Writing a strong Hostess CV
Hiring managers reviewing a hostess CV look for front-of-house experience that connects directly to restaurant operations: greeting guests, managing OpenTable or Resy bookings, quoting wait times, coordinating table turns, and communicating with servers, bussers, and managers. Your CV should show the types of venues you have worked in, such as casual dining, hotel restaurants, fine dining, or high-volume chains. Include details such as average cover counts, reservation systems used, phone handling, private event support, and any training in food safety, allergy awareness, or POS workflows.
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Three things that matter most
- Show the pace of the restaurants you have supported, such as weekend dinner rushes, 150-cover services, or high-volume brunch shifts. This helps managers understand whether you can handle their floor traffic.
- Name the reservation and waitlist tools you have used, including OpenTable, Resy, Yelp Guest Manager, SevenRooms, or in-house POS systems. Hostess roles often depend on quick, accurate system use during peak periods.
- Include examples of front-desk responsibilities beyond greeting, such as managing takeout pickups, answering menu questions, arranging special seating requests, or supporting private dining check-ins.
Skills hiring managers look for
Frequently asked
How do I write a Hostess CV with no restaurant experience?
Use experience from retail, reception, customer service, volunteering, or school events to show guest greeting, queue management, phone handling, and multitasking. Mention any exposure to booking systems, cash registers, or event check-in desks. If you have completed food safety or hospitality training, place it clearly near the top of your CV.
What should a Hostess CV include for a fine dining restaurant?
Fine dining employers look for polished guest communication, reservation accuracy, and awareness of service standards. Include experience handling VIP guests, coat check, tasting menu questions, dietary notes, special occasions, and coordination with captains or floor managers. If you have used SevenRooms, OpenTable, or a similar guest profile system, name it.
Should I include cover counts or shift volume on a Hostess CV?
Yes, if you know them. Listing details such as seating 120 guests per dinner service or managing a 45-minute waitlist during weekend brunch gives hiring managers useful context. It shows you understand pacing, table turns, and the pressure of a busy host stand.
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