Working as a Soho House Hostess is a prestigious and exciting opportunity for anyone passionate about hospitality and luxury service. This role requires a warm, professional demeanor combined with strong organisational skills to ensure every guest enjoys an exceptional experience. Soho House hostesses are often the first point of contact, setting the tone for members and guests alike. The job typically includes welcoming guests, managing reservations, coordinating with the kitchen and bar teams, and maintaining the stylish ambiance the brand is known for. Salaries can vary based on location and experience, but typically range from £22,000 to £28,000 annually, with opportunities for bonuses and advancement within Soho House’s vibrant network.
In this blog post, I will guide you through 25 essential Soho House Hostess interview questions and answers, fully explained to help you prepare confidently. We’ll cover everything from opening questions, competency-based queries using the STAR model, to ending questions. Alongside this, you’ll find key do’s and don’ts and expert interview coaching tips from my 25 years of experience as a UK-based career coach. By the end, you’ll feel ready to ace your interview and secure this sought-after role.
Opening interview questions and answers for Soho House Hostess
Tell me about yourself.
Answer: Start with your background in hospitality, your passion for guest service, and your relevant experience. For example, “I have over three years’ experience in boutique hotels where I developed strong communication and organisational skills, always ensuring guests felt welcomed and valued.”
Why do you want to work at Soho House?
Answer: Demonstrate knowledge of Soho House’s brand and culture: “I admire Soho House for its exclusive, yet friendly atmosphere and commitment to creating memorable experiences. I want to contribute my enthusiasm and hospitality skills to such a dynamic environment.”
What do you know about Soho House?
Answer: Show research and enthusiasm: “Soho House is known for its private members’ clubs blending luxury with a relaxed vibe, offering a unique community for creative professionals.”
Competency questions and answers using the STAR model
Competency questions assess your skills through real examples. The STAR model helps structure your responses:
Situation: Briefly set the context
Task: Explain the task or challenge
Action: Describe what you did
Result: Share the outcome and any achievements
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult guest.
Answer:
Situation: “At my previous job, a guest was unhappy due to a delay in their reservation.”
Task: “I needed to calm them down and resolve the issue quickly.”
Action: “I listened carefully, empathised, offered a complimentary drink, and expedited their seating.”
Result: “The guest appreciated the gesture and left positive feedback.”
How do you manage busy periods without compromising service?
Answer:
Situation: “During peak dinner service, we often had a full house.”
Task: “Maintain smooth operations and guest satisfaction.”
Action: “I prioritised tasks, communicated clearly with the team, and stayed calm under pressure.”
Result: “Our team received compliments for efficiency and friendliness.”
Can you give an example of when you worked well in a team?
Answer:
Situation: “In a busy restaurant setting.”
Task: “Coordinate with kitchen and waitstaff to manage orders.”
Action: “I ensured constant communication and helped out where needed.”
Result: “This teamwork reduced wait times and enhanced guest experience.”
Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism and how you responded.
Answer:
Situation: “My manager pointed out I could improve my upselling techniques.”
Task: “Implement the feedback effectively.”
Action: “I practiced product knowledge and used polite prompts.”
Result: “My upselling improved by 30% within a month.”
More key Soho House Hostess interview questions
How would you describe excellent customer service?
Answer: “Understanding the guest’s needs, being proactive, and delivering a friendly, personalised experience.”
What do you do if you notice a colleague struggling during a shift?
Answer: “Offer support or ask a manager to help, ensuring teamwork maintains smooth service.”
How do you prioritise your tasks?
Answer: “By assessing urgency and guest impact, focusing on immediate needs first.”
What motivates you in your work?
Answer: “Creating memorable experiences and seeing guests leave happy.”
How do you stay organised during hectic shifts?
Answer: “I use checklists, stay focused, and communicate with the team regularly.”
Describe a time you went above and beyond for a guest.
Answer: Provide a clear STAR example of personalised service or problem-solving.
What would you do if a guest complains about noise or environment?
Answer: “Listen carefully, apologise sincerely, and offer a solution such as relocating them.”
How do you handle confidential information about members?
Answer: “By maintaining strict discretion and following company policies.”
Ending questions and answers for Soho House interviews
Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: “Yes, could you tell me about the training and development opportunities for hostesses at Soho House?”
Why should we hire you?
Answer: “I bring strong hospitality skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional service.”
What are your salary expectations?
Answer: Research the market but be realistic and flexible, e.g., “Based on my experience and industry standards, I am looking for around £24,000 but open to discussion.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I hope to grow within Soho House, possibly progressing into supervisory roles.”
How soon can you start?
Answer: Be honest about your availability.
Soho House Hostess interview do’s and don’ts
Do’s:
Dress smartly and professionally, reflecting Soho House’s stylish yet relaxed vibe.
Research the company thoroughly.
Use the STAR model for competency questions.
Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
Listen carefully and answer questions clearly.
Ask insightful questions at the end.
Don’ts:
Don’t speak negatively about past employers.
Avoid vague answers; be specific.
Don’t forget to maintain eye contact and smile.
Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
Avoid exaggerating or fabricating experience.
General interview coaching encouragement and tips
Remember, the role of a Soho House Hostess is all about connection and professionalism. Be confident in your skills and the value you bring. Practising answers to these 25 questions will help you stay composed and articulate during the real interview. Use my interview training approach to refine your answers, focusing on clear communication and genuine engagement. Interviews are as much about your personality as your experience, so let your passion for hospitality shine through.
If you want personalised guidance, consider booking an appointment with an expert interview coach like me at interview-training.co.uk. Effective interview coaching can dramatically increase your chances of success by helping you prepare, practise, and perfect your responses.
Wishing you the best of luck on your Soho House Hostess interview journey — you’ve got this!
