BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasHosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop

O*NET · 35-9031.00

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop

Welcome patrons, seat them at tables or in lounge, and help ensure quality of facilities and service.

Also called Bar Host · Bar Hostess · Breakfast Host · Buffet Hostess · Deli Host · Deli Host (Delicatessen Host) · Dining Coordinator · Dining Room Host
16 more

Dining Room Hostess · Front Desk Host · Front Desk Hostess · Greeter · Host · Host Coordinator · Hostess · Parlor Chaperone · Party Host · Party Hostess · Private Dining Coordinator · Restaurant Host · Restaurant Hostess · Seater · Tearoom Host · Tearoom Hostess

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code SEC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SECSocial · Enterprising · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social5.24
  • E Enterprising4.44
  • C Conventional4.09
  • R Realistic3.19
  • A Artistic1.73
  • I Investigative1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma42%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent29%
  • Some College Courses16%
  • Bachelor's Degree13%
Related work experience
None (63%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (60%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (83%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.52.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Service Orientation3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Speakingbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Social Perceptiveness3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.92.1Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Persuasion2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Time Management2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Active Learningbasic2.62.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23

Tasks

13 core · 7 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Provide guests with menus.4.8
  2. Greet guests and seat them at tables or in waiting areas.4.7
  3. Maintain contact with kitchen staff, management, serving staff, and customers to ensure that dining details are handled properly and customers' concerns are addressed.4.6
  4. Assign patrons to tables suitable for their needs and according to rotation so that servers receive an appropriate number of seatings.4.4
  5. Supervise and coordinate activities of dining room staff to ensure that patrons receive prompt and courteous service.4.3
  6. Speak with patrons to ensure satisfaction with food and service, to respond to complaints, or to make conversation.4.3
  7. Answer telephone calls and respond to inquiries or transfer calls.4.3
  8. Inspect dining and serving areas to ensure cleanliness and proper setup.4.3
  9. Inspect restrooms for cleanliness and availability of supplies, and clean restrooms when necessary.4.2
  10. Assist other restaurant workers by serving food and beverages, or by bussing tables.4.2
  11. Take and prepare to-go orders.4.1
  12. Receive and record patrons' dining reservations.3.9
Show the other 8
  1. Inform patrons of establishment specialties and features.3.9
  2. Operate cash registers to accept payments for food and beverages.4.3
  3. Direct patrons to coatrooms and waiting areas, such as lounges.4.2
  4. Prepare cash receipts after establishments close, and make bank deposits.4.1
  5. Order or requisition supplies and equipment for tables and serving stations.3.5
  6. Hire, train, and supervise food and beverage service staff.3.4
  7. Confer with other staff to help plan establishments' menus.3.4
  8. Perform marketing and advertising services.2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.54.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.72.6
  • Food Production3.02.2Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Psychology2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Administration and Management2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Computers and Electronics2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Foreign Language2.41.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
Show all 33
  • Public Safety and Security2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Sales and Marketing2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Education and Training2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Mathematics2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Communications and Media2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Production and Processing2.21.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Administrative2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Design1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Telecommunications1.90.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation1.70.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Chemistry1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Philosophy and Theology1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Law and Government1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Mechanical1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Physics1.40.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Engineering and Technology1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • Geography1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Building and Construction1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral Expression4.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Speech Recognition3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Speech Clarity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Deductive Reasoning3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Near Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem Sensitivity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
  • Written Comprehension3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Far Vision2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Information Ordering2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Selective Attention2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Time Sharing2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Trunk Strength2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Category Flexibility2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Written Expression2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Finger Dexterity2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Auditory Attention2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Flexibility of Closure2.12.4Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Gross Body Coordination2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Manual Dexterity2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Memorization2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Speed of Closure2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Fluency of Ideas2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.00.9
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Number Facility2.02.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual Speed2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Stamina2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Visualization2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Control Precision1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth Perception1.90.9
  • Extent Flexibility1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Originality1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Visual Color Discrimination1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Dynamic Strength1.80.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.50.5
  • Spatial Orientation1.40.5
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Peripheral Vision1.3—
  • Rate Control1.1—
  • Reaction Time1.1—
  • Response Orientation1.1—
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Getting Information3.82.1Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.72.5Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.62.6
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.52.6
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.52.8
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
Show all 41
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.42.1Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.32.6
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.31.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.31.9Level 1 looks like: Determine the meal selection for a cafeteria
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.22.6
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.12.1Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.12.7
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.12.9
  • Training and Teaching Others3.02.4Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.92.8
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.81.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Developing and Building Teams2.81.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Processing Information2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.71.8Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.71.8Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Keep up with price changes in a small retail store
  • Working with Computers2.51.6Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.41.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.31.2Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Thinking Creatively2.31.4Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.21.0Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.21.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.11.2Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.8
  • Spend Time Standing4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.7
  • Spend Time Walking or Running4.5
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.2
  • Physical Proximity4.2
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.2

Technology

10 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Windows
Other tools (6)
  • Avenista Table Reservations
  • GuestBridge Reserve
  • Hospitality Control Solutions Aloha Point-of-Sale
  • iMagic Restaurant Reservation
  • OpenTable
  • Reservation software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Waiters and Waitresses
  2. Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
  3. Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
  4. Fast Food and Counter Workers
  5. Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
  6. Bartenders
  7. Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants
  8. Passenger Attendants
  9. Baristas
  10. Demonstrators and Product Promoters

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.