staff Valet attendants provide customer service to hotel guests on arrival and departure. They also handle the driving, parking, and retrieving of vehicles.
They greet customers, manage a podium with hooks to hold and organize car keys, and process credit card payments using a POS system. They also monitor traffic flow, put up cones, and maintain cleanliness and safety in their assigned work area.
Greet Guests
Valet attendant are among the first employees guests encounter, so they strive to make a positive impression through a warm welcome. They often greet patrons by opening their car doors and providing them with a claim ticket that lets them know where to find the vehicle when it’s time to leave.
During busy periods, managers ask this question to assess an interviewee’s ability to maintain professionalism and efficiency under pressure. They want to ensure that the valet team can efficiently handle cars during rush hours without compromising the quality of service.
If a guest’s car is damaged when an employee retrieves it, the employer wants to know how the candidate would resolve the issue. They might ask how the attendant would communicate with the customer, describe their damage assessment process, and note what needs to be fixed.
Assist Guests With Luggage
A valet attendant is responsible for many customer service duties, including greeting guests and opening doors. They also help guests with luggage and provide directions to nearby attractions and events.
The interviewer will likely ask this question to assess your customer service skills and ability to work under pressure. It is important to handle a situation like this with integrity and professionalism.
Guests entrust their vehicles and personal belongings to the valet attendant, and they expect these items to be safe and secure at all times. The interviewer may want to know how you would respond if a vehicle were damaged while under your care. The right answer will demonstrate your commitment to ensuring the safety of guests and their cars.
Park Vehicles
Valets maneuver vehicles into tight and cramped spaces using the car’s keys. They then record the location of each vehicle in the system so that when a customer returns to retrieve their car, they’re not left hunting.
Valet attendants are on their feet up to 8 hours a day, sprinting around the parking lot, so they need to handle high volumes of cars without getting frustrated or overwhelmed. They’re also expected to prioritize safety, including their security, while working on slippery surfaces.
In addition to parking, valets reroute traffic when their parking facility reaches capacity and report any security or safety issues to supervisors. Lastly, they may be responsible for welcoming guests and giving them farewells.
Retrieve Vehicles
Valets can be on their feet for up to 8 hours daily, sprinting and hustling for cars. They must keep a clear head under pressure and handle many moving pieces.
They count vehicles, keys, and tickets as they move them to ensure all valuables are accounted for before handing them off to customers. They also help customers exit their vehicles by clearing a path through the crowded parking lot. They may have to move blocking cars if there is a rush period at work or an event.
When returning the customer’s vehicle, they also greet them and bid farewell, per hotel standards. They may also reroute traffic to reroute parking levels or areas as needed.
Clean Vehicles
Valet attendants must keep their cars in good condition and be able to handle any mechanical problems that may occur. They use cleaning products and brushes to remove dirt and other stains from vehicles, which can be difficult because they often need to enter the car. They also must be able to identify different types of paint and paneling to select the best cleaners and processes.
Interviewers ask this question to evaluate a potential valet attendant’s ability to solve complex problems and maintain professionalism in challenging situations. They are also looking for an indication of a person’s integrity and commitment to outstanding customer service.
A valet’s workday can be long and stressful. They need to be able to adapt quickly to sudden changes in routine. They are expected to take on additional duties such as directing traffic, monitoring parking areas, and putting up flags for safety.
