Additional duties include taking reservations and arranging parties. In some restaurants they also act as cashiers. Hosts and Hostesses is in the Personal and Commercial Services Career Cluster. Worker Characteristics Ability to coordinate the movement of eyes and hands when giving out menus Ability to estimate the size of a group of customers Ability to understand and use words when talking to others Ability to work with numbers Ability to look at a seating chart and know where to put a group Desire to serve the wishes and needs of others Willingness to supervise others and be in charge Willingness to perform the same tasks over and over Physical Demands Frequently use arms and hands to reach for and handle objects, such as checks Frequently talk and listen to customers Frequently lift and move objects that weigh up to ten pounds, such as a pile of menus Occasionally lift and move objects that weigh up to 20 pounds, such as a high chair Occasionally need to see nearby objects clearly, as when reading a waiting list Occasionally use fingers to pick up small objects, such as coins Work Setting Hosts and hostesses usually work inside. The majority of hosts and hostesses work part time.
Some diners are open all day and coffee shops often open early in the morning.
Thus some hosts and hostesses work early mornings while others may work evenings or nights. They may also work weekends and holidays. Some hosts and hostesses wear uniforms. Wages vary according to training, experience and location. Entry level wages may be lower.