The most sought-after skills by employers within the hospitality industry continue to change. Based on the jobs posted on CulinaryAgents.com in the second quarter of 2023 (April, May, June), 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. Beverage Service
  2. Customer Service
  3. Team Management
  4. POS Systems
  5. High Volume Service
  6. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  7. Communication
  8. Teamwork
  9. Food Safety Knowledge
  10. Service Procedures
  11. Positive Attitude
  12. Attention to Detail
  13. Conflict Resolution
  14. Fine Dining Service
  15. Food and Beverage Pairing
  16. Wine Knowledge
  17. People Skills
  18. Professionalism
  19. Reservation Management Platforms
  20. Cocktail Making
  21. Spirits Knowledge
  22. Organizational Skills
  23. Multitasking
  24. Beer Knowledge
  25. Work in a Fast-Paced Environment

Host

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

Busser

  1. Customer Service
  2. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  3. High Volume Service
  4. Teamwork
  5. Positive Attitude
  6. Communication
  7. Food Safety Knowledge
  8. Service Procedures
  9. Bussing Tables
  10. Fine Dining Service; Work In a Fast-Paced Environment (tied)

Server

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

General Manager

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

Director of Operations

  1. Team Development and Training
  2. Controlling Profit and Loss
  3. Communication
  4. Leadership
  5. Organizational Skills
  6. Operations Management
  7. Team Management
  8. Customer Service
  9. Ordering / Purchasing
  10. Profit and Loss Management

Barback

  1. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  2. Heavy Lifting
  3. Customer Service
  4. Positive Attitude
  5. High Volume Service
  6. Multitasking
  7. Teamwork
  8. Spirits Knowledge
  9. Glassware Knowledge
  10. Safety and Sanitation

Bartender

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

Sommelier

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

Beverage Director

  1. Wine Service
  2. Team Development and Training
  3. Cocktail Making
  4. Wine Knowledge
  5. Beer Knowledge
  6. Customer Service
  7. Spirits Knowledge
  8. Wine Buying
  9. Food and Beverage Pairing
  10. Inventory Management

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