Whether posting a help-wanted ad for a hotel or a private household, you want to attract the best candidates. A detailed housekeeper job description can help you screen applicants effectively and efficiently.
The most important qualities to include in a housekeeper’s job description are cleaning skills, organization, and reliability. Read on to learn more about these key traits that every housekeeper must have.
Attention to Detail
Housekeepers must have keen attention to detail, whether cleaning in a hotel, a hospital, or a private residence. This means being able to notice any smudge or stain on a wall or piece of furniture and taking steps to correct it. It also involves knowing how to properly use cleaning equipment, such as vacuums, mops, and other tools.
Customer service skills are vital for housekeepers, who often interact with guests or clients daily and may need to resolve any issues. These professionals need to be friendly and courteous while maintaining a professional demeanor.
If you want to impress a potential employer, the detailed housekeeper job description should include examples of your customer service skills on your resume. For instance, list your involvement in a book club or volunteer work with an animal shelter to show how you’d provide excellent customer service to guests or clients at your new job.
Communication
Housekeepers must be able to communicate effectively with their supervisors and employers. They also need to be able to explain any issues or problems they may face during their cleaning job and how they plan to resolve them. This includes talking with clients, other staff members and vendors.
Housekeeping is hands-on, so housekeepers must use various cleaning supplies and equipment. This includes knowing how to use a vacuum cleaner, mop and broom. It’s also helpful for housekeepers to understand the safety standards associated with the chemicals and cleaners they may use.
This is especially true for housekeepers who work in hotels, where they may come into contact with several different guests each day. They need to be able to understand the specific requests of each guest and make sure that they have everything they need before leaving the room. They also need to be able to communicate with the hotel’s front desk when they encounter issues in the rooms.
Organization
A housekeeper must be organized to handle all the cleaning tasks at hand. She must understand and follow instructions given by her supervisor and peers. This requires strong interpersonal communication skills, such as listening actively and being able to ask questions when needed.
Laundry skills are also important for a housekeeper to have. The job often involves washing and ironing many sheets, towels, and other clothing items daily. Some housekeepers may also have to launder private items of guests or patients, so having a high standard of cleanliness is essential.
In hotels, a housekeeper is responsible for conducting room inspections and adhering to preset standards of cleanliness. She might also be responsible for managing inventory and restocking amenities. Customer service skills are crucial for this professional, as she might be the person answering calls or addressing requests from hotel guests or patients. This requires exceptional interpersonal communication skills and the ability to maintain professionalism in stressful situations. Lastly, the job can be physically challenging and requires physical stamina to complete duties on time.
Flexibility
A good housekeeper is flexible and can adapt their cleaning procedures to each client’s requirements. They also can follow instructions and protocols quickly and efficiently.
They must work in a fast-paced environment and maintain high customer service and a positive attitude. They also need to be able to deal with any unexpected problems or incidents that may arise during their shift.
Lastly, housekeepers must be physically strong enough to perform their duties safely. This includes having moderate to high levels of stamina and being able to stand, sweep, mