What to include on a host resume
Components of a typical host resume include:Contact information
Place your contact details at the top of your host resume. Contact information includes your name, phone number, email address and the city, state and zip code where you live. Use a professional email address, such as one with your initials or full name, from a reputable email provider. Related: Host Cover Letter Examples and TemplatesProfessional summary
Compose a professional summary that concisely explains your chief qualifications below your contact information. A professional summary makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly understand your primary skills and experiences relevant to their open host position. You can also use for professional summary as a chance to explain why you're interested in this unique position or organization. Related: How To Write a Stellar Entry-Level Resume SummaryEducation
Include a section for your educational credentials and experiences. While most employers have no education requirements for host candidates, some may prefer those who hold a high school diploma or GED. Hosts who hope to eventually advance their careers within the hospitality industry, such as by becoming a flight attendant or restaurant manager, may also possess or be working toward an associate or bachelor's degree. For each of your educational experiences, specify the type of credential that you earned, such as a diploma or degree, along with the name of the program and institution where you received it. If you graduated within the last three years, include the year you completed your program. Related: Host vs. Server: What's the Difference?Work experience
Create a section for your professional experiences, such as jobs and internships. For each of these experiences, state the title of your position, the organization you worked for and the dates of your employment. Beneath these facts, create a bullet point list of your key accomplishments and primary responsibilities within that position. If you have experience as a host or in similar positions, such as in the hospitality or restaurant industry, focus on writing about those roles. Emphasize your job duties or accomplishments that highlight key host skills, such as customer service and adaptability. If you have minimal or no experience as a host or in related fields, spotlight current or previous jobs that demonstrate your transferrable skills, meaning your abilities that prospective employers across a range of industries may value. For example, if you have experience babysitting or pet-sitting, you could describe how you provided care to your clients to demonstrate skills like compassion and organization. Related: How To Write Your Resume Employment History (With Examples)Skills
Create a list of your key skills related to being a host. Adding a skills section can make it easier for employers to quickly scan your resume and see some of your distinguishing professional characteristics. If possible, include a mixture of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are abilities or sets of knowledge developed through studying or training, such as food safety or alcohol regulations. Soft skills, meanwhile, are personality traits and behaviors that can affect how you act on the job, like communication or teamwork. Related: 9 Examples of Good Restaurant Customer ServiceCertifications
If you have any certifications, include a section for these. Although no certifications are required for hosts, some may choose to earn certifications to hone their skills or advance their careers. Hosts who do pursue certification often earn certificates related to food or alcohol, such as food preparation or alcohol safety. Related: How To List Certifications on a Resume (With Examples)Tips for writing a host resume
Here's some advice to help you compose a resume for an open host position:Review the job description
Carefully read over the job posting, paying close attention to the hiring manager's requirements and desired qualifications for candidates. Evaluate how well your skills and experiences align with what a prospective employer is looking for and how you can highlight these qualifications on your host resume. Understanding how you embody the desired qualities for this open host position can help you personalize your resume for this opportunity. Related: 16 Highest-Paying Restaurant Jobs (With Salaries and Duties)Include data
When possible, include data or examples in the professional experience section on your host resume. For instance, if you have experience as a host, you might know approximately how many customers you greet per day or the average wait time for each patron. As another example, if you've worked in retail, you may include examples of helping customers with their returns or addressing questions about the products at the store. Data, examples or other details can serve as evidence of your abilities and may help hiring managers visualize what you might be like as a host at their organization.Make it easy to read
Make it easier for prospective employers to quickly read your application by labeling the various sections of your resume with clear headers, such as "Experience" and "Education." Keep each of your bullet points concise, focusing on the most relevant information that can demonstrate your qualifications for the hiring manager's open host position. Other strategies that can help make your resume easier to read include:- Picking a professional font such as Arial, Garamond or Times New Roman
- Using one-inch margins on all sides
- Writing in a size 11- or 12-point font for the body of your text, with a slightly larger size for your headers