This article is dedicated to those looking to hire a personal driver.
The soft skills of a personal driver define him as a safe and smooth driver, and they must know the local roads like the back of their hand. But that is by no means the only skills they need.
These types of skills are hard skills, things that the chauffeur will have had to learn through structured training and research. But there is another set of skills that a professional personal driver will require in order to get hired, especially if they want to get employed by VIP clients.
A chauffeur needs soft skills…
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are types of skills that come to us naturally from our personality and life/work experiences. We don’t usually learn and develop soft skills through structured training or courses, but on rare occasions, they can be developed this way.
The opposite is hard skills like learning to drive. A chauffeur learns to drive just like the rest of us through structured driving lessons. Yet, the best personal drivers learn to drive a range of vehicles and may take additional structured driving courses.
Discover some examples of soft skills that a personal driver will need below.
What Soft Skills Does a Personal Driver Need?
#1: Clear communication
When working for a VIP as a chauffeur, you will be in constant communication with them or their assistant throughout the working week. Your communication skills need to be first-class so you always understand where you need to be and at what time.
This usually means more listening than talking, so make sure you sharpen your active listening skills.
#2: Small Talk
You will get to know your employer well and small talk should not be needed. But there will be times where you are left in the company of your employer’s business partners and colleagues. Some of them may start a conversation with you, and you will need to be able to handle small talk with these people on many occasions.
#3: Adaptability
The hectic days of a CEO are unpredictable, which means as their personal driver your working life is going to become unpredictable too. This calls for adaptability and flexibility when plans change on short notice. A can-do approach goes far as a chauffeur!
#4: Emotional Intelligence
Sometimes your boss might be stressed due to their work. Even if you have created a good relationship and are usually encouraged to talk (you might not be!), you need to be smart enough to recognise your boss’s emotions and stay quiet or not ask questions at certain times.
#5: Punctuality
Last but by no means least is punctuality. As a personal driver you need to be a great timekeeper and always remain organised so you are never late to a destination. Being late due to your own mistakes won’t be tolerated within the industry.
Register to Become a Personal Driver in London!
If you have the hard and soft skills to become a professional chauffeur, we want to hear from you!
HazeltonClive offers fantastic job opportunities and exceptional remuneration to experienced personal drivers in London. You could be working for CEOs, celebrities and VIPs with us.
