The most sought-after skills by employers within the hospitality industry continue to change. Based on the jobs posted on CulinaryAgents.com in the fourth quarter of 2022 (October, November, December), 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. 100 Covers Per Night
  2. Advanced Knife Skills
  3. Butchery
  4. Food Safety Knowledge
  5. Cleaning / Sanitation
  6. Food Prep
  7. Safety Procedures Knowledge
  8. Basic Knife Skills
  9. Team Management
  10. Communication
  11. Teamwork
  12. Positive Attitude
  13. Portioning
  14. Grilling
  15. Food Handler Certification
  16. Sauteing
  17. Plating and Presentation
  18. Meat Cookery
  19. Vegetable Cookery
  20. Fish Cookery
  21. Frying
  22. Attention to Detail
  23. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  24. Kitchen Management
  25. Inventory Management

Host

  1. Customer Service
  2. Reservation Management Platforms
  3. High Volume Service
  4. Restaurant Management Software
  5. POS Systems
  6. Communication
  7. Conflict Resolution
  8. Teamwork
  9. Positive Attitude
  10. Fine Dining Service

Busser

  1. Customer Service
  2. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  3. Teamwork
  4. Bussing Tables
  5. Service Procedures
  6. High Volume Service
  7. Fine Dining Service
  8. Positive Attitude
  9. Beverage Service
  10. Food Safety Knowledge

Server

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

General Manager

  1. Team Management
  2. Customer Service
  3. Beverage Service
  4. Scheduling
  5. POS Systems
  6. Food Safety Knowledge
  7. Conflict Resolution
  8. High Volume Service
  9. Leadership
  10. Staff Management of up to 75

Director of Operations

  1. Team Management
  2. Customer Service
  3. Financial Management
  4. Business Operations
  5. Communication
  6. Leadership
  7. Office Suite Software
  8. Organizational Skills
  9. Multitasking
  10. Scheduling

Barback

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

Bartender

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

Sommelier

  1. Beverage Service
  2. Food and Beverage Pairing
  3. Wine Knowledge
  4. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  5. Team Management
  6. Customer Service
  7. Glassware Knowledge
  8. Fine Dining Service
  9. Inventory Management
  10. Service Procedures

Beverage Director

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

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