What do Valets do?

A Valet would typically need to:

• Drive, park, and collect guest automobiles to guarantee a pleasant and welcoming experience from arrival to departure.
• Upon arrival, greet guests/customers of the establishment.
• Open guest vehicle doors and assist with luggage unloading
• Request keys from the guest and assess the vehicle for any existing damage.
• Using an electronic device, issue numbered claim tickets or enter pertinent information about the passenger and the car.
• Park the guests’ cars in a safe location; sort the parked vehicles.
• Ensure that the parking cars are locked and that the keys are safely stored or returned to the owner.
• If necessary, perform important car maintenance such as changing oil, checking air pressure, or changing flat tyres.
• Return cars to guests in a safe and timely manner; if necessary, assist visitors with loading baggage or personal goods.
• Collect applicable fees for using valet service; aid in reconciling end-of-shift income against the number of tickets distributed.
• Manage the valet podium and parking area (for example, set up barricades, control traffic, and arrange for towing service).
• During slow periods, clean the parking decks and perform other maintenance tasks.
• Provide exceptional customer service to guests; answer courteously to guest inquiries and provide directions as needed.
• Any events or allegations should be reported to the operations manager or shift lead.

Standard Work Environment

The majority of a Valet’s workweek is spent outside, regardless of the weather. In a small booth near the establishment’s entrance, you may find shelter from harsh weather, but not always from temperature changes. Interaction with people and autos is constant.

Work Schedule

Valets often work long shifts, sometimes up to ten hours at a time, during the evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Working part-time or on a flexible schedule may be an option.

Employers

Finding a new job may appear difficult. Valets can improve their job hunt by soliciting referrals from their network, contacting firms directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media, and contacting staffing agencies. Valets can find work with private firms that manage parking in facilities like hospitals, hotels, airports, and retail malls.

Valets are generally employed by:

• Local Authorities
• Private Companies
• Public & Private Parking Lots

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Parking Community, are essential for Valets who want to advance their careers or network with other professionals in their industry or sector. Membership in one or more of these organisations adds value to your CV while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• Physical exhaustion from remaining on one’s feet for the entire shift and occasional lifting and carrying of heavy bags
• Emotional stress and frustration from having to deal with rude guests
• Responsibility for guests’ vehicles and the high likelihood of having to pay for damages, if one is not careful while handling the vehicles

Suggested Work Experience

Most businesses prefer candidates with at least two years of driving experience, such as a delivery or bus driver with a clean driving record. Prior employment experience as a cashier, sales associate, or waitress may also be beneficial.

Learning to drive both manual and automatic gearbox automobiles will make you a more desirable candidate for the job. Practise parallel parking, parking in tight places, and parking in parking garages until you have mastered these vital skills. Your ability to drive in the rain and snow will increase your worth as a Valet.

To demonstrate your devotion to course providers and future employers, read about the profession and interview/job shadow professionals working as Valets.

Recommended Qualifications

Although most Valets have a bachelor’s degree and a few have associate degrees or diplomas, it is feasible to become one with just a high school diploma or a GED (General Education Development).

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

A Valet’s proficiency in a skill set is demonstrated through work experience, training, and passing an examination.

In some localities, appropriate NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) in parking area control, parking management/supervision, and parking secretarial skills will help you stand out in a competitive work market.

A suitable City & Guilds certificate for Parking Attendants may also be useful.

You must also have a valid driver’s licence. Having your own insurance makes your resume more appealing to potential employers. A clean criminal record with no reckless driving incidents or even the usual parking violations will work in your favour.

Expected Career Path

Valets have the finest employment and career progression chances in large commercial parking facilities in urban locations that are not suited for automation.

Valets’ careers are driven by performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional certifications. They may be able to advance to supervisory positions, and then into managing roles such as Operations Manager or Shift Lead.

Parking lot franchises may provide an opportunity to work as a Regional or City Manager. Some valets may be drawn to vocations such as Truck Drivers, Chauffeurs, or Route Delivery Workers.

Job Prospects

Candidates with English proficiency, physical stamina, agility, and substantial driving experience in many types of vehicles have the highest career possibilities.

Professional Development That Is Beneficial

CPD will assist an active Valet in developing personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

The majority of training takes place on the job, under the guidance of an experienced colleague. Check that your driver’s licence and insurance are up to date. You can continue to hone your skills in driving various types of automobiles in a variety of weather conditions.

Conclusion of Valet

If you are calm, nimble, active, courteous, and patient, and have excellent driving skills in most types of automobiles, the work of a Valet who assists visitors and clients in parking and retrieving their vehicles will be ideal for you.

Advice from the Wise

An active and upbeat personality will reassure the employer that you would be an excellent hire.

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