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Host/Hostess Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated 1 April 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Host/Hostess interview questions and answers.

  1. What does a positive customer experience mean to you? See answer
  2. How do you handle VIP guests at a restaurant? See answer
  3. How do you organise seating so that each server has a fair distribution of tables? See answer
  4. How do you learn the details of the menu? See answer
  5. In your opinion, what is the most essential skill for a host? See answer
  6. Describe a time a table left upset about the service they received during their meal. See answer
  7. How do you accommodate special dietary needs? See answer
  8. How would you handle an emergency in the restaurant? See answer
  9. How do you handle a customer who demands to be seated immediately? See answer
  10. Imagine a group of six arrive, insisting they made a reservation for dinner, but there is no entry in the system. How do you handle the situation? See answer
  11. Why do you want to work as a host for our restaurant? See answer
  12. Describe any related training you’ve completed that qualifies you to work as a host.
  13. A couple comes in to be seated for lunch while you’re on the phone booking a reservation. What do you do?
  14. How do you communicate a guest’s special requests to the server?
  15. You notice the server hasn’t yet greeted the couple you sat five minutes ago. What do you do?
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Host/Hostess Interview Questions and Answers

What does a positive customer experience mean to you?

A host is typically a guest's first and last contact at the restaurant. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's idea of their role in providing exceptional service. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of the qualities that create an excellent customer experience
  • Ability to treat each guest with respect and dignity
  • A positive, enthusiastic, and friendly attitude
Example:

"An outstanding customer experience is our shared team goal. We all work to ensure the customer has their needs fully met, enjoys their dining experience, and leaves the restaurant beaming. My role as a host is to set the stage for the customer and make them feel welcome."

How do you handle VIP guests at a restaurant?

Your restaurant may host special guests, such as media personalities, food critics, or dignitaries. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate handles VIPs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Dedication to providing exceptional service to all guests, regardless of status
  • Recognition of special guests by including notes in the reservation system
  • Ability to remain calm and follow company procedures for serving VIP guests
Example:

"I aim to treat all customers as special guests. However, if a restaurant critic or another VIP makes a reservation, I ensure management knows immediately. This way, we can coordinate a private room or any special requests for their meal. I have welcomed a few celebrities in the past and know never to ask them for photos or autographs. I also..."

How do you organise seating so that each server has a fair distribution of tables?

Because a host seats restaurant guests, they need to be aware of evenly seating tables so servers get an even distribution. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's understanding of the seating process. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interpersonal and communication skills to work with all team members
  • Ability to follow company policy regarding seating tables
  • Ability to remain unbiased and treat all servers fairly
Example:

"I keep a detailed floor plan and rotate through each server's section as guests arrive. This way, each server ends up with an even distribution of tables. If a guest makes a special seating request for a busy section, I inform the server ahead of time so they can prepare for multiple tables. This way, we can still accommodate the guest."

How do you learn the details of the menu?

Although a host is not typically serving guests at the table, they must be familiar with the menu. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's process for learning the restaurant's food and beverages. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to remember menu items and details of ingredients and preparation methods
  • Eager to try new dishes to describe menu items to customers
  • Ability to ask questions and discuss dishes with other team members to gather knowledge
Example:

"When first starting a new position, I always take the menu home and memorise the dishes. I also spend time with the chef or line cooks to understand how they prepare the dishes, dietary restrictions, and what substitutes we can make for guests."

In your opinion, what is the most essential skill for a host?

A successful host must have several competencies, such as organisation, time management, and communication skills. The question's goal is to evaluate whether the candidate has important skills for the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • A positive and enthusiastic attitude about the position
  • Understanding a host's duties and responsibilities
  • Foundational knowledge of customer service
Example:

"I think the most important skill as a host is organisation. If I can stay organised, then I can provide the best quality service to our guests. organisation allows me to focus on details and anticipate changes to the seating plan to accommodate more guests."

Describe any related training you've completed that qualifies you to work as a host.

There are no academic requirements for hosts. However, candidates should have a high school diploma or GED. This question evaluates the candidate's background and whether they have relevant training.What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in taking part in professional development opportunities
  • Ability to learn skills and adapt knowledge to the position
  • Awareness of necessary industry requirements
Example:

"I have a current Food Handler certificate and completed Alberta's ProServe programme. These certificates allow me to run food and alcoholic drink orders out to tables to help my colleagues when it's busy. I also completed a customer service training programme in my previous position. I learned..."

Describe a time a table left upset about the service they received during their meal.

