In the world of hospitality, the role of a Host is pivotal to the success of any restaurant, hotel, or entertainment venue. A Host is often the first point of contact for guests, responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere, managing reservations, and ensuring smooth front-of-house operations. The average salary for a Host in the UK ranges between £18,000 and £25,000 per year, with opportunities to earn more in upscale venues or senior front-of-house positions. Given the importance of first impressions in hospitality, your Host CV
must stand out to secure interviews. Crafting a compelling CV is your gateway to landing this vital role and progressing your career in the vibrant world of hospitality.
Why a Strong Host CV Matters
A well-written CV does more than list your previous employment. It highlights your personality, professionalism, and ability to handle fast-paced environments. Recruiters often skim CVs for key skills, experience, and presentation. For Hosts, this means demonstrating excellent communication, organisational skills, and a customer-focused mindset. A CV that effectively conveys your value will increase your chances of securing an interview, giving you the opportunity to showcase your talents in person.
Essential Sections of a Host CV
A strong CV template
for a Host position should include the following sections:
Contact Information: Clearly list your full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. Make it easy for recruiters to reach you.
Professional Summary: A concise paragraph summarising your experience, key skills, and career aspirations. Tailor this to highlight your suitability for the Host role.
Key Skills: Include relevant skills such as guest relations, reservation management, conflict resolution, and team collaboration.
Work Experience: List your previous roles, focusing on achievements and responsibilities that demonstrate your competency as a Host. Use bullet points and quantify results where possible.
Education: Include relevant qualifications, hospitality training, or certifications. Even short courses in customer service or hospitality management can add value.
Additional Information: Languages spoken, software proficiency, or voluntary experience can set you apart.
Host CV Example for Inspiration
To provide clarity, here’s a practical CV example
for a Host role:
Jane Doe
London, UK | jane.doe@email.com
| 07123 456789 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Professional Summary
Friendly and proactive Host with over three years’ experience in high-end restaurants and hotels. Skilled in reservation management, guest relations, and front-of-house operations. Adept at creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
Key Skills
Guest Relations and Customer Service
Reservation Systems (OpenTable, ResDiary)
Event Coordination
Team Collaboration and Staff Supervision
Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving
Professional Experience
Front-of-House Host – The Ivy, London | Jan 2021 – Present
Managed daily bookings and ensured smooth guest flow during peak hours.
Trained and supervised junior hosts, improving team efficiency by 20%.
Resolved customer complaints promptly, maintaining a 95% satisfaction rating.
Host – Marriott Hotel, London | Jun 2018 – Dec 2020
Welcomed and seated guests, providing information about facilities and events.
Coordinated with kitchen and service teams to ensure seamless operations.
Maintained accurate reservation records, reducing double bookings by 15%.
Education
Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality and Catering – City of London College, 2018
Advanced Customer Service Course – Online Certification, 2020
Additional Information
Fluent in English and French
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and POS systems
Tips to Create an Interview-Winning Host CV
Tailor Your CV to the Role: Avoid generic CVs. Highlight relevant skills and experience for the Host position. Mention specific venues, types of clientele, or event coordination experience.
Showcase Soft Skills: Hospitality thrives on interpersonal skills. Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, manage stress, and handle diverse customer needs.
Use Metrics Where Possible: Quantifying achievements, such as improving guest satisfaction or managing high-volume bookings, makes your CV more compelling.
Keep it Concise: Aim for a 1–2 page CV. Recruiters spend seconds on the first scan, so ensure key points are easily visible.
Proofread Thoroughly: Spelling or grammatical errors can suggest a lack of attention to detail, especially important for a front-facing role.
CV Structure Advice for Graduates
For those just entering the hospitality industry, a graduate-friendly CV should focus on transferable skills, internships, and relevant coursework. Highlight experience gained during part-time jobs, volunteer roles, or university projects that showcase your organisational and customer service abilities. A concise professional summary expressing your enthusiasm for hospitality can help overcome limited work experience.
CV Structure Advice for Middle and Senior Management
Experienced Hosts seeking managerial positions should emphasise leadership, team management, and operational achievements. Highlight metrics such as revenue growth, staff training initiatives, or process improvements. Include certifications in hospitality management, leadership courses, or customer experience strategies to strengthen credibility. Your CV should convey not only your operational expertise but also your capacity to mentor and lead a team effectively.
Do’s and Don’ts on a Host CV
Do’s:
Do personalise your CV for each application, reflecting the specific venue or type of establishment.
Do include relevant achievements and quantifiable results.
Do maintain a professional layout with clear headings and bullet points for readability.
Do highlight transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Don’ts:
Don’t exaggerate your experience; honesty builds trust with employers.
Don’t clutter your CV with unrelated work history or unnecessary details.
Don’t use unprofessional email addresses; always opt for a simple, professional format.
Don’t neglect formatting; a messy CV can be overlooked even if you have strong experience.
Final Thoughts
Creating a compelling Host CV
doesn’t have to be daunting. By structuring your CV effectively, highlighting the right skills, and tailoring content to each application, you can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews. Remember to be honest, optimistic, and results-focused in your approach.
For all hospitality professionals—whether you’re a graduate, mid-level professional, or senior manager—a well-crafted CV is the first step toward career success. Take the time to polish your CV, showcase your achievements, and make your application stand out from the competition.
If you want to elevate your CV and LinkedIn profile to a professional standard that gets noticed, I invite you to book an appointment with our expert career coaches at CV London
. Together, we can create an interview-winning Host CV that opens doors to exciting career opportunities in the hospitality industry.
