17 Parking Lot Attendant Interview Questions and Answers

Parking lot attendants, also known as parking lot marshals, are responsible for directing traffic in a parking lot, enforcing parking regulations, and providing customer service. They work in a wide variety of settings, including airports, hospitals, stadiums, and theme parks.

If you’re looking for a job as a parking lot attendant, it’s important to be prepared for the interview. In this guide, you’ll find questions and answers that will help you figure out what to say when you’re interviewed for this position.

Are you comfortable working in public spaces?

Parking lots are often in public spaces, so employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working in these areas. They want to know that you can handle potentially difficult customers and work well with others. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you have the interpersonal skills necessary for this job.

Example: “Yes, I am very comfortable working in public spaces. In my last position as a cashier at a grocery store, I worked in a large space where many people were shopping at once. This required me to be friendly and helpful while also being able to multitask. I’m used to having multiple conversations going on at once and helping different customers at the same time.”

What are some of the most important skills for a parking lot attendant to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to parking lot attendant duties.

Example: “The most important skill for a parking lot attendant is customer service. This job requires us to interact with customers on a regular basis, so having excellent communication skills and being able to solve problems quickly are essential. Another important skill is organization. Parking lots often get busy, so I find that having an organized system helps me keep track of everything. Finally, math skills are also very important because we need to calculate fees and make change.”

How would you handle a situation where a customer is being disrespectful?

Parking lot attendants often interact with customers who are in a rush or frustrated. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary to diffuse tense situations and keep them from escalating. In your answer, explain how you would use your communication skills to calm the customer down and resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

Example: “I’ve had several experiences where I interacted with impatient drivers. When someone is being disrespectful, my first priority is to remain calm and professional. I try to listen carefully to what they’re saying and respond calmly. If they continue to be rude, I will politely tell them that if they can’t speak civilly, I won’t be able to help them. This usually diffuses the situation because most people don’t want to cause a scene.”

What is your process for handling customer complaints?

Parking lot attendants often interact with customers who are upset about something. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary to diffuse a tense situation and resolve customer complaints quickly. In your answer, explain how you would use your communication skills to help customers feel heard and calm. Share an example of a time when you helped a customer solve their problem and left them satisfied.

Example: “I always try my best to listen to what customers have to say. I believe that by actively listening to someone’s complaint, they can feel validated and understood. If they know you’re taking in what they’re saying, it can help them feel more comfortable and willing to work with you on finding a solution.

If there is a valid reason for their complaint, I will do everything I can to fix the issue or find a compromise. For instance, if a customer complains about a long wait time, I might offer them a discount on their parking fee. By offering solutions, I can help customers feel better and ensure they’ll return to our business.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation at work.

Parking lot attendants often interact with customers who are frustrated or angry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience dealing with difficult people and can remain calm under pressure. In your answer, try to show that you understand the challenges of working in customer service and how you would handle a similar situation in the future.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because I wouldn’t let them park their car in an area where they weren’t allowed. They were very rude to me, but I remained calm and explained our policy to them. Eventually, they understood and apologized for being so rude. Now, if I ever encounter a similar situation, I will explain our policies clearly and calmly. If they continue to be rude, I will politely end the conversation and call my manager.”

If a customer has a complaint about a specific parking lot attendant, what would your process be for resolving the issue?

Parking lot attendants often interact with customers who have concerns about their experience. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to handle customer complaints and resolve them quickly. In your answer, explain that you would try to understand the customer’s complaint and take steps to fix it. You can also mention that you would encourage the parking lot attendant to learn from the situation so they can improve in the future.

Example: “If a customer had a complaint about a specific parking lot attendant, I would first listen to what they had to say. Then, I would speak with the parking lot attendant to get more information on the situation. If there was an issue with the way the attendant interacted with the customer, I would help them learn from the mistake so they could avoid making it again.”

What would you do if you saw a vehicle parked in a restricted area?

Parking lot attendants often have to enforce rules and regulations. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of following these guidelines. In your answer, explain that you would politely inform the driver about their mistake. You can also mention that you would be willing to help them move their vehicle if they need assistance.

Example: “If I saw a vehicle parked in a restricted area, I would politely approach the driver and let them know about the rule. If they needed help moving their car, I would happily assist them. I always try to be as helpful as possible when enforcing parking lot rules.”

How well do you perform in high-pressure situations?

Parking lots can be busy places, and the interviewer may want to know how you handle stress. Give examples of previous experiences where you’ve had to work in a high-pressure environment and how you managed it successfully.

Example: “I have worked as a valet for several years now, so I’m used to working in a fast-paced environment. In my current position, I often have to park cars quickly while also helping customers find their vehicles. I try to stay calm under pressure by taking deep breaths and focusing on one task at a time. This helps me avoid making mistakes or forgetting important details.”