A host is often the last point of contact with guests as they leave the restaurant. This means they have the opportunity to improve a poor experience and encourage guests to visit again. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to handling a bad service experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Problem-solving skills to improve a negative experience
  • A friendly and polite attitude when handling complaints
Example:

"One example I can remember was a table of four leaving the restaurant. As I helped them with their coats, I asked them about their experience. They expressed their displeasure with the lack of service and attention from their server. I apologised and called the manager over who offered the guests a free round of drinks for their next visit."

How do you accommodate special dietary needs?

A successful host needs to understand the menu and modification options for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions. The question's goal is to evaluate the candidate's level of knowledge in accommodating special dietary needs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of food allergies and dietary restrictions
  • Ability to provide menu alternatives and suggestions
  • Ability to listen actively and come up with solutions that work for both the guest and the kitchen
Example:

"When I start a new position as a host, I learn the menu and the ingredients in every item. I can then make informed suggestions for guests and answer any of their questions. I also inform a guest's server of any allergies or dietary needs before they approach the table."

How would you handle an emergency in the restaurant?

An emergency can happen anywhere in a restaurant, so all employees should be ready and able to respond. This question evaluates the candidate's ability to handle a crisis effectively and calmly. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to follow company procedures in case of an emergency
  • Ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations and communicate to ask questions and relay information
  • Safety training
Example:

"I've only had to handle a few emergencies in my previous positions. If the restaurant has a specific emergency protocol, then I follow the instructions. Otherwise, I assess the situation and decide on the best course of action. I take refresher FirstAid training courses regularly to ensure I stay current. Ensuring the safety of the guests and staff are paramount."

How do you handle a customer who demands to be seated immediately?

The question's goal is to evaluate the candidate's ability to remain composed when interacting with all guests. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to remain friendly and polite regardless of the customer's demeanour
  • Communication skills to set guest expectations
  • Ready to assess the situation quickly and find a suitable solution
Example:

"When a customer demands immediate seating, I stay calm and composed and keep a positive attitude. I check my available seating and look for a table to accommodate them. If there isn't one available, I offer a seat at the bar and provide them with a realistic wait time."

Imagine a group of six arrive, insisting they made a reservation for dinner, but there is no entry in the system. How do you handle the situation?

A successful host knows how to handle difficult situations by providing high-quality service to guests. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's solution to a potentially negative experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to remain calm when managing challenges
  • Ready to think creatively to find suitable solutions
  • Dedication to providing a positive guest experience
Example:

"If a party of six came in and we lost their reservation or didn't record it properly, I would immediately apologise for the confusion. I'd review the reservation and seating schedule and see how I could accommodate them in the restaurant. With permission of my manager, I would offer them..."

A couple comes in to be seated for lunch while you're on the phone booking a reservation. What do you do?

A skilled host must manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining a high standard of service. The question's goal is to evaluate the candidate's ability to multitask. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to provide a positive experience to all guests in person and on the phone
  • Ability to remain organised and efficient when performing their duties
Example:

"When I'm on the phone with a customer and a guest walks into the restaurant, I smile. I always acknowledge and welcome them so they know I'll help them as soon as I can. When I finish my conversation with the customer on the phone, I formally greet the new guests."

How do you communicate a guest's special requests to the server?

When guests arrive at a restaurant, they sometimes tell the host of a special occasion or request. The question's goal is to determine how the candidate handles the information and relays it to the server or management. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to provide an exceptional experience to each guest
  • Ready to make accommodations for a guest's special request
  • Communication and interpersonal skills to relay important information to other team members
Example:

"When a guest is celebrating a special occasion or has other special requests, I seat the table and then talk to the server privately about any required accommodations. Depending on the circumstance, I may also inform management so they can visit the table during their meal."

You notice the server hasn't yet greeted the couple you sat five minutes ago. What do you do?

A successful host is aware of their surroundings and the movement of guests. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's response to a table being unserved. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of guests waiting or where they are in their meal service
  • Intention to provide a positive experience to all guests
  • Communication skills to ensure servers know they have waiting guests in a friendly manner
Example:

"If a server hasn't approached the table for a considerable time, I try to alert the server. If I can't find them, I ask the table if I can bring them a beverage to get started. I'll then find their server to relay the drink order and ask if they need help."

Why do you want to work as a host for our restaurant?

This question assesses the candidate's reason for applying and any research they completed before attending the interview. What to look for in an answer:

  • A positive attitude about your company
  • Communication skills to provide a well-thought answer
  • Enthusiasm for the role and providing high-quality customer service
Example:

"I've been a guest at this location several times, and I'm always impressed by the food and service. I would love to be a part of a team that serves guests to such a high standard."

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