Etiquette & Appearance As a Hostess / Host: The Basics
Around the host / hostess job there are numerous clichés. One of the most persistent is that hosts and hostesses only have to be pretty and smile nicely. But it’s not just about that. As a fair hostess / host you have to have more than good looks. Your style of expression and your behavior must be as convincing as your outward appearance – maybe even more. We've put a few tips together so that you're guaranteed to be convincing in your next hostess job.
#Your Appearance as Hostess: Show Your Charm
The most important characteristics of a successful hostess or a popular host are charisma and a friendly appearance. You should be sovereign and self-conscious, because your appearance has a huge influence on how the customer and the company / brand are perceived. Get to know the company you are working for on this day so that you can answer basic questions competently. The visitors should feel addressed by your charm in order to stop at the booth and want to inform themselves about the company. The magic formula is: friendliness + competence + charm = satisfied customers and fair visitors!
#Competent Advice: Convincing as a Hostess
As a hostess / host you should be open for the wishes of the customer. This applies not only to your outward appearance, but also to your performance and behavior. You are expected to have dealt with the brand and the products. In most cases a briefing will be held in advance to provide you with the necessary information. If you have dealt sufficiently with the company, you will be able to appear more confidently at the trade fair stand and represent the brand competently.
Nevertheless, you will usually only work with the client for a few days at the most. That is why it is impossible for you to answer all questions. But that’s no big deal! You should only know how to react in such a situation. If you don't know the answer yourself, your task is to help find a solution. You can either refer to an employee who can go into the topic in more detail or alternatively you can take a little moment and ask for more information yourself.
#Your Manners: Friendliness Is The Be-All And End-All
The most important thing is to maintain friendliness and helpfulness. Always stay polite and try to solve the situation in a relaxed atmosphere. Most visitors will understand if you kindly ask them to wait a moment.
If, despite all your efforts, a visitor is not satisfied and shows a negative remark or inappropriate behavior towards you, you should still keep your composure. Better take a deep breath and try to stay calm and polite, because with a smile you can improve quite a few bad moods!
Of course you don't have to accept inappropriate behavior without comment. We recommend that you to talk to your local contact person in such cases.
#Present & Inspire: Your Outer Appearance
From hair, make-up and jewelry to clothing, there are many things hostesses and hosts have to pay attention to in order to present themselves properly and convince.
#No-Gos: Never Do This!
You should be prepared for the fact to not be working around the clock during a hostess job. But also during the less busy times you will be assigned to the respective company by fair visitors and should behave accordingly and maintain a charming appearance.
We have therefore listed a few things you should avoid at every trade fair job:
✘chewing gum
✘unmotivated & bored expression
✘obtrusiveness towards visitors
✘using the mobile phone for private purposes
✘animated chatting with colleagues