How Do You Write a Host CV for the Hospitality Industry?

12/04/2025

A compelling host CV is your first step toward securing a role in the competitive hospitality industry. A well-structured CV that highlights relevant customer service experience, technical skills like reservation software proficiency, and quantifiable achievements can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. This guide provides a step-by-step framework to create a CV that effectively showcases your qualifications to potential employers.

What is a Host CV and Why is it Important?

A host CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a professional document that summarizes your qualifications, skills, and work history for a host position. In the hospitality sector, a host is often the first point of contact for guests, responsible for greeting, seating, managing reservations, and ensuring a positive initial experience. Based on our assessment experience, a targeted CV is crucial because it demonstrates your understanding of the role's specific demands, from customer relationship management to operational multitasking. It convinces hiring managers that you possess the blend of hard and soft skills necessary to represent their establishment effectively.

How to Structure Your Host CV for Maximum Impact?

Following a logical structure ensures hiring managers can quickly identify your key strengths. Here is a proven eight-step process:

Gather Your Information: Before writing, compile all necessary details: past employment history (company names, job titles, dates), educational credentials, certifications (e.g., food safety), and a list of relevant skills. Cross-reference these with the job description to identify the most sought-after qualifications.
Craft a Powerful Header and Professional Summary: Your header should contain your name, phone number, professional email, and city. Directly below, your professional summary is a 2-3 sentence elevator pitch. It should immediately state your years of experience, key skills, and career objectives. For example: "Enthusiastic host with over three years of experience in high-volume restaurants, skilled in reservation management and conflict resolution, seeking to enhance guest satisfaction at a fine-dining establishment."
Highlight Your Hospitality Experience: Detail your previous roles in reverse chronological order. For each position, include the employer, your job title, and dates of employment. Use bullet points with strong action verbs to describe responsibilities and, more importantly, achievements. Instead of "handled reservations," write "Optimized table turnover by managing a reservation system for 100+ covers per night, reducing guest wait times by 15%."
List Your Relevant Skills: Create a dedicated section that blends hard and soft skills. Essential skills for a host include:
- Customer Service: The core of the role, encompassing conflict resolution and guest relations.
- Communication: Clear verbal and non-verbal interaction with guests and staff.
- Multitasking: Ability to greet guests, answer phones, and manage seating charts simultaneously.
- Organisation: Skills in managing reservations, waiting lists, and seating arrangements.
- Hospitality Software Proficiency: Experience with systems like OpenTable, Resy, or similar POS (Point of Sale) systems.
Detail Your Education and Certifications: List your highest educational qualification first. While a degree in hospitality is beneficial, it's not always mandatory. Include relevant certifications such as Food Handler Certification or First Aid/CPR training, as these demonstrate a commitment to safety and industry standards.
Include Professional Achievements: Showcase any awards, recognitions, or successful initiatives. This could be an "Employee of the Month" award or a quantifiable achievement like "Implemented a new greeting protocol that increased positive guest feedback scores by 20%."
Proofread and Edit Meticulously: An error-free CV reflects your attention to detail—a critical skill for a host. Read through the document several times and consider using a grammar-checking tool to catch any mistakes.
Tailor Your CV for Each Application: Customize your CV for every job you apply for. If a role emphasizes event hosting, highlight your experience with private parties. This tailored approach shows the employer you have a genuine interest in their specific opportunity.

What Does a Successful Host CV Example Look Like?

William Robinson Birmingham | +44 5555 555555 | william.robinson@email.com

Professional Summary Dedicated host with over three years of experience in upscale restaurant environments. Expertise in managing complex reservations, providing exceptional guest service, and utilizing hospitality software to optimize seating. Proven ability to resolve customer complaints effectively, enhancing overall satisfaction.

Experience Host | Mannron Hotels, Birmingham | June 2022–January 2023

Managed reservations for a 150-seat dining room using OpenTable, achieving a 98% occupancy rate on weekend nights.
Trained two new host team members on greeting protocols and reservation system management.
Resolved an average of 10+ guest inquiries per shift, consistently receiving positive feedback.

Host | Limazone Restaurant, London | September 2020–June 2022

Coordinated seating for 200+ daily covers, effectively minimizing customer wait times.
Collaborated with serving and kitchen staff to ensure seamless service during peak hours.

Education BSc in International Hospitality Business Management | Unmeet Hospitality Institute, London

Certifications Food Handler Certification, Serviefood (2022) | CPR and First Aid Certification, SafeySec (2023)

To create a winning host CV, focus on quantifying your achievements, tailoring the content to each job, and meticulously proofreading. By emphasizing your direct impact on guest satisfaction and operational efficiency, you present yourself as a valuable asset to any hospitality team.

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