Host/Hostess ATS Keywords
Restaurant groups operating 50+ locations—including Darden (Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse), Brinker International (Chili's, Maggiano's), and hotel companies like Marriott and Hilton—process 100% of host applications through applicant tracking systems before a manager sees them [1]. Even independent restaurants using platforms like Poached, Harri, or Indeed filter applications by keyword before forwarding to the hiring manager. Understanding which terms these systems scan for transforms a generic host application into one that passes automated screening.
Key Takeaways
- Host/hostess ATS screening is simpler than management-level screening but still filters out 40–60% of applications that lack basic hospitality terminology
- Reservation platform names (OpenTable, Resy, SevenRooms) are among the highest-value keywords for host applications
- Customer service, guest service, and hospitality are baseline terms that must appear—but differentiation comes from restaurant-specific operational language
- Keywords in the professional summary or objective statement receive higher algorithmic weight than those in a skills list
- Matching the exact job posting language—"host" vs. "hostess" vs. "host stand attendant"—is the single most effective optimization
Must-Have Keywords (Tier 1)
These terms appear on 80%+ of host/hostess job postings and likely serve as ATS screening criteria: | Keyword/Phrase | Context for Use | |---|---| | Host / Hostess | "Experienced host with 2 years at high-volume restaurants" | | Customer service | "Delivered customer service to 200+ guests per shift" | | Guest services | "Provided guest services including seating, directions, and recommendations" | | Reservations | "Managed reservations for 180+ parties per evening service" | | Seating | "Coordinated seating for 220-seat dining room across 3 server sections" | | Front of house | "Front of house team member supporting service flow and guest experience" | | Restaurant | "2 years of restaurant experience in fast-paced dining environments" | | Hospitality | "Strong hospitality skills demonstrated through 4.8-star guest feedback" | | Communication skills | "Excellent communication skills for phone, in-person, and team interactions" | | Wait list | "Managed wait list of 30+ parties during peak Saturday dinner service" | | Greeting | "Greeting and seating 200+ guests per shift at upscale casual restaurant" | | Phone | "Handled 80+ phone calls per shift for reservations and inquiries" |
Strong-Match Keywords (Tier 2)
These appear on 50–79% of postings and improve match scores meaningfully: | Keyword/Phrase | Context for Use | |---|---| | OpenTable | "Proficient in OpenTable reservation and table management" | | Table management | "Used digital table management to optimize turn times" | | Guest experience | "Focused on guest experience from arrival through departure" | | Wait time | "Maintained wait time accuracy within 8 minutes of quoted estimate" | | Server rotation | "Managed server rotation to balance section loads during service" | | Floor plan | "Memorized 220-seat floor plan including server sections and accessibility tables" | | Menu knowledge | "Developed menu knowledge to answer guest questions about dishes and allergens" | | Multitasking | "Demonstrated multitasking by managing phone, walk-ins, and wait list simultaneously" | | Fast-paced environment | "Thrived in fast-paced environment averaging 350 covers per service" | | Team player | "Team player coordinating with servers, bussers, and managers" | | Professional appearance | "Maintained professional appearance consistent with restaurant standards" | | Food handler | "Current food handler certification" | | Bilingual | "Bilingual English/Spanish host serving diverse guest demographic" |
Differentiator Keywords (Tier 3)
These appear on fewer than 50% of postings but signal advanced capability: | Keyword/Phrase | Context for Use | |---|---| | Resy | "Managed Resy reservation platform for 150-seat fine dining restaurant" | | SevenRooms | "Used SevenRooms CRM for guest profiling and reservation management" | | Yelp Reservations | "Administered Yelp Reservations and Waitlist for walk-in management" | | Toast Tables | "Operated Toast Tables integrated with POS for real-time table tracking" | | VIP guest | "Handled VIP guest recognition and preferential seating for 50+ regulars" | | Private dining | "Coordinated private dining reservations for events up to 40 guests" | | Fine dining | "2 years of fine dining host experience at Michelin-starred restaurant" | | Covers per shift | "Managed service flow for 350+ covers per shift during peak periods" | | Turn time | "Tracked turn times to improve wait accuracy and table utilization" | | Guest notes | "Maintained detailed guest notes for dietary restrictions and preferences" | | No-show management | "Implemented no-show tracking reducing lost revenue by 12%" | | Coat check | "Managed coat check and personal item storage for 200+ guests" |
Keyword Placement Strategy
Objective or Summary Statement (Highest Weight)
For host positions, a brief 2–3 sentence objective or summary works well: **Example:** "Experienced **host** with 18 months in **fast-paced** **restaurant** environments, managing **reservations** via **OpenTable** and **seating** 200+ guests per shift. Strong **communication skills** and **multitasking** ability demonstrated through accurate **wait time** management and **guest service** excellence. **Bilingual** English/Spanish."
Job Title Line
Match the exact title from the posting. If they post "Host/Hostess," use "Host/Hostess." If they post "Front of House Host," use that exact phrase. Common variations: - Host / Hostess - Host Stand Attendant - Front of House Host - Dining Room Host - Guest Services Host - Reception Host
Work Experience
Embed keywords in achievement statements: **Weak:** "Seated guests at a restaurant." **Strong:** "Managed **seating** and **wait list** for 220-seat **restaurant**, **greeting** 200+ **guests** per shift while operating **OpenTable** **reservation** system and maintaining **server rotation** balance."
