By Ryan Tole

Let's face it; these are tough economic times. You could probably use some part time income, but you're already working one job. Or maybe you don't need a lot of money, and you just want a job that pays well, but is part time. Well, you should consider applying for a job parking cars for a valet service. If you're available nights or weekends or both, valet parking attendant could be right up your alley.

If money is your main consideration, well, that's one of the best reasons to get a parking job. You're not going to be the next Bill Gates, but you can do pretty well at this job. It's common knowledge that tipping is expected when someone parks and retrieves your car. The vast majority of people honor this. If you're out there when it's raining, expect to do even better. Plus, your employer will be paying you a base amount.

Another nice thing about valet parking is that it's a pretty pleasant job. You won't be doing any heavy lifting, or getting dirty. You'll be outside, meeting and talking to people who are glad to see you. And don't forget, you'll be putting cash in your pocket the same day you work.

How would you like to work only when you want to? Well, with a lot of companies you can set your own availability, especially once you've been there a while. If you don't want to work Friday night, you don't have to. Same thing goes for the weekend. This won't be the case at all valet parking companies, but it will be at a lot of them. They'll just need some advance notice.

What are valet companies looking for in an employee? The really big one is someone with a clean driving record, and no criminal background. People will be entrusting some very expensive cars to your care, and the company will want to be sure you won't wreck it or drive off with it. If you've been arrested, that might be a problem. If you've wrecked a couple cars, or have some tickets, that will certainly be a problem. But if you're a safe driver with no skeletons in your closet, you're fine.

One of the main things valet companies pride themselves on is professional looking employees. Got lots of tattoos? Well, you can talk to them about wearing long shirts, but that's going to be strike against you, if not three. Lots of piercings? Don't even waste your time. One or two small ones might be alright, but nothing major, or excessive is going to fly. And if you're morbidly obese, you're probably not going to get the job. Sorry; just trying to be honest. But if your height and weight are proportional, and you look sharp and professional, you're just what most valet companies are looking for.

You may have a hard time finding a valet parking job if you're a tobacco user. Sure, you know better that to smoke while parking a car. Everyone does. But many people who smoke have a very hard time fighting off the urge to sneak off and have a quick one. And if you leave a tobacco odor in a non-smokin guest's car, they're going to be very upset. What about drug use? Uh...what do you think?

So if you look good, don't use tobacco or drugs, and have mostly obeyed the law, you're a great candidate for a valet parking service attendant. Don't waste your time with fast food, and don't tear up your car delivering for Pizza Hut. Start parking cars!

About the Author:

Advantage Parking of Dallas-Fort Worth has the knowledge and expertise to manage everyone's valet parking needs, from weddings to fundraisers. Contact them today to arrange for valet parking in Dallas-Fort Worth.