Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Host/Hostess Roles – 2025

Preparing for a host/hostess job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your customer service skills, ability to handle high-pressure situations and strong communication skills. Whether you’re applying for a role at a restaurant, hotel, or event space, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your previous experience as a host/hostess.
  Answer: I have been working as a host/hostess for the past two years at a busy restaurant. Prior to that, I worked as a hostess at a hotel for a year. I have experience greeting and seating guests, taking reservations, and managing wait times.
• 2. How would you handle a difficult guest?
  Answer: I would remain calm and listen to their concerns. I would then try to find a solution that would satisfy the guest and improve their overall experience. If needed, I would involve a manager to help resolve the issue.

Behavioral Questions

• 3. Give an example of a time when you had to multitask as a host/hostess.
  Answer: At my previous job, I had to handle a large group reservation while also managing the waiting list. I made sure to stay organized and communicate effectively with both the group and the waiting guests to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
• 4. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a high-pressure situation as a host/hostess.
  Answer: During a busy holiday weekend, our restaurant was fully booked and we had several walk-in guests. I remained calm and efficiently managed the waitlist, while also ensuring that guests were being seated and served in a timely manner.

Situational Questions

• 5. How would you handle a situation where a guest was unhappy with their seating arrangement?
  Answer: I would apologize and ask them politely if they would like to speak with a manager to find a better seating option. If a manager was not available, I would try to find a different table or offer a complimentary appetizer to improve their experience.
• 6. Imagine that we are expecting a VIP guest who has specific seating preferences. How would you handle this situation?
  Answer: I would check the reservation to ensure their preferences were noted and then prepare the requested seating ahead of time. I would also notify the rest of the team to ensure that the guest receives excellent service throughout their visit.

Technical Questions

• 7. Can you explain how you would take a reservation over the phone?
  Answer: I would greet the caller and ask how many guests they would like to make a reservation for. I would then check availability for the requested date and time, take down the guest's name and contact information, and confirm the reservation details with them before ending the call.
• 8. How would you handle a situation where a guest has a food allergy?
  Answer: I would inform the server and kitchen staff immediately and ensure that the guest's meal is prepared with their allergy in mind. I would also offer to provide the guest with a menu that lists all dishes and their potential allergens to help them make an informed decision.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 9. What do you think is the most important aspect of providing excellent customer service as a host/hostess?
  Answer: I believe that being friendly and attentive to the guests' needs is the most important aspect of providing excellent customer service. Making the guest feel welcome and comfortable can significantly improve their overall dining experience.
• 10. How do you prioritize your tasks when working in a fast-paced environment?
  Answer: I always prioritize tasks based on immediate needs and their impact on the overall customer experience. For example, if there is a long waitlist, seating guests and managing wait times would take precedence over other tasks.

Additional Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a guest is visibly upset with their meal?
  Answer: I would apologize and offer to replace their meal or provide them with a credit for their next visit. I would also inform the chef and make a note of the guest's feedback to ensure the issue is addressed in the future.
• 12. In your opinion, what makes a good host/hostess?
  Answer: A good host/hostess is someone who is friendly, organized, and able to handle high-pressure situations with ease. They should be able to communicate effectively with guests and colleagues, and always strive to provide excellent customer service.
• 13. How would you handle a situation where a guest has made a reservation but does not show up?
  Answer: I would wait for the designated arrival time and then inform the server and manager about the no-show. I would also make a note of the guest's information to ensure that future reservations are handled differently, if necessary.
• 14. Can you describe a time when you had to handle an unexpected issue during a shift?
  Answer: At my previous job, the power went out during a busy dinner service. I quickly informed the guests and provided them with candles and flashlights to ensure their safety. I also consulted with the chef and manager to provide alternative options for cooking and still deliver an enjoyable dining experience.
• 15. How important is maintaining a clean and organized workspace as a host/hostess?
  Answer: It is crucial to maintain a clean and organized workspace as a host/hostess. It not only reflects the image of the restaurant but also helps with efficiency and providing a smooth guest experience.
• 16. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult or unruly guest?
  Answer: At my previous job, a guest was upset that their reservation was not honored due to last-minute changes in the dining room. I remained calm and listened to their concerns, offering to find a solution that would make their experience better. Eventually, they agreed to be seated at a different available time and left the restaurant satisfied.
• 17. How do you handle situations when a guest has a special request or accommodation?
  Answer: I make sure to listen attentively to their request and communicate effectively with the relevant team members to ensure that the request is met. I also make a note of the accommodation to ensure that it is honored every time the guest visits.
• 18. How do you handle receiving multiple reservations at the same time?
  Answer: I prioritize based on reservation times and table availability. If multiple reservations are made for the same time, I would inform the earliest reservation and ask if they would be able to arrive earlier or later to avoid having multiple parties waiting for the same table.
• 19. Can you give an example of a time when you encountered a language barrier with a guest?
  Answer: At my previous job, an international guest could not communicate their order in English. I tried to communicate in their language by using simple words and gestures. I also consulted with a coworker who spoke the same language to ensure that the guest was able to order what they wanted.
• 20. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with colleagues?
  Answer: I always try to address conflicts or disagreements calmly and professionally. I believe in open communication and finding a solution that is beneficial for all parties involved. If necessary, I would involve a manager to mediate and resolve the issue.