Hosts/Hostesses

Any experience working in the hospitality industry will be useful. Part-time or summer work as a waiter or waitress, or even as a front desk clerk in a hotel, will be useful. You can learn more about this position by observing hosts and hostesses when you dine out at your favorite restaurants. You'll notice that certain people have the ability to make you feel welcome just by their ability to make small talk when walking you to your seat. You could also participate in an information interview with hosts and hostesses to learn more about the field. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What do you like most and least about your job? How did you train for this field? What are some key skills for success? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? How will advances in technology change the field? Perhaps you could even job-shadow a host or hostess to learn even more about the field.

Consider joining SkillsUSA, a national membership organization for middle school, high school, and college students who are interested in pursuing careers in technical, trade, and skilled service occupations. It offers a Customer Service competition, in which participants compete in live role-playing situations that demonstrate their proficiency in communications, problem solving, business etiquette, conflict resolution, and other areas. Visit https://www.skillsusa.org for more information on this and additional competitions, as well as other programs that are offered by the organization.