What You Will Do

As a restaurant host or guest service agent, you are the first point of contact for guests. You will greet arrivals, manage reservations, coordinate seating, handle enquiries, and ensure smooth front-of-house operations. Your role sets the tone for the entire dining or venue experience.

You might work in an upscale restaurant managing bookings and VIP guests, a hotel restaurant coordinating between multiple service areas, or a busy café balancing walk-ins with reservations. The role requires excellent organisation, interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm during peak periods.

Your day might include managing reservation systems, greeting and seating guests, coordinating with kitchen and service staff, handling waitlists during busy periods, responding to guest requests and complaints, processing payments and bookings, and maintaining accurate records. We cover all of these skills in our Certificate III in Hospitality, with specific training in guest relations and front-of-house coordination.

The Demand

Every restaurant, hotel, club, and function venue needs skilled hosts and guest service agents. With Melbourne's reputation as Australia's dining capital and Victoria's strong hospitality sector, trained front-of-house professionals are consistently in demand.

The role is particularly valued in upscale establishments where guest experience directly impacts reputation and repeat business. Strong hosts who can manage complex booking systems, handle difficult situations professionally, and maintain service standards are sought after across the industry.

Pay and Conditions

Restaurant hosts and guest service agents are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award. Casual rates include a 25% loading, with penalty rates for weekends, evenings, and public holidays.

Many venues offer regular shifts for reliable hosts, making this role suitable for those seeking consistent hours. The position often includes training in reservation systems, customer relationship management, and service coordination. With experience, you can progress to maître d', front office management, or guest relations management roles.

What We Teach You

Our SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality prepares you for guest service roles across restaurants, hotels, and events. You will learn reservation management, customer service excellence, communication and conflict resolution, front-of-house coordination, and professional presentation standards.

You will complete practical placement in a real hospitality venue, giving you hands-on experience with industry-standard systems and professional service environments. Many of our students secure employment with their placement venue after graduation.

Where You Can Go From Here

Front-of-house experience provides a strong foundation for hospitality management. With experience, you can progress to maître d' or head host roles, move into guest relations or reservations management, or advance to venue management positions.

We are invested in your long-term career success. Talk to us about where you want to take your hospitality career.

Is This Role Right for You?

This career suits people who are organised, personable, and excel at multitasking under pressure. You need excellent communication skills, the ability to remain professional in challenging situations, and genuine enjoyment of creating positive experiences for others.

Attention to detail is critical—you will manage bookings, coordinate service timing, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Strong hosts can read situations quickly, anticipate problems, and maintain composure during busy periods.

If you enjoy being the face of a venue, thrive on organisation and coordination, and want a role where your interpersonal skills directly impact guest satisfaction, this career path could be perfect for you.