How to become A Valet

Valets are modern-day knights in shining armour who rescue customers needing assistance in parking and retrieving their vehicles without causing a traffic snarl or an unfortunate accident.

• Parking Attendant
• Valet Parking Attendant

What do Valets do?

A Valet would typically need to:

• Drive, park and retrieve guest vehicles to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience from the time of their arrival to departure
• Greet guests/customers of the establishment upon their arrival
• Open guest vehicle doors and assist with unloading the guests’ luggage
• Request keys to the vehicle from the guest; inspect the car for pre-existent damages
• Issue numbered claim tickets or enter appropriate information regarding the guest and the vehicle using an electronic device 
• Park the guests’ cars safely in an appropriate space; organise the parked vehicles
• Ensure that parks cars are locked, and the keys stored safely or returned to the owner
• Perform essential car servicing, including changing oil, checking air pressure or changing flat tires, if necessary
• Retrieve cars for guests in a safe and timely manner; assist guests with loading luggage or personal items, if required
• Collect relevant fees for the use of valet service; assist in reconciling end of shift revenue against the number of tickets handed out
• Manage the valet podium and the parking area (set up barricades, direct traffic and arrange for towing service, for instance)
• Wash down the parking decks and undertake other maintenance work during slow periods
• Provide outstanding customer service to the guests; respond courteously to guest enquiries and give directions, if needed
• Report any incidents or claims to the operations manager or shift lead

The major part of a Valet’s workday is spent outdoors, regardless of the weather conditions. You may have access to protection from inclement weather in a small booth close to the establishment’s entrance but not necessarily from temperature changes. Constant interaction with people and cars is standard.

Valets typically work long shifts, sometimes ten hours at a stretch, through nights, weekends and public holidays. It may be possible to work part-time or on a Flexi-schedule.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Valets can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Valets can seek employment with private companies contracted to manage the parking in places such as hospitals, hotels, airports or shopping centres.

Valets are generally employed by:

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

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Parking Community, are crucial for Valets interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• 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

Most employers prefer candidates with at least two years of driving experience, for instance, a delivery driver or bus driver with a flawless driving record. Prior work experience as a cashier, sales associate or server may also help you land the job.

Learning to drive manual transmission vehicles as well as automatic vehicles will make you a more desirable candidate for the job. Practice parallel parking and parking in tight spaces and parking garages until you master such invaluable skills. Expertise in driving in the rain and snow will further enhance your value as a Valet.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working as Valets to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Although quite a high percentage of Valets have a bachelor’s degree, and a few have associate degrees or diplomas, it is possible to become one with only a high school diploma or a GED (General Education Development).

Certification demonstrates a Valet’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

Appropriate NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) in controlling parking areas, parking management/supervision and parking clerical skills can help you stand out in a competitive job market in some locations.

In addition, a fitting City & Guilds certificate for Parking Attendants may also prove helpful.

Furthermore, you must have a valid driver’s licence. Having your own insurance will render your resume even more attractive to potential employers. A flawless criminal record check with no reckless driving instances and not even the customary parking offences will work in your favour.

Extensive commercial parking facilities in urban areas that are not equipped for automation offer Valets the best employment and career advancement opportunities.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Valets, who may be able to progress to supervisory posts, and further into managerial roles such as Operations Manager or Shift Lead.

Parking lot chains may offer opportunities to become a Regional or City Manager. Some Valets may find themselves gravitating towards jobs such as Truck Drivers, Chauffeurs or Route Delivery Workers.

Candidates with fluency in English, physical stamina, agility and significant driving experience with different kinds of vehicles have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Valet build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Most training is on the job under the supervision of an experienced colleague. Make sure your driving licence and insurance are updated. You can continue to build your skills in driving different kinds of vehicles under variant weather conditions.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Sometimes Valets take payment and make change for the guests or customers, but more often, cashiers handle the money. Where the lots do not include automatic clocking machines, Valets manually write the arrival time on the tickets.

In crowded, single-level parking lots with limited space, Valets park guests’ cars who intend to return quickly, near the exit. If parking lots have many levels, Valets drive the vehicles to other levels or move the cars to different floors by a freight elevator.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Valets have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Valet has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Men tip better than women, but women valets get better tips.

If you are level-headed, agile, energetic, courteous and patient and possess exemplary driving skills with most kinds of cars, the job of a Valet who assists guests and customers in parking and retrieving their vehicles will suit you very well. 

An energetic and optimistic will reassure the employer that you would make a great hire.