The hostess in the club: what kind of profession and what responsibilities?

The work of hostesses, especially in a nightclub, is most often perceived ambiguously. The reasons are the novelty of this profession, the lack of popularity and some prejudices associated with working in nightclubs in particular and the sphere of entertainment in general. To understand the essence of the hostesses, you need to consider all aspects of this activity.

The definition of a hostess profession is slightly different depending on the business sector, but in a general sense, it is understood as a person representing an institution or organization. Moreover, the hostess performs this role not only in front of the guests of the establishment, but also at other events - exhibitions, conferences.

Officially, this position appeared relatively recently. Moreover, so far they are only in large night clubs that carefully care about their reputation and the comfort of visitors. Since such establishments are not accessible to everyone, there are several erroneous opinions among the general public regarding this profession.

The most harmless is the identification of hostesses and the administrator. In practice, a hostess can fulfill the duties of other employees - including solving some administrative issues and even substitute waiters if such a need arose. This is actively used by employers, hanging on the employee all sorts of related tasks. Often, hostesses are compared with girls who provide services from the “crazy menu”. Really, in low-level clubs, employees who are not constrained by moral principles can use this method to earn extra income. But in reputable institutions this is unacceptable.

In accordance with Russian law applying for a position hostesses should not be refused by gender, however, only young women are secretly taken. In other countries, you can also meet men who do this job no worse.

When choosing any work, its advantages and disadvantages should be weighed. Among the advantages of the hostess profession are the following.

• Ease of employment. Usually, in order to get a job, you do not need a lot of experience or special education. They are easily compensated by a set of suitable personal qualities and existing skills.
• Prospects for increase and development. By conscientiously performing work as hostesses, a person can count on promotion along the career ladder, especially since in large organizations there are usually opportunities for growth (to an administrator, art director, promoter, etc.). Moreover, versatile activity allows you to decide in which direction to move on.
• Communication development. It makes it possible to meet people who are able to provide patronage, to make the necessary connections.
• Gaining experience. Any knowledge can help start an independent business in the service sector or completely abandon this idea.
• Extra bonuses. This includes tips, the ability to use the services of the club for free, etc. The larger the organization, the more developed the reward system.

Although at first glance no obvious flaws can be seen, the people who worked at this place can point out a lot of problems. Without a tip, the salary of hostesses remains low, while girls have to spend a lot of money on their appearance. Most visitors to nightclubs treat staff disrespectfully, often have to deal with conflict situations. Low-paid staff are rarely employed in accordance with the law. The absence of a social package and other disadvantages explain the fact that people here do not stay for a long time.

Typically, the load on the hostess in different institutions varies, and it is not always proportional to the size of the salary. It is much better if all the responsibilities are spelled out in the job description, since the oral option plays into the hands of only the employer. Usually in this position you have to perform a number of tasks:

• greeting, meeting, escort of visitors and farewell;
• reservation of tables and subsequent accommodation of guests;
• consultation on all types of services provided;
• informing about discounts and other offers that are valid now and are also planned in the future;
• partial coordination of staff and assistance when it is not enough;
• provision or resolution of conflicts with other employees and guests;
• all possible assistance if the guest has difficulties;
• compliance with internal regulations and safety rules.

In fact, the hostess is dedicated to the atmosphere in the establishment and the comfort of the guests. To be able to introduce visitors to the club, a girl should be well-versed in the menu, price lists, and opening hours. In addition, you need to be aware of all the instructions of the leadership, get to know the staff and know their schedule. Sometimes additional obligations are added to this list - from responsibility for the safety of property and control of the order in the hall to creating activity on the dance floor and informal communication with guests in order to increase the number of orders.

The best indicator of how well the applicant is suitable for a hostess position is his skills. For this area are important:

• the ability to easily remember a large amount of information, names, faces;
• knowledge of foreign languages ​​(at least spoken English, and in large clubs - Italian, French, etc.);
• knowledge of the principles of nightclubs or other entertainment establishments;
• skills in organizing the workflow and self-organization;
• the ability to arrange a person from the first minutes of communication;
• the ability to establish communication with different guests of the night club (listen, understand their needs, find an approach);
• knowledge of the basic skills of presenting information and creating interest (including by telephone);
• the ability to analyze emerging problem situations and a quick search for ways to resolve them.

All of the above abilities cannot be realized if a person does not have the necessary personal qualities. The first is communicative, since all hostess activities are based on communication with customers, staff and administration. Secondly, the employee must be stress-resistant, flexible and ready for everything - from banal discontent to rudeness.

Thirdly, mindfulness is important. Often, in order for a guest to be satisfied, you need to pay attention to the little things. This is especially true for regular visitors or famous personalities - they can be attracted if you use already familiar information.

All nightclub staff must have stamina. Working conditions in such an institution cannot be called light, but you can adapt to them, having good physical and psychological health. Regardless of the time of day or mood, the hostess should look friendly and smile.

And finally, the face of the night club is definitely must be attractive. This may include requirements for appearance - not necessarily perfect, but without repulsive features. A well-groomed appearance, appropriate make-up and a neat hairstyle are welcome. Much attention is paid to speech - it must be clear, competent, without defects.

Special training in this profession is not provided. On the contrary, it can be a good start to gain experience. Typically, young people are hired for this job right after graduation, and sometimes the schedule allows you to combine both activities. To get started, just make sure that the profession matches the appearance, type of character and communication skills, as well as tighten up English. Usually, after an interview, all newly arrived employees are given a trial period during which they make a choice and gain the necessary experience.

Very often, a change of profession occurs after moving. Despite the high staff turnover and competition, finding a place is easier in large cities with a well-developed network of nightclubs and restaurants. People in such positions often work abroad, although this activity is usually seasonal.