Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: Including accomplishments with quantifiable metrics helps show their value. By showing how they boosted revenue by 25% and reduced waste by 30%, the applicant makes their impact evident.
- Showcases career trajectory: Starting as a customer service assistant and advancing to hostess role demonstrates their career trajectory with increased guest interaction responsibilities and reservation management expertise.
- Uses action-oriented language: Using action verbs like “greeted,” “managed,” and “trained” effectively conveys initiative, showcasing the applicant’s proactive approach to service tasks.
More Host and Hostess Resume Examples
Take a look at our host and hostess resume examples to see the best ways to highlight your customer service, multitasking, and communication skills. Use these examples to guide you in crafting a resume that impresses potential employers.
Entry-level hostess
Why this resume works
- Effective use of keywords: Strategically embedding keywords like customer service and reservation management aids in navigating applicant tracking systems, improving visibility for roles requiring these skills.
- Sections are well-organized: Effective use of bullet points and headers makes the resume easy to scan, ensuring key achievements are quickly accessible and improving readability.
- Shows digital literacy: Managing online bookings with precision showcases digital literacy and strong computer skills, a critical component of modern workplaces.
Mid-level host
Why this resume works
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: The applicant effectively balances technical skills like reservation management with interpersonal skills, ensuring smooth guest experiences and high satisfaction rates in hospitality settings.
- Demonstrates language abilities: The applicant’s language skills in Spanish, French, and German improve their ability to engage diverse guests in international hospitality environments.
- Points to measurable outcomes: Achieving a 95% issue resolution rate and boosting reservation efficiency by 20% showcases the applicant’s ability to achieve measurable outcomes through dedicated service improvements.
Experienced host
Why this resume works
- Lists relevant certifications: Listing certifications like Certified Hospitality Professional on the resume showcases continuous learning and dedication to staying current in the field.
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: Implementing a reservation system that boosts efficiency highlights senior-level performance and impactful business results.
- Emphasizes leadership skills: Training new staff to improve service quality clearly emphasizes leadership skills that are important for team success.
Host and Hostess Resume Template (Text Version)
David Brown
Nashville, TN 37203
(555)555-5555
David.Brown@example.com
Professional Summary
Dynamic host with over six years’ experience enhancing guest experiences through exceptional service and efficient management. Proven track record in boosting customer satisfaction through streamlined processes and effective team training.
Work History
Host
Sunset Grill – Nashville, TN
January 2023 – July 2025
- Greeted 100+ guests daily, enhancing dining experience
- Managed reservations, optimizing seating capacity by 20%
- Trained new staff, increasing efficiency by 15%
Front Desk Associate
The Urban Fork – Murfreesboro, TN
January 2020 – December 2022
- Assisted 150+ customers weekly with seating arrangements
- Increased customer satisfaction scores by 10%
- Resolved guest complaints promptly, ensuring loyalty
Customer Service Assistant
Harborview Bistro – Franklin, TN
July 2017 – December 2019
- Facilitated communication between kitchen and floor
- Coordinated private events, boosting revenue by 25%
- Monitored supply levels, reducing waste by 30%
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Beginner (A1)
- German – Intermediate (B1)
Skills
- Customer Service
- Guest Relations
- Reservation Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Staff Training
- Problem Solving
- POS Systems
Certifications
- Certified Hospitality Professional – Hospitality Professionals Association
- Restaurant Management Certification – National Restaurant Association
Education
Master’s Hospitality Management
University of Southern California Los Angeles, California
June 2017
Bachelor’s Business Administration
University of California Berkeley, California
June 2015
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Host and Hostess Resume
Learn how to craft the perfect resume for a hosting gig! Whether you’re looking to land your first position or aiming to step up in your hospitality career, we’ve got you covered.
Discover tips tailored specifically for hosts and hostesses to help you spotlight your unique skills and experience.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary on a resume acts as an introduction to hiring managers. For a hostess, this section can highlight your background and experience in customer service and hospitality. Depending on your level of experience, decide whether to use a summary or a resume objective as your introduction.
