The most sought-after skills by employers within the hospitality industry continue to change. Based on the jobs posted on CulinaryAgents.com in the third quarter of 2022 (July, August, September), here are the top requested skills for some of the most common Front of House positions.

Pro-tip for Job Seekers: Before applying to jobs, cross-check your skills against these that are in high demand to see which role(s) you are most qualified for and/or if you are seeking to grow into a new role, identifiy which skills you need to work on to take you to the next level.

Top 25 Most Sought After Skills for FOH Positions

  1. Wine Service
  2. Customer Service
  3. High Volume Service
  4. POS Systems
  5. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  6. Team Development and Training
  7. Communication
  8. Food Safety Knowledge
  9. Service Procedures
  10. Teamwork
  11. Conflict Resolution
  12. Fine Dining Service
  13. Positive Attitude
  14. Wine Knowledge
  15. Attention to Detail
  16. Food and Beverage Pairing
  17. Beer Knowledge
  18. People Skills
  19. Spirits Knowledge
  20. Cocktail Making
  21. Professionalism
  22. Work In a Fast-Paced Environment
  23. Scheduling
  24. Multitasking
  25. Staff Management of up to 20

 

Host

  1. Customer Service
  2. Reservation Systems (e.g., OpenTable, Resy)
  3. High Volume Service
  4. POS Systems
  5. Communication
  6. Reservation Management Platforms
  7. Teamwork
  8. Positive Attitude
  9. Conflict Resolution
  10. Fine Dining Service 

 

Busser

  1. Heavy Lifting
  2. Taking Direction and Feedback
  3. Safety and Sanitation
  4. Wine Knowledge
  5. Food and Beverage Pairing
  6. Organizational Skills
  7. Clearing Tables
  8. Following Steps of Service
  9. Team Player
  10. Work Well Under Pressure

 

Server

  1. Wine Service
  2. Customer Service
  3. POS Systems
  4. High Volume Service
  5. Food Safety Knowledge
  6. Service Procedures
  7. Teamwork
  8. Communication
  9. Food and Beverage Pairing
  10. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs

 

General Manager

  1. Team Development and Training
  2. Wine Service
  3. Customer Service
  4. POS Systems
  5. Food Safety Knowledge
  6. Scheduling
  7. High Volume Service
  8. Conflict Resolution
  9. Staff Management of up to 20
  10. Leadership

 

Director of Operations

  1. Team Development and Training
  2. Customer Service
  3. Communication
  4. Organizational Skills
  5. Conflict Resolution
  6. Operations Management
  7. Team Management
  8. Food Safety Knowledge
  9. Leadership
  10. Professionalism

 

Barback

  1. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  2. Customer Service
  3. High Volume Service
  4. Glassware Knowledge
  5. Spirits Knowledge
  6. Teamwork
  7. Positive Attitude
  8. Multitasking
  9. Beer Knowledge
  10. Organizational Skills

 

Bartender

  1. Wine Service
  2. Bartending Skills
  3. Cocktail Making
  4. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  5. Spirits Knowledge
  6. Beer Knowledge
  7. Wine Knowledge
  8. Customer Service
  9. Service Procedures
  10. POS Systems

  

Sommelier

  1. Wine Service
  2. Wine Knowledge
  3. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  4. Team Development and Training
  5. Regional Wine Knowledge
  6. Food and Beverage Pairing
  7. Service Procedures
  8. Inventory Management
  9. Wine Cellar Organization
  10. Glassware Knowledge

 

Beverage Director

  1. Wine Service
  2. Team Development and Training
  3. Cocktail Making
  4. Spirits Knowledge
  5. Beer Knowledge
  6. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  7. Wine Knowledge
  8. Inventory Management
  9. Food and Beverage Pairing

 

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