Skills Section
Use as a catchall for terms not used in experience: **Format:** "OpenTable | Resy | Table Management | Guest Services | Wait List Management | Phone Handling | Server Rotation | Menu Knowledge | Food Handler Certified | Bilingual English/Spanish"
Resume Section Keywords
For Work Experience
**Action verbs:** Greeted, seated, managed, coordinated, communicated, handled, assisted, organized, maintained, escorted, welcomed, answered, directed, facilitated. **Metrics to include:** - Guests per shift (e.g., "200+ guests per shift") - Restaurant capacity (e.g., "220-seat dining room") - Wait list size (e.g., "30+ party wait list") - Phone volume (e.g., "80+ calls per shift") - Wait time accuracy (e.g., "within 8 minutes of quoted time") - Reservation volume (e.g., "180+ reservations per service")
For Skills Section
**Technology keywords:** OpenTable, Resy, SevenRooms, Yelp Reservations, Toast Tables, Yelp Waitlist, Wisely, POS system, digital wait list, reservation management software. **Service keywords:** Guest greeting, table assignment, server section balancing, wait time estimation, phone etiquette, VIP recognition, party management, coat check, menu presentation. **Compliance keywords:** Food handler card, food handler certification, ServSafe food handler, allergen awareness, ADA accessibility.
Industry-Specific Terms
**Restaurant operations:** Covers, table turn, server section, bus station, expeditor, FOH (front of house), BOH (back of house), POS (point of sale), mise en place, 86'd, comp, void. **Dining formats:** Fine dining, casual dining, fast casual, upscale casual, prix fixe, tasting menu, a la carte, family style, communal seating, bar seating, patio dining. **Guest management:** Walk-in guest, reservation guest, party size, large party, waitlist queue, estimated wait, table-ready notification, buzzer system, text notification, confirmation call.
Action Verbs for Host Resumes
| Generic Verb | Host-Specific Alternative |
|---|---|
| Helped | Assisted, Facilitated, Accommodated |
| Talked to | Greeted, Welcomed, Communicated with |
| Put (at table) | Seated, Escorted, Guided |
| Wrote down | Recorded, Logged, Entered, Documented |
| Answered (phone) | Fielded, Handled, Managed |
| Worked with | Coordinated with, Collaborated with, Supported |
| Watched | Monitored, Tracked, Maintained awareness of |
| Told | Informed, Briefed, Notified, Alerted |
| ## Common Keyword Mistakes | |
| **1. Using only generic terms.** "Customer service" and "teamwork" appear on every resume. Add restaurant-specific terms: "reservation management," "table assignment," "server rotation," "wait list coordination." | |
| **2. Omitting technology platforms.** "Computer skills" is meaningless. "OpenTable proficiency" is a specific match. Name every reservation or table management system you have used. | |
| **3. Missing food handler certification.** Many jurisdictions require food handler cards, and ATS systems at chain restaurants filter for this term. Include "food handler card" or "food handler certification" even if you have not yet obtained it (state "in progress" if applicable). | |
| **4. Not matching the posting's title terminology.** If the job posts "Host/Hostess" and your resume says "Front Desk Receptionist," the ATS may not connect them. Mirror the exact title language from each posting. | |
| **5. Listing responsibilities without metrics.** "Greeted guests" is a responsibility. "Greeted and seated 200+ guests per shift" adds the quantifiable context that ATS systems and human reviewers both value. | |
| **6. Forgetting bilingual ability.** If you speak a second language, include "bilingual English/[language]" prominently. This is a high-value differentiator that many candidates bury or omit entirely. | |
| ## Final Takeaways | |
| ATS optimization for host positions is simpler than for management roles but still essential at chain restaurants, hotel dining rooms, and restaurant groups that process applications digitally. Use restaurant-specific language instead of generic customer service terms, name every technology platform you have used, include food handler certification status, and mirror the exact job title from each posting. These four actions place you ahead of the majority of host applicants who submit generic resumes. | |
| ## Frequently Asked Questions | |
| ### How many keywords should a host resume include? | |
| Target 12–18 unique relevant keywords distributed across your summary, experience, and skills sections. Host resumes are typically one page, so space is limited—prioritize the Tier 1 must-have terms and the most relevant Tier 2 terms for each specific application. | |
| ### Do I need different keywords for fine dining versus casual dining host applications? | |
| Yes. Fine dining applications should include "fine dining," "VIP guest," "coat check," "private dining," "sommelier coordination," and premium reservation platforms (Resy, SevenRooms). Casual dining applications should emphasize "high-volume," "fast-paced," "wait list management," and chain-specific terms. Tailor your keyword emphasis to match the restaurant type. | |
| ### Should I include "hostess" or "host" on my resume? | |
| Use whichever term the job posting uses. Many restaurants are moving toward the gender-neutral "host" for all candidates. If the posting says "host/hostess," include both. If it says "host," use "host." Matching the posting's language maximizes ATS compatibility. | |
| ### Can I list OpenTable familiarity if I have only used it as a diner? | |
| Yes, but frame it honestly: "Familiar with OpenTable reservation interface from guest perspective; eager to learn host-side functionality." Any familiarity with the platform is better than none, and most restaurants expect to train new hosts on their specific system configuration. Mentioning OpenTable familiarity demonstrates technology comfort and restaurant industry awareness. | |
| ### Do casual dining chains use ATS systems for host applications? | |
| Yes. Darden (Olive Garden, LongHorn), Brinker (Chili's), Bloomin' Brands (Outback), and most restaurant chains with 20+ locations use ATS systems. Even independent restaurants using Indeed, Poached, or Harri have basic keyword screening. The volume of applications for host positions—often 50–100+ per posting—makes automated screening necessary at any scale. | |
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| **Sources:** | |
| [1] iCIMS, "Hospitality Industry ATS Implementation Report," icims.com, 2024. | |
| [2] OpenTable, "Restaurant Technology Adoption Statistics," opentable.com, 2024. |