We’ve been at this game for nearly a decade and it’s fair to say, we’ve done a lot of recruiting! We now have more than 150 valet attendants working for us, and our priority is recruiting individuals with outstanding customer service skills who are ready to deliver a seamless experience for our clients. Hiring the right people takes time and care—it’s not just about filling shifts; it’s about building careers.
Over the years, we’ve refined our understanding of what it takes to be a truly great valet attendant. While training plays a vital role, the core of a standout team member is rooted in who they are from day one. Based on our experience, here are the top 10 qualities we look for in every valet we bring on board:
1. A people person
Our attendants are often the first and last impression a customer has. That’s why they must genuinely enjoy engaging with people and delivering exceptional service. We work with brands that think the same, from Porsche to Adelaide Airport to Hotel Emporium, the key to their success are their teams.
2. Reliability
Punctuality and dependability are non-negotiable. When someone doesn’t show up, it impacts the entire operation. We carefully check references to ensure every team member can be counted on. We understand human nature and this can’t always be prevented, however we do have operational and performance measures in place if a consistent pattern becomes apparent.
3. Problem-solving skills
Valet parking is more than moving cars—it’s a logistics game of “tetris” at times. Quick thinking and sound judgment help keep things running smoothly, no matter what pops up. Our CBD sites, like Club York (168 Clarence Street) Sydney requires the highest skill to manage the busy carpark and ensure customer service standards meet our clients expectations every time.
4. Flexibility and adaptability
No two days are ever the same. Our attendants need to be adaptable, especially when moving between different sites, site developments, and facing new challenges. Our training focuses on real-world operational readiness and site orientations. We have found when starting a new site, the operation isn’t always as it seems once we get into the “nitty gritty” of the operation. We test case scenarios and are able to adapt to the findings.
5. Strong organisational Skills
Managing keys, coordinating vehicle movements, and providing efficient customer service all require excellent organisation. A tidy mind keeps everything flowing. Each site with a team of 4 or more is allocated a Site Manager who leads the team and liaises with all key stakeholders. The organisational skills of this individual must be of a high standard. Without forward thinking and organisational skills, the downfall of a valet operation is almost inevitable.
6. A positive attitude
“Service with a smile” isn’t just a saying—it’s what customers expect. A cheerful, can-do approach goes a long way in creating a memorable experience. You basically can’t fake this, and our team are picked because they love the job. Not everyone should be in a customer service role. Through our screening process we are able to decipher those who are made for service, and those who just see valet and concierge as “just a job”.
7. Respect, love, and care for vehicles
With some sites handling over 200 car movements a day, attention to detail and respect for customers vehicles are critical. Our attendants are trained on different models of vehicles to handle all kinds of cars safely and skillfully, contributing to our excellent track record in reducing claims. At our car dealership sites, this aspect is so important to the service we provide.
8. Team-oriented mindset
Great service is a team effort. Whether coordinating with fellow attendants or broader front-of-house teams, collaboration is key—especially during peak periods. When interviewing potential employees, their experience and background should have elements of being a team player. It is very rare that working as a valet attendant would be an autonomous role. In a team, every member has a specific role and function that fills in the operational needs of the site. It is important that before a shift, team members are aware of this.
9. Physically active and resilient
Valet work is demanding—there’s a lot of walking, standing, and fast-paced movement. We ensure our recruits understand this is a physical role and are ready for the challenge. The days can be long, as we managed the peak periods so being on top of their game always is really important. At venues such as shopping centres or at events, the service period is from morning to evening.
10. Long-term career focus
We don’t just fill vacancies—we build careers. We look for people who are serious about growing in the hospitality industry, which spills over into other roles in other industries. Some of our valets have progressed internally to leadership or operational roles, however some also move on to service roles in the dealership industry or public transport. And we support them every step of the way. We want our valet attendants to reach their full potential. Having the ultimate focus on the customer experience is what makes all the difference each and every day.
Call us to find out more how First Class Valet can work with your business and find solutions no one else will.
