As a hostess, your main responsibility is to provide guests with an exceptional experience from the moment they walk through the door. And while a hostess’ job may seem more customer service-oriented than anything else, don’t underestimate the importance of a well-written and thought-out hostess resume when it comes to attracting potential employers.
Why a Hostess Resume is Important
A hostess resume is essential, as it is the first impression you make on your future employer. It serves as a snapshot of your work experience, education, and skills, and it’s the basis for whether or not you get the chance to meet with hiring managers, let alone be offered the job.
Think of your resume as a personal marketing tool that promotes your abilities, achievements, and potential to add value to the company. It’s a statement of your competencies, and it can make or break your chances of landing your dream hostess job.
What Employers Look for in a Hostess Resume
Employers examine each section of a hostess resume to determine whether you’re a qualified candidate for the role. They want to see clear evidence that you possess the skills, knowledge, and experience required to perform the job competently.
Specifically, employers look for the following key components in a hostess resume:
- Relevant experience – Previous experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in a role where you dealt with customers directly, is a significant advantage. Your resume should highlight your experience in customer service, multi-tasking, and problem-solving.
- Education – A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for a hostess position. However, having a degree in hospitality or restaurant management will give you a significant advantage.
- Skills – When creating your resume, emphasize your skills that are relevant to the hostess role, such as excellent communication and interpersonal skills, multitasking abilities, and conflict resolution skills.
Goals of the Article
The goal of this article is to provide aspiring hostesses with comprehensive tips for crafting a hostess resume that will catch the attention of potential employers. We will cover everything from the basics of how to format a resume to what to include in each section. We will also provide examples of different types of hostess resumes and easy-to-follow templates for creating your own.


By reading this article, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to showcase your skills and experience effectively and put your best foot forward when applying for the hostess position you want.
Hostess Resume Basics
When it comes to applying for a hostess job, your resume is your best chance to impress potential employers and land the position you want. But what should you include in your hostess resume, and how should it be formatted? In this section, we’ll cover the basics of writing a strong hostess resume, including what to include, how long it should be, and some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
What to Include in a Hostess Resume
Here’s a brief overview of what you should include in your hostess resume:
- Contact information: Make sure your resume includes your full name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
- Objective or summary statement: This section should highlight your skills and experience as a hostess, and explain why you’re a good fit for the job you’re applying for.
- Experience: List your previous hostess positions and any other relevant work experience, including your job titles, the name of the establishment you worked for, your dates of employment, and your primary responsibilities.
- Skills: Highlight any relevant skills you have, such as communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
- Education: List any relevant education or training you’ve received, such as hospitality or food service certifications.
Length and Format
When it comes to the length and format of your hostess resume, keep these tips in mind:
- Length: A hostess resume should be no longer than one to two pages, depending on your level of experience.
- Format: Use a legible font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and stick to a simple, professional format that’s easy to read.
Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Hostess Resume
Here are a few important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your hostess resume:
Do:
- Customize your resume for each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience that match the job requirements.
- Use action verbs to describe your experience, such as “Greeted and seated guests” or “Managed reservations and waitlist”.
- Quantify your experience where possible, such as “Managed a team of four hostesses” or “Handled over 100 reservations per day”.
- Proofread your resume carefully to catch any typos or errors.
Don’t:
- Include irrelevant information, such as your hobbies or personal interests.
- Use fancy or overly creative fonts, colors, or formatting.
- Lie or exaggerate your experience, as this can easily be discovered during a background check.
By following these tips and tailoring your hostess resume to each job you apply for, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream hostess job.
Hostess Resume Examples
When it comes to creating a Hostess resume, having the appropriate format and content is key to standing out from other candidates. Here are some Hostess Resume Examples that can help you create a compelling application:
Sample Hostess Resume
Contact Information:
- Full Name
- Professional Email Address
- Phone Number
- Current Location
Summary:
- A friendly and outgoing Hostess with over 2 years of experience in the food service industry.
- Expertise in greeting guests, taking orders, and coordinating with kitchen and waitstaff.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
Work Experience:
- Hostess at ABC Restaurant (2019-Present)
- Welcome and greet guests upon arrival.
- Provide menus and assist with menu selections.
