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

Related Articles:

• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q4 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q3 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q3 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q2 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q1 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q1 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q4 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q4 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q3 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q3 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q2 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q2 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q1 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q1 2022)