A valet’s role is to provide a high level of comfort and service to their employer at all times. Welcoming and caring for the employer’s family and guests is also part of the job. Although their responsibilities vary depending on the employer, a valet is often required to take care of the employer’s wardrobe. This includes clothing and shoes. Other responsibilities of a valet might include taking care of the household maintenance of his or her employer’s private rooms such as the bedroom, office, bathroom, and private living room.
Today, valets can be either male or female. In some cases, the gender of a valet may be specifically requested for religious and cultural reasons. At Morgan & Mallet International, we recruit the most hardworking and trustworthy candidates for this position. If this is your dream job, please see the full valet job description below.
- Primary missions: provide a high level of service to the employer, greet guests
- Live-in or live-out
- Salary: $25,000 to $35,000
- Type of job: Private household–based (indoor role)
Missions and responsibilities
As mentioned above, a personal valet’s primary responsibility is to provide a high level of comfort and service to their employee. In general, valets must be mindful of their employer’s preferences and needs at all times. They may have to take on the role of the chauffeur, driving their employer and family to various locations and parking vehicles. Working closely with the staff team, such as the butler or head housekeeper, is necessary to ensure the well-being of the client.
A valet is expected to be fiercely loyal, with a great capacity for understanding his or her employer. He must be able to keep all personal information about his employer confidential. A valet may be required to travel with his employer. In this case, the valet must prepare the employer’s travel baggage, ensuring that all necessary and appropriate clothing is packed. The valet must also ensure that the client receives the same level of service as at home. Depending on the client’s needs, responsibilities can vary, but a valet’s main duties include:
- being responsible for the storage and inventory of clothing, jewellery, and personal accessories;
- assisting with toiletries, grooming, and hairstyling;
- packing and unpacking for travel;
- table service;
- serving food and beverages;
- greeting the employer’s guests;
- driving his employer to various locations;
- parking their vehicles;
- working closely with the staff team.
Please visit our recruitment page if you are looking for an exceptional valet to complete your household staff.
How to become a valet?
Being a personal valet is not to be confused with being a hotel valet or car valet, which are different jobs. If you are interested in becoming a personal valet, you may find the following advice helpful.
Education
Although there is no formal academic qualification to become a valet, you may consider enrolling in a professional valet training program. These programs will allow you to perfect your customer service skills. Because a valet may assume the role of a chauffeur, a driver’s licence is required for this position.
Experience and skills
Previous experience is usually required for a valet position. At Morgan & Mallet International, we ensure that our candidates have a clean criminal record in both their country of employment and their country of origin. Candidates should also provide at least three positive references from previous employers. As for the skills required for this role, you’ll need to be:
- hardworking;
- organized and rigorous;
- discreet;
- punctual;
- fiercely loyal.
Work conditions
Generally, a valet job is a live-in job. The employer provides accommodation on the property or estate. However, if it is a live-out position, the valet is expected to find housing close to the property. Working hours vary depending on the employer’s needs, but it is usually a full-time job.
Salary
A valet’s salary depends on several factors, including location and experience. It typically ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 per year.
Similar jobs
Related jobs may include butler and head housekeeper.
Butler
A butler is the chief servant in a household. His duties include supervising the staff, managing the kitchen and dining room, organising events, greeting guests, assisting with security arrangements, etc. The main difference between a butler and a valet is that a butler is in charge of the entire household staff.
Head housekeeper
The head housekeeper supervises all cleaning staff in a private household. In some households, a head housekeeper may take on the role of a butler.Â
Top cities to find jobs as a valet
You can find a job as a valet in various cities around the world: Paris, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Dubai, Hong Kong…
Valet job perspectives
You could become a butler and manage the entire household staff if you want to take your career to the next level.
Example of a valet job description
Below is an example of a valet job description. A client was looking for a valet in Cavalaire, France.
Job duties and responsibilities
- Assist the owner and respond to their requests to ensure a high level of service.
- Prepare breakfast (fresh fruit, beverages, etc.).
- Set up and provide formal table service.
- Work closely with the existing house staff to ensure that the property is always immaculately maintained and tidy.
- Driving the owner and guests as needed.
- Maintain the patio and the garden or pool furniture.
- Do grocery shopping or run errands.
- Report to the employer on a regular basis.
Profile requirement
- M/F, with at least 3 to 5 years experience in a similar role in a high-end and formal environment.
- Excellent presentation skills and eloquence.
- Honest, independent, discreet, responsible, and completely trustworthy.
- Organized, versatile, and meticulous.
- Attention to detail and pride in a job well done.
- Available, flexible, and dynamic.
- Rigorous with common sense.
- Must have a driver’s licence.
- Fluent in French or English.
Job conditions
- Full-time.
- Live-in
- Salary: from April to August 4 000 € and from September to March 2 000 € per month.
Frequently asked questions about valet job
What qualifications do I need to become a valet?
No formal qualifications are required to become a valet. However, we strongly encourage candidates to have completed a professional valet training programme.
Is previous experience in private service necessary to find a valet job?
Whilst beneficial, it is not always necessary. However, clients are usually looking for candidates with previous experience.
What are the typical working hours for a valet?
A live-in valet typically works full-time, approximately 40 hours, 5 days a week.