- Maintain clean and organized seating areas.
- Assist in coordinating with kitchen and waitstaff.
Education:
- High School Diploma (GED) from XYZ High School
Hostess Resume Example for Entry-Level
Contact Information:


- First and Last Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Current Location
Summary:
- A motivated and enthusiastic entry-level Hostess seeking to gain experience in the food service industry.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well under pressure.
- Passionate about providing exceptional customer service.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, XYZ University (2021)
- Relevant coursework: Food and Beverage Hospitality, Restaurant & Banquets, Hospitality Operations
Skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to multitask effectively.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Hostess Resume Example for Experienced Candidates
Contact Information:
- Full Name
- Professional Email Address
- Phone Number
- Current Location
Summary:
- Experienced Hostess with 5+ years of expertise in customer service and food industry experience.
- Knowledgeable in menu planning, seating arrangements, and guest services.
- Proven track record of flawless communication and coordination with the kitchen, waitstaff, and management.
Work Experience:
- Hostess at DEF Restaurant (2016 – Present)
- Greet all guests and provide menu options and recommendations.
- Coordinate with kitchen staff for meal preparation and service times.
- Maintain maximum seating capacity while ensuring guests are comfortable and attended to.
Skills:
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
- Ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
- Proficient in POS systems and Microsoft Office.
A Hostess resume should highlight your customer service and communication skills, your experience in the food service industry, and your ability to work well with others. Use these examples as a starting point to create a resume that will make you stand out from the competition.
The Professional Summary
In a nutshell, the professional summary section of your hostess resume should showcase your most relevant skills and experiences. It should be short, concise, and attention-grabbing, as it will likely be the first thing a hiring manager will read. Here are some tips on how to craft a compelling summary and tailor it to the job posting.
Crafting a Compelling Professional Summary
Start by identifying your key strengths and accomplishments as a hostess. What sets you apart from other candidates? For example, do you have exceptional communication and customer service skills? Are you great at multitasking and staying organized in a fast-paced environment? Have you received any awards or accolades for your performance?
Once you have a good understanding of your unique selling points, it’s time to put them into words. Your professional summary should include a brief overview of your experience and skills, as well as a statement of your career goals. Use strong action verbs and descriptive language to make your summary stand out. Here’s an example of an effective summary:
“Experienced hostess with a proven track record of providing exceptional customer service in high-volume restaurants. Skilled in greeting guests, managing reservations, and coordinating table assignments. Recognized for maintaining composure and professionalism under pressure. Seeking a new opportunity to utilize my skills and contribute to a dynamic team.”
How to Tailor the Summary to the Job Posting
Once you have a strong professional summary, it’s important to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for. Carefully review the job posting to identify the key skills and qualifications that the employer is looking for. Then, incorporate those keywords and phrases into your professional summary. This will help to demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to excel in the role.
For example, let’s say you’re applying for a hostess position at a fine dining restaurant that emphasizes upscale service. The job posting may mention a preference for candidates with experience in wine service or familiarity with fine dining etiquette. In your professional summary, you could mention these skills explicitly, like so:
“Experienced hostess with a background in fine dining service and extensive knowledge of wine pairing. Skilled in providing white-glove service and ensuring guest satisfaction at all times. Seeking an opportunity to utilize my expertise in a dynamic fine dining environment.”
By tailoring your professional summary to the job posting, you’ll be more likely to catch the attention of the hiring manager and demonstrate that you’re a great fit for the role.
The professional summary section of your hostess resume is an essential part of showcasing your skills and experience. Use these tips to craft a compelling summary that highlights your strengths and aligns with the job posting. With a strong professional summary in place, you’ll be on your way to landing your next hostess job.
Hostess Resume Templates
A well-written hostess resume can open doors to numerous employment opportunities in the hospitality sector. However, choosing the right template can make a huge difference in how your resume is perceived by recruiters. This section of the article outlines the template options for different formats and provides tips on how to choose the best template for your needs.
Template Options for Different Formats
A hostess resume can be in three different formats: chronological, functional, or combination. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages, and templates can make or break the success of a particular format.