A professional summary is a brief paragraph that showcases your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s best for experienced applicants who want to highlight their professional identity and value. A strong summary for a hostess might include years of service in the industry, ability to manage guest experiences, and exceptional communication skills.
Resume objectives are statements about career goals. They work well for entry-level workers, career changers, or those with employment gaps. An objective focuses on what you aim to contribute rather than past accomplishments. For example, as a host or hostess seeking their first job or returning to the workforce, an objective might express a desire to create welcoming environments for guests.
Now let’s explore some examples of both summaries and objectives tailored for hostesses at different stages in their careers.
Host and hostess resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent hospitality management graduate with foundational skills in customer service and event coordination. Possesses a Food Handler Certification and basic knowledge of reservation systems. Eager to create welcoming environments and assist guests with detailed attention.
Mid-career
Experienced host with over three years in high-volume restaurants and event venues, adept at managing guest flow and seating arrangements efficiently. Skilled in handling reservations, resolving guest inquiries, and maintaining strong relationships with regular patrons. Recognized for excellent communication skills and a professional demeanor.
Experienced
Seasoned hostess known for leadership in front-of-house operations within luxury dining establishments. Expert at training staff on guest service protocols and optimizing seating strategies for peak hours. Proven track record of improving guest satisfaction scores through personalized interactions and team collaboration.
Host and hostess resume objective examples
Entry-level
Friendly and organized individual with strong communication skills seeking an entry-level hostess position in a vibrant restaurant environment. Excited to create welcoming experiences for guests and support the team by efficiently managing reservations and seating arrangements.
Career changer
Customer service professional transitioning into hospitality as a hostess, bringing excellent interpersonal skills and a keen ability to anticipate guest needs. Eager to contribute positively to the dining experience and foster a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits.
Recent graduate
Detail-oriented recent business management graduate looking to kickstart a career in hospitality as a host. Passionate about using organizational skills and customer-centric approach to ensure smooth operations and memorable guest interactions.
Stand out as a host or hostess with a polished resume! Use our Resume Builder to easily create a professional look and highlight your customer service skills.
Include relevant certifications and training
Certifications and training are important because they show that you have special skills to do your job well. They can help you stand out when applying for jobs, showing employers that you’ve learned how to handle different situations or use specific tools needed in the hospitality industry.
Having certifications can also make guests feel more comfortable knowing they’re being taken care of by someone trained professionally. Certifications for roles in the food service industry include:
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification
- TIPS Alcohol Certification
- CPR and First Aid Training
- Hospitality and Guest Service Management Course
- Restaurant Hostess Training Program
Listing these certifications on your resume can help you get noticed by employers. They show that you’re ready to work in a busy environment like a restaurant or hotel. Certifications give extra proof that you’re prepared to provide excellent service.
Example of a certifications section
ServSafe Food Handler Certification
Issued by: National Restaurant Association
Expires 2025
Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP)
Issued by: American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
Issued 2023
When listing your certifications, include either the issue date or expiration date of each to show that your credential is current.
Showcase your work experience
Showcasing your work experience as a host or hostess is key to demonstrating your ability to manage customer interactions, create welcoming environments, and handle responsibilities efficiently.
Start with your most recent position and work backward in reverse-chronological order. For each role, include the job title, employer name, location, and employment dates. This format helps employers quickly see your career progression and relevant experiences.
Use clear language that focuses on action and measurable outcomes. For example, instead of saying “greeted guests,” you could say “welcomed an average of 150 guests per shift while maintaining an organized seating schedule.”
Highlight core responsibilities like greeting guests, managing reservations, coordinating seating arrangements, assisting staff during busy hours, or responding to guest inquiries. Whenever possible, show results by including numbers or specific achievements—for instance: “Reduced wait times by 10% through effective table management.”
Tailor descriptions to reflect skills relevant to hosting roles. Showcase adaptability during peak hours or strong communication skills when handling special requests. Use short bullet points if needed but keep sentences concise.
Presenting your experience this way ensures potential employers see how capable you are in delivering excellent service and contributing to smooth operations in hospitality settings.
5 host and hostess work history bullet point examples
- Greeted an average of 150 guests per shift, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere and improving customer satisfaction scores by 20%.
