CHAUFFEUR Profile

Overview

OK, you don't like large crowds, but you still like driving people around. Consider working as a chauffeur. When most of us think of chauffeurs, we imagine a mysterious gentleman dressed in a black suit and cap, driving a millionaire to his country club. Actually, most chauffeurs today aren't employed by private citizens, and they don't need to dress quite as formally.

You still need to be presentable, clean and neat, and usually in a jacket and tie if you're a man. After all, you are representing a company or an image the paying passenger may want to convey to a business client or even a date.

• Greet passengers at the door, help load belongings, and assist with entering and exiting the vehicle.
• Maintain the vehicle in good working order, be neat and presentable, and stock it with a variety of drinks, newspapers, and magazines as needed.
• Respect passenger preferences for radio and routes; adapt to on-board decisions and stay courteous even if you disagree.
• Act as a tour guide when needed, being familiar with local attractions such as zoos, museums, sports teams, restaurants, and theater; offer recommendations as appropriate.
• Handle billing and paperwork as required by the company, including credit card receipts or cash handling; report trips and earnings at the end of each shift and manage tips per company policy.
• Maintain discretion and adapt to passenger needs; the level of conversation is guided by the passenger, and each trip has its own tone and appeal.

• Presentable, clean, and neat appearance; typically a jacket and tie for men.
• Ability to be cheerful, even-tempered, and professional; capable of adjusting to passenger preferences and staying on schedule.
• Good knowledge of popular attractions and local area to serve as a helpful guide when needed.
• Basic business experience for handling billing and related paperwork.
• Willingness to be on-call and to drive passengers to events, destinations, or social engagements; ability to meet diverse people, including celebrities, and maintain discretion.

In some cases, you may work for one wealthy individual or family, staying on call and shuttling members wherever they need to go. The job may involve meeting fascinating people and potential future referrals depending on your performance and discretion.