Chronological Format
Chronological resumes are the most common format used by job seekers. This type of resume highlights your work history, starting with your most recent job and moving backward. Chronological resumes are ideal for those with a consistent work history, and they indicate job progression and consistency.
When choosing a template for a chronological resume, look for options that emphasize the order of the work history. Many templates have a section dedicated to work experience or employment history, and this section should be highlighted.
Functional Format
Functional resumes focus on skills and accomplishments rather than work history. This format is beneficial for those seeking to switch careers or who have gaps in their work history. A functional resume might be a better choice if you have several years of relevant experience but have worked in various industries or have changed jobs often.
When selecting a template for a functional resume, look for options that organize content into specific skill sets. You want your template to have a section called “Skills” or “Core Competencies” that highlights your abilities.
Combination Format
A combination resume is exactly as it sounds – it combines elements of chronological and functional resumes. A combination resume highlights both work history and relevant skills, making it a versatile choice for many job seekers.
When selecting a template for a combination resume, look for options that feature both employment history and skill sets. The template should allow you to clearly indicate which skills you used in each job you have held.
How to Choose a Template
Now that you have a basic understanding of the different types of hostess resume templates, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs. Consider the following when making your decision:
Find a template that is visually appealing and easy to read. The eyes are naturally drawn to certain areas, and you want your template to guide the recruiter’s eye to the most important information.
Choose a template that is appropriate for your level of experience. If you’re just starting out, a template that emphasizes education might be beneficial. If you’re an experienced hostess, highlight your skills and employment history.
Ensure that the template is ATS-friendly, meaning it can pass through automated tracking systems. Many companies use these systems to scan resumes for specific keywords, and an ATS-friendly template can increase your chances of getting through to a human recruiter.
Key Skills and Abilities to Highlight
As a hostess, it’s crucial to have a set of skills that can make you stand out from other applicants. In this section, we’ll discuss the key skills and abilities that you should highlight on your hostess resume.
Identifying and Highlighting Relevant Skills
Before we dive into the top 10 skills for a hostess resume, it’s important to identify the skills that are relevant to your experience and the job you’re applying for. Take some time to review the job description and identify keywords and phrases that match your skills and experience. Then, tailor your resume to highlight those skills and abilities that make you a strong fit for the job.
The Top 10 Skills for a Hostess Resume
Communication Skills: As a hostess, you’ll be interacting with customers, servers, and other staff members. Strong communication skills, including active listening and clear verbal and written communication, are essential.
Customer Service Orientation: Hostesses are often the first point of contact for customers. A strong customer service orientation is critical to ensure that every customer has a positive experience.
Organizational Skills: Hostesses must be able to juggle multiple tasks and priorities, including managing the seating chart, answering the phone, and coordinating with servers.
Time Management Skills: Hostesses are often responsible for ensuring that customers are seated promptly, so strong time management skills are necessary to keep things running smoothly.
Teamwork: Hostesses must work closely with servers and other staff members to ensure that customers receive exceptional service.
Conflict Management: Hostesses must be able to handle difficult situations, including customer complaints and conflicts between staff members.
Flexibility: Hostesses must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as hospitality businesses are often busiest during these times.
Attention to Detail: Hostesses must ensure that the seating chart is accurate and up-to-date, and that customers are seated in the correct order.
Knowledge of Food and Beverage: A basic understanding of food and beverage can be helpful in answering customer questions and making recommendations.
Upbeat Attitude: Hostesses play a vital role in setting the tone for the customer experience. A positive, friendly attitude can go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
By highlighting these top 10 skills and abilities on your hostess resume, you can demonstrate that you’re a qualified candidate who is committed to providing excellent service to customers.
Job Responsibilities and Achievements
Your job responsibilities and achievements section is where you can showcase your skills and experience in the hospitality industry. In this section, you should list your major accomplishments and provide quantifiable results to demonstrate how you have contributed to the success of your hosting team.
Listing Accomplishments and Job Responsibilities
Your job responsibilities section should include a brief summary of your duties as a Hostess. You can start each bullet point with an action verb and provide specific details to give the reader a clear understanding of what you did in your previous roles. Some examples of job responsibilities for a Hostess might include:
- Greeted guests with a warm smile and escorted them to their tables.