Do you have any experience performing cleaning duties?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have any experience performing cleaning duties in a professional setting. If you do, they might also want to know what your responsibilities were and how well you performed them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific tasks you performed and how often you completed them.

Example: “In my previous position as a parking lot attendant, I was responsible for keeping the entire facility clean at all times. This included sweeping, mopping, washing windows and removing trash from the grounds. I did these tasks every day before work and after work.”

When is it appropriate to ask a customer to move their vehicle?

Parking lot attendants often have to make decisions about when it’s appropriate to ask a customer to move their vehicle. This question helps employers understand how you would handle this situation and whether you can follow the company’s policies. In your answer, explain what factors you would consider before asking a customer to move their car.

Example: “I would only ask a customer to move their vehicle if they were parked in an area that was blocking other vehicles or pedestrians. If I saw someone who needed to get into their car but couldn’t because another car was parked too close, I would politely ask them to move so the person could access their vehicle. Likewise, if there was a line of cars waiting for a parking spot, I would ask the driver to move so everyone else could park.”

We want to ensure our customers feel safe when they park in our lots. What would you do if you saw someone acting suspicious?

Parking lots can be a target for criminals, so employers want to make sure you know how to keep their customers safe. Answer this question by describing your process of identifying suspicious behavior and reporting it to the appropriate authorities.

Example: “I would first try to get a description of the person’s vehicle and license plate number if I could see them clearly enough. Then, I would call the police immediately to report what I saw. If they were acting in a way that made me feel unsafe, I would ask my supervisor if we had any security cameras in the area where I was working.”

Describe your process for monitoring parked vehicles.

Parking lot attendants need to be able to monitor vehicles and record information about them. This helps ensure that the company is collecting revenue from all of its customers, which can help it remain profitable. An employer may ask this question to learn more about your process for monitoring vehicles and recording their information. In your answer, try to describe how you use your skills to complete these tasks effectively.

Example: “I typically begin by walking through the parking lot and looking at each vehicle’s license plate number. I then write down the time and date on a piece of paper so I remember when I checked in on the vehicle. Next, I look inside the vehicle to see if there are any occupants or items left behind. If there aren’t, I move onto the next vehicle. If there are occupants, I check to see if they have paid for parking. If not, I will issue a citation.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of skills that relate to the job description. Use these skills to answer this question by explaining what makes you qualified for this position.

Example: “I have experience working in customer service roles, which has taught me how to be friendly and helpful to others. I am also very organized, so I know I can keep track of all the cars in the parking lot. Finally, I am committed to safety, so I will always follow the rules set by the employer.”

Which parking lot cleaning tools are you familiar with using?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with the tools you’ll use on a daily basis. Parking lot attendants often need to clean up trash and debris from parking lots, so it’s important that they know how to properly use cleaning equipment like brooms, shovels, rakes and other items. In your answer, explain which tools you’re familiar with using and why you prefer them over others.

Example: “I’ve used all of the tools I see in this position before, but my favorite is definitely the leaf blower. It’s great for removing leaves and dirt from hard-to-reach areas, and it saves me time when I’m cleaning lots at night.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service?

Parking lot attendants interact with customers on a regular basis, so it’s important that they have strong customer service skills. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of providing excellent customer service to their clients. In your answer, explain what makes good customer service and share an example of how you provide great customer service in your current role.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of customer service is being friendly and helpful. When I’m working as a parking lot attendant, I always greet drivers when they arrive and thank them for using our services when they leave. If someone needs help finding a spot or has any questions about our facility, I am more than happy to assist them. I find that taking the time to be friendly and helpful can really improve someone’s experience at our business.”

How often should you check a parking lot for debris or trash?

Parking lots can be a common place for trash to accumulate, and the interviewer may want to know how you would handle this responsibility. You can answer by describing your process for checking parking lots and ensuring they’re clean and safe for customers.

Example: “I check parking lots at least once per day, usually in the morning before business hours begin. I look for any debris or trash that has accumulated overnight and remove it from the lot. If there is an area of the lot where trash seems to collect more frequently, I will check it more often than other areas.”

There is a snowstorm and the parking lot is full. What is your process for making sure customers can still find a spot?

Employers want to know that you can handle stressful situations and make decisions quickly. In your answer, describe a time when you had to think on your feet and how it helped the situation.

Example: “In my previous position as a parking lot attendant, I was working during a snowstorm. The parking lot was full, but there were still customers arriving. I asked my manager what we should do, and he said to let people park in any open spot they could find. We also told them where the closest public transportation stop was so they could get home without having to walk far.”