Hosts/Hostesses

High School

Educational requirements vary by restaurant. Some restaurants hire individuals who are still in high school for this position. Others require or prefer their hosts or hostesses to have a minimum of a high school diploma. Classes in math will help you hone skills when taking cash when people pay their bills. Speech classes will help you to communicate effectively with coworkers and customers. Other useful classes include business, foreign language, computer science, and psychology. Joining school clubs or participating in group activities will help you to build your teamwork skills.

Certification

Aspiring and current hospitality and restaurant workers can earn certificates in customer service, hospitality/restaurant management, business operations, and related fields to improve their skills and make themselves more attractive candidates for employment. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Most restaurants and other establishments provide on-the-job training to help employees learn restaurant policies and procedures as well as customer service. Some establishments offer formal orientation and training programs, self-study programs, online programs, and audiovisual presentation or instructional booklets. In other cases, on-the-job training will be an informal process.