How to Get Leverage When Applying For Housekeeping Jobs

 

If you have experience with housekeeping and you are looking for housekeeping jobs, refer to the information below and learn how to show you are the perfect candidate for any open position. Individuals can find housekeeping positions in a variety of different environments from hospitals to hospitality. When you are comparing open positions, you should review the different environments and the responsibilities associated with each position so you can choose a job you will be happy with. With unemployment at an all-time high, applicants should be able to express their value through their resume before they ever go on an interview. Compare the skills needed for a variety of different housekeeping careers and start rebuilding your resume so you can capture the attention of any Human Resources manager.

What Types of Housekeeping Jobs Interest You?

The first thing any housekeeper should do before they start applying for jobs is review the different types of jobs that are available. One of the more common types of positions available is through a large business who employs a housekeeping staff that will visit homes within their route and perform the services the homeowner pays for. If you are a mobile housekeeper and you are employed by a company you will need your own vehicle, your own insurance, and experience. These companies will run a background check on you and they will verify your references to ensure you are trustworthy and honest. The company will provide you with the cleaning supplies you need to clean houses and they may also give you a vehicle allowance depending upon the hiring agreement.

Private housekeeping is generally the most lucrative option for business-minded individuals. If you start a private business, you can work for a single family or several different households that you schedule throughout the week. If you are a private housekeeper, you may want to consider starting a franchise so you can start your company with a company name that is trusted throughout the nation. When you start a franchise, you will need capital and you will still need to interview to show you are experienced in the industry.

Businesses also hire housekeepers to clean office buildings, retail stores, hospitals, nursing homes, and industrial warehouses. If you work for a business, you will receive benefits and a regular hourly wage. The pay when you work for an office may be slightly lower than the pay when you work for yourself, however, you will be guaranteed work and you will have better hours. Hotel housekeepers are highly sought after because establishments need to keep their guests happy by providing clean and immaculate rooms. If the establishment does not have enough housekeepers on hand they will lose business and will damage their reputation. If you are looking for a position fast, hospitality is certainly an industry you should look at first.

The Duties of a Housekeeper

Housekeepers are responsible for the overall cleanliness of a home, office building, hotel, cruise ship, or any other establishment. When you take on a position, your responsibilities will depend on your position and your rank order in your team. Entry-level housekeeping jobs include a wide range of duties including:

• Disinfecting and cleaning of the entire area
• Dusting and polishing surfaces
• Cleans based on standards set by the employer or the industry
• Vacuuming and waxing as directed
• Maintaining cleaning supplies
• Scheduling linen changes
• Care for furniture
• Washing clothing and linens
• Ironing and steam cleaning clothing
• Random other tasks

What Skills Do You Need?

If you are an entry-level housekeeper you should be able to complete routine work. You will be working on your feet during your entire shift and you should be able to bend without straining yourself. Light to moderate lifting is part of the job and you should be open to learning various cleaning methods and hazardous materials disposal. If you work in an atmosphere where you come into contact with your customers you should also have communications skills. Administrative and management applicants need experience with clerical work and managing staff.

If you apply for an executive position, you will be responsible for overseeing the staff and handling disputes. Executive housekeeping jobs are more administrative and do not require as much physical labor. You will make schedules, report expenses, tally inventories, and handle the office work involved with keeping the housekeeping department efficient.

Things to Consider When You Are Preparing Your Resume

Housekeeping resumes should be just as professional as any other resume for any other position. You should include most of the same sections you include in a standard resume with an added section that includes your skills that relate to the industry. When you list your housekeeping skills, you can increase your odds of getting noticed and receiving a call for an interview.

Make sure you use 1-inch margins and a professional and readable font. Use professional grade paper and avoid using a colored fonts or emoticons on your resume. The resume should have headers in a 14-point font and descriptive information in a 12-point font. You can use a professional resume template to learn more about how to format the paper so it is attractive.

A resume for housekeeping jobs should always have an objective. The objective should tell the reader what you are looking for in a housekeeping position. It should be a brief statement that describes what type of position you are looking for in a specific industry. Make sure you include a statement explaining how you want to advance in your objective area.

While you do not have to have certification to clean homes and businesses, obtaining a cleaning product safety certification will give you leverage in the industry. You can also apply for a bond so you can establish trust between you and your future employer. If you follow the tips in this article, you will make the task of being hired easier. Compare the duties of different housekeeping jobs and construct the perfect resume to get leverage.