess.

Hard skills:

  • Reservation Management
  • Table Seating Optimization
  • POS System Proficiency
  • Menu Knowledge
  • Food Allergy Awareness
  • Event Coordination
  • Cash Handling
  • Multilingual Proficiency
  • Time Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Guest List Management
  • Salesmanship
  • Computer Literacy
  • Health and Safety Regulations
  • Inventory Management

Soft skills:

  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Customer Service
  • Leadership
  • Active Listening
  • Tactfulness
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Resilience
  • Diplomacy
  • Attention to Detail

In essence, the role of a hostess extends far beyond simply greeting guests. It requires a diverse skill set. By honing these abilities, a hostess can elevate the hospitality experience, transforming each guest interaction into a memorable encounter that fosters loyalty and leaves a lasting impression.

Conclusion

These hostess resume examples illustrate what a successful resume is for every point in your career. Use resume templates but make the application papers unique to you and your career.

Think of it as your story – a canvas waiting for your personal touch. Let these examples inspire you to create a resume that speaks to your skills and enthusiasm.

FAQ

Should I include references on my hostess resume?
You can simply state that references are available upon request. Ensure you have permission from your references before sharing their names and contact information.
How do I address a gap in my resume?
Be honest and transparent. Briefly explain the reason for the gap, emphasizing any relevant skills or experiences gained during that time.
Should I include a photo on my resume?
For a hostess, it's highly advisable to include a photo.