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 2023 (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, identify which skills you need to work on to take you to the next level.

 

Top 25 Most Sought After Skills for FOH Positions

  1. Customer Service
  2. Beverage Service
  3. Teamwork
  4. Team Management
  5. POS Systems
  6. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  7. Communication
  8. High Volume Service
  9. Office Suite Software
  10. Leadership
  11. People Skills
  12. Inventory Management
  13. Attention to Detail
  14. Mobility
  15. Food Safety Knowledge
  16. Positive Attitude
  17. Service Procedures
  18. Standing for Long Periods of Time
  19. Fine Dining Service
  20. Conflict Resolution
  21. Organizational Skills
  22. Food and Beverage Pairing
  23. Business Management Knowledge
  24. Reservation Management Platforms
  25. Scheduling

 

Host

  1. Customer Service
  2. Reservation Management Platforms
  3. Restaurant Management Software
  4. High Volume Service
  5. Communication
  6. Teamwork
  7. Telephone Skills
  8. POS Systems
  9. Positive Attitude
  10. Guest Reception

 

Busser

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

 

Server

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

 

General Manager

  1. Team Management
  2. Business Management Knowledge
  3. POS Systems
  4. Customer Service
  5. Beverage Service
  6. Scheduling
  7. 100 Covers Per Night
  8. Leadership
  9. Food Safety Knowledge
  10. Staff Management of up to 20

 

Director of Operations

  1. Team Management
  2. Customer Service
  3. Business Operations
  4. Communication
  5. Business Management Knowledge
  6. Leadership
  7. Training Others
  8. Office Suite Software
  9. Organizational Skills
  10. Accounting / Bookkeeping

 

Barback

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

 

Bartender

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

 

Sommelier

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

 

Beverage Director

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

 

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