Applebee’s Host Job Description & Interview
Job Description and Duties
What Does a Applebee’s Host Do?
Applebee’s hosts perform a number of job duties. Typical responsibilities include meeting, greeting, and seating guests, taking and making reservations, and answering questions about menu items and other general inquiries. Other specific hosting job duties may include assisting management with administrative tasks and setting tables for guests.
Excellent Personalities Needed
Applebee’s hosts need excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced setting. Personable personalities and friendly attitudes also prove beneficial. Applicants 18 years or older may apply online for host jobs with Applebee’s now. Applebee’s hosts must dress professionally, smile often, look presentable, and exude a courteous and attentive persona.
Salary and Compensation
How Much Do They Get Paid?
Most Applebee’s hosts start out at an hourly wage of $2.00. With experience, some Applebee’s hosts may make up to $12.00 an hour, depending on location. The average pay rate is $6.71 per hour, along with tips.
Other Job Benefits
In addition to competitive pay rates, many Applebee’s locations may offer job benefits, such as meal discounts and other special promotions, to both entry-level workers and career-focused professionals. Applebee’s host salary options and employee benefits vary by restaurant location.
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Applebee’s Host Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Applebee’s Host: At my Applebee’s, they have the host both sit the guests as coordinating, and they also had us bus the tables for the servers. Now that was at our Applebee’s. At other Applebee’s, they have the servers bus their own tables, and the host just focuses… sitting the customer.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Applebee’s Host: It was a very fun and friendly, positive environment. I love coming to work, and working with the people that I do, and seeing new people every day was something I looked forward to.
Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?
Applebee’s Host: Yeah, of course with being in a restaurant you’re going to get new people coming in every day. And just seeing new people and learning about them, and finding out where they’re from was a lot of fun for myself.
Interviewer: Please describe the application and interview process.
Applebee’s Host: Sure. So the application process had three different steps to it. First it started off with an online application, and you’d send that in. And they give you a little pamphlet with the website to go to.
And then after that it was about a week before I got a phone call from them explaining that we want to have myself come in for an interview. I came in for the first interview with one of the lower managers. It was the Front of House Manager that I talked to. And she explained the job, and we kind of got a feel for each other and how I’d fit for the job.
After that interview was over she told me that I’d have to have a second interview with the General Manager to give his input on it to see if I would actually get the job or not.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Applebee’s Host: Sure. So they asked what type of person I am or course, because you want to get a feel for who they are and if they’d be a good fit. Other questions are previous experiences, what things would you be bringing to the table, when would you be able to start, what kind of pay are you looking for, would you be able to meet the requirements for this job and make sure that you’d be overall a positive benefit for the team.
Interviewer: How were you notified that you received the job?
Applebee’s Host: I’ve routinely gone to this Applebee’s before, so they’ve seen my face before. They told me prior it normally takes about a week after you’ve filled the online application, but it also depends on if they’re looking to hire for that position during that time. I got hired in August/September, so that’s when the college students were going back. So it was a need for them to find other positions, which I think’s a big time to focus on going for restaurant jobs, if you’re look to start. Because with college students going back, they’re going to need four, five, six, seven different positions filled and… Yeah, roughly a week, but since I knew the people there, it was a little less than that.
Interviewer: What set you apart from other candidates?
Applebee’s Host: For sure, I think I’m one of the most outgoing people that I’ve ever met. Just being able to branch off and be this exciting person that people look forward to coming to Applebee’s to see. And people enjoy working with me. It makes difference and it really shows different restaurants apart on who they have working for them.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Applebee’s Host: If you have a friendly environment that you want to go, Applebee’s is definitely the place. If you’re looking to build and gain on your customer service experience, restaurants such as Applebee’s are for sure the place to go. Especially because there’s a lot of growth. You could go from host to working carside, to server, bartender, working the back. And Applebee’s is one of the best restaurants for growth. And that’s… if something you’re looking for definitely the place to go.