- Managed reservation system efficiently, coordinating seating for up to 200 guests during peak hours and reducing wait times by 15%.
- Trained and mentored new host staff, resulting in a 25% improvement in team performance and service delivery.
- Collaborated with kitchen and serving staff to optimize table turnover rates, increasing restaurant revenue by 10% during busy periods.
- Resolved guest complaints promptly and effectively, maintaining a high level of guest retention and positive feedback.
Choose a resume format that emphasizes your customer service skills and hospitality experience to stand out as a host or hostess.
Match your resume with the job description
Tailoring your resume to job descriptions is key because it helps you stand out to employers and get past applicant tracking systems (ATS). By incorporating keywords and phrases from job postings, you can customize your resume to match closely with the job description.
An ATS-friendly resume includes keywords that align with skills listed in the job posting. This boosts your chances of catching hiring managers’ attention by ensuring your resume passes initial screenings.
To spot keywords from job postings, look for skills, qualifications, and duties mentioned often. For instance, a hosting job might highlight “customer service,” “greeting guests,” or “seating arrangements.” Using these exact phrases can boost how relevant your resume is.
Incorporating these terms naturally into your resume involves rewriting job descriptions effectively. For example, change “Greet and seat guests promptly” to “Greeted and seated guests promptly to improve dining experience.”
Targeted resumes help ensure ATS compatibility by aligning your qualifications with what employers are looking for.
Make sure your resume passes applicant tracking systems! Our ATS Resume Checker finds common mistakes and gives tips to make your resume better.
Salary Insights for Hosts and Hostesses
Salaries can change depending on where you live and what job you have. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics gives information to help you compare pay and make smart choices. More details are provided below.
Top 10 highest-paying states for hosts and hostesses
Hosts and hostesses earn varying salaries across the United States, with a national average of $30,981. The table below highlights the states where hosts and hostesses command the highest compensation.
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for hosts and hostesses across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures presented here reflect the May 2025 dataset, which is the most recent available as of this publication.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $44,190 |
| District of Columbia | $41,360 |
| New York | $41,060 |
| Washington | $40,100 |
| California | $39,390 |
| Arizona | $38,210 |
| Maine | $37,760 |
| Massachusetts | $36,230 |
| Vermont | $36,160 |
| Alaska | $36,280 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my host/hostess resume?
Yes, adding a cover letter to your host or hostess resume can leave a good impression and set you apart from other candidates.
A cover letter lets you show your excitement for the role and venue, while pointing out any specific skills or experiences that make you a great fit.
For instance, if the restaurant is famous for its upscale atmosphere or unique events, mention how your past experience aligns with these elements.
You can create your cover letter using our Cover Letter Generator tool to help you craft personalized content based on your resume details.
Also, looking at cover letter examples tailored to hospitality roles can give you inspiration and insight into what employers are seeking in a strong application.
How long should a host/hostess resume be?
For a host or hostess position, aim for a one-page resume to efficiently showcase your skills and experience. Focus on key attributes such as communication abilities, customer service expertise, and any relevant experience in hospitality settings. Highlighting these will illustrate your suitability for greeting guests and managing seating arrangements.
If you have extensive experience or multiple related roles, a two-page resume might be appropriate. Just ensure every detail included is directly relevant to improving the guest experience or improving service flow.
Explore our guide on how long a resume should be to find examples and tips that match your career stage.
How do you write a host/hostess resume with no experience?
If you haven’t worked as a host or hostess before, highlight skills and experiences that relate to the role. Check out this guide on how to create a resume with no experience.
- Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize communication, customer service, and organizational skills. These are important for interacting with guests and managing reservations.
- Include any related experience: Mention volunteer work or part-time jobs where you handled similar tasks like greeting people, managing queues, or assisting in events.
- Mention relevant personal traits: Attributes such as being personable, attentive to detail, or having a positive attitude can be valuable in a hostess role.
- Focus on education and training: List any hospitality courses, training, or workshops you’ve taken. Even an online course in customer service can show your commitment to learning more about the field.
Consider tailoring your resume for each application by mentioning any specific traits or experiences that align with the restaurant’s culture or clientele.
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Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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