- Managed reservations and seating arrangements to ensure efficient use of restaurant space.
- Effectively communicated between kitchen staff and guests to ensure orders were prepared correctly and delivered in a timely manner.
- Maintained a clean and welcoming environment by ensuring the dining area and common spaces were properly set up and organized.
- Trained and mentored new Hostess team members to ensure they understood best practices and company procedures.
Demonstrating Quantifiable Results
It’s important to provide quantifiable results when listing your accomplishments as a Hostess. This helps to show potential employers that you are results-driven and can provide an immediate, positive impact to their restaurant. Some examples of quantifiable results include:
- Successfully managed a reservation list of over 100 guests each weekend, resulting in an increase in overall revenue by 20%.
- Maintained a 100% customer satisfaction rating by effectively communicating customer needs to the kitchen and resolving any issues in a timely manner.
- Trained and mentored 5 new Hostess team members, resulting in a 50% decrease in customer complaints due to seating and reservation issues.
- Implemented a new cleaning and organization system that resulted in a 30% reduction in downtime between seating and a 10% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.
By effectively demonstrating your accomplishments and quantifiable results, you can showcase your ability to make a positive impact on a restaurant’s success as a Hostess. Remember to use action verbs, provide specific details, and quantify your results to highlight your achievements in the hospitality industry.
Education and Training
As a hostess, having relevant education and training can set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of getting hired. In this section, we will discuss the importance of listing degrees and certifications, and sharing professional training or continuing education.
Listing Relevant Degrees and Certifications
When creating your hostess resume, it’s important to list any degrees or certifications that are relevant to the job. This could include a degree in hospitality management, restaurant management, or a related field. Additionally, if you have any certifications such as a ServSafe certification or a TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) certification, be sure to include them as well. These certifications show hiring managers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job safely and effectively.
Sharing Professional Training or Continuing Education
In addition to degrees and certifications, it’s important to share any professional training or continuing education you have received. This could include courses on customer service, conflict resolution, or communication skills. If you have attended a workshop or seminar on a topic related to the hostess job, be sure to list it as well. Sharing this information not only shows your commitment to continuously learning and growing in your profession but can also demonstrate key skills that are important for the hostess role, such as the ability to communicate effectively with customers.
When listing education and training on your resume, make sure to provide the name of the institution, the degree or certification obtained, and the date of completion. If the degree or certification is not yet completed, be sure to include the expected date of completion.
Keep in mind that while education and training are important, they should not be the focus of your resume. Instead, they should complement your skills and experience and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.
Listing relevant degrees and certifications, and sharing professional training or continuing education can make your hostess resume stand out and impress hiring managers. Make sure to highlight these achievements in a clear and concise manner, and focus on how they contribute to your professional abilities as a hostess.
Awards, Honors, and Recognition
When it comes to creating an impressive Hostess Resume, highlighting your achievements through awards, honors, and recognitions can make a big difference. It’s important to showcase the relevant awards and honors that you have received to demonstrate your value as a Hostess.
Including Relevant Awards and Honors
It is essential to mention any industry-related awards or honors that you have received throughout your career in the hospitality industry. For instance, if you have received any accolades such as The Best Hostess of the Year or The Most Courteous Hostess, make sure to include them in your resume.
The recognition you have received over the years serves as proof of your exceptional performance and dedication to the field. It helps the potential employer understand that you take pride in doing your best, and your work never goes unnoticed.
When mentioning awards and honors, it is crucial to only include the ones that are relevant to your job application. Anything unrelated might clutter your resume, making it confusing for the hiring manager. Therefore, be sure to list awards and honors that directly relate to your role as a Hostess.
Service and Community Awards
Apart from industry-related accolades, any awards or recognitions for community service may also be essential in shaping the perception of you as a candidate. Demonstrating that you are involved and engaged in the broader community showcases your leadership skills, empathy, and integrity as a person.
For example, if you have volunteered at a local food bank, homeless shelter, or any other charity organization, include it in your resume. It speaks volumes about your character and shows that you’re not only passionate about the hospitality industry but also about making a difference in the community.
It’s worth noting that while community service awards are a great addition to your resume, they are only relevant if they align with the desired qualities of an ideal Hostess candidate. If you’re a candidate who volunteers at a local animal shelter, for example, it might not be as relevant to the job of being a Hostess.
