What interview questions should I prepare for a Restaurant Host job interview?

Focus on behavioural questions about guest interaction, conflict resolution, and multitasking whilst exploring reservation management and team communication examples. Use scenario-based questions testing hospitality instincts and professional presentation under pressure.

Common misunderstanding: Generic service questions work for Host roles

Many managers use basic service questions instead of testing specific Restaurant Host skills like guest interaction, conflict resolution, and multitasking in front-of-house environments.

Let's say you are asking "How do you provide good customer service?" This is too general. Ask "Describe how you managed a busy Friday night when you had a 45-minute wait, upset guests, and three special requests." Host roles need specific front-of-house skills.

Common misunderstanding: General hospitality experience equals hosting ability

Some managers think any hospitality experience means someone can handle restaurant hosting, but Restaurant Hosts need specific skills for reservation management and guest coordination.

Let's say you are impressed by a candidate with hotel front desk experience. But restaurant hosting requires different skills: managing waiting lists, coordinating with servers, handling walk-ins, and maintaining guest flow during busy periods. Different hospitality roles need different abilities.

How do I create behavioural questions specific to a Restaurant Host job interview?

Target guest service experiences, conflict handling situations, and organisational challenges whilst requiring specific examples of welcoming guests and managing waiting lists. Structure questions revealing natural hospitality instincts and front-of-house awareness.

Common misunderstanding: Hospitality theory predicts hosting success

Some managers focus on hospitality knowledge instead of testing real guest service experiences and conflict resolution examples that show actual Restaurant Host ability.

Let's say you are asking "What makes good hospitality?" Instead, ask "Tell me about a time you handled multiple angry guests whilst managing reservations and seating during a busy period." Real examples show how candidates handle pressure and solve guest problems.

Common misunderstanding: Natural hospitality instincts are not important

Some managers forget to test natural guest service instincts, but Restaurant Hosts must have genuine warmth and awareness to create positive first impressions for every guest.

Let's say you are evaluating a candidate with good organisational skills but no examples of natural guest connection. Restaurant Hosts need genuine hospitality instincts: reading guest moods, making people feel welcome, and creating positive experiences from the moment guests arrive.

What scenario-based questions work best for assessing Restaurant Host candidates?

Use realistic guest scenarios like managing busy periods, handling special requests, and resolving seating conflicts whilst testing adaptability and grace under pressure. Focus on guest satisfaction, team coordination, and professional composure.

Common misunderstanding: Simple scenarios test hosting ability

Some managers use basic scenarios instead of realistic guest situations that test how candidates handle complex hosting challenges like special requests and seating conflicts.

Let's say you are asking "How would you seat a guest?" Instead, use complex scenarios: "You have a full restaurant, three couples waiting, a party of eight arriving early, and a regular customer requesting their usual table which is occupied. How do you manage this situation?" Real hosting involves complex decision-making.

Common misunderstanding: Pressure testing is unnecessary

Some managers avoid realistic pressure scenarios thinking they are too demanding, but Restaurant Host work involves constant pressure that requires proper assessment of grace under stress.

Let's say you are worried about stressing candidates with busy scenarios. But restaurant hosting involves real pressure: managing multiple guests, handling complaints, coordinating with staff, and maintaining positive energy during chaotic periods. Test pressure grace: "Handle competing demands whilst staying welcoming and organised." This shows real hosting capability.