Including relevant awards, honors, and recognitions on your Hostess Resume is an excellent way to showcase your strengths, dedication, and value as a candidate. Always make sure to tailor your awards and recognitions to the position you’re applying for to ensure the maximum impact.
References
Your hostess resume should showcase your skills, experience, and achievements; it should also include a section for references. References can help employers determine if you are a good fit for their organization. Here are some tips on including references in your hostess resume and who to ask for them.
Tips for Including References
Choose the right people: Make sure the people you select as references are relevant to the job you are applying for. This could be previous employers, coworkers, or even industry professionals that you have worked with in the past.
Ask for permission: Before you list someone as a reference, you should always ask for their permission. Explain the job you are applying for and why you are asking for their recommendation. You don’t want to catch your reference off guard, and you want to make sure they are willing to support you.
Get their details: Once you have someone’s permission to use them as a reference, make sure you get their full name, job title, company name, email address, and phone number.
List the most relevant references first: Organize your references by relevance, listing the ones most relevant to the job you are applying for first.
Format correctly: Your hostess resume should include a separate section for references. The section heading should be “References.” You should include the names, job titles, companies, email addresses, and phone numbers of your references.
Thank your references: After your job search is complete, make sure to thank your references for their time and support. It’s always good practice to keep your professional relationships positive and strong.
Who to Ask for References
Here are some people you can ask for references:
Former Employers: These individuals can speak to your work ethic, job skills, and experience. They can provide insight into how you handle customer service, team communication, and any challenges you may have faced.
Colleagues: If you have worked with someone in a similar role or attended industry events together, you can ask them to be a reference. They may be able to speak to your collaborative and leadership skills.
Professors or Teachers: If you recently graduated or completed a certification program, you can ask your professors or teachers for a reference. They can speak to your academic achievements, work ethic, and eagerness to learn.
Clients: If you have freelanced or worked independently, you can ask clients to be a reference. They can attest to your communication, customer service, and project management skills.
When you ask someone to be a reference, it’s essential to make sure they are willing and able to speak positively about your qualifications for the job. Make sure you give them enough time to prepare, and provide them with the job description and any relevant information they may need to provide a tailored recommendation.
References are a valuable addition to your hostess resume.
Writing Tips for Hostess Resume
When it comes to writing a stand-out hostess resume, there are a few tips that can help you craft a document that will catch the attention of hiring managers. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:
Tips for Writing a Stand-Out Hostess Resume
1. Highlight your customer service experience
As a hostess, your primary role is to provide excellent customer service to guests. This means that any relevant experience you have in the hospitality industry should be highlighted prominently on your resume. Emphasize any previous work in customer-facing roles, such as serving or hosting at restaurants, working at hotels, or even volunteering at events.
2. Showcase your communication skills
Effective communication is key to success as a hostess, as you will be greeting and interacting with guests throughout your shift. Make sure your resume showcases your ability to communicate clearly and professionally. Be sure to note any experience you have working with customers, answering phones, or managing reservations.
3. Highlight your multitasking abilities
Hostesses need to be able to juggle multiple tasks at once, including greeting guests, managing the waitlist, and communicating with the kitchen and waitstaff. Make sure your resume highlights your ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure.
4. Mention any relevant certifications or training
If you have completed any relevant certifications or training courses, be sure to mention them on your resume. This may include things like food safety certifications or training in point-of-sale systems.
Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
While there are several things you should include on your hostess resume, there are also some common mistakes that can hurt your chances of landing the job. Here are a few things to avoid:
1. Typos and grammatical errors
Nothing screams “unprofessional” like a resume with typos and grammatical errors. Make sure you proofread your resume carefully and have someone else review it as well.
2. Generic language
It’s important to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Avoid using generic language and focus instead on showcasing how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the position.
3. Overloading with irrelevant information
While it’s important to include relevant details on your resume, be careful not to overload it with irrelevant information. Stick to the most important and impressive points, and let your experience speak for itself.
By keeping these tips in mind and avoiding common resume mistakes, you can create a stand-out hostess resume that highlights your qualifications and catches the eye of hiring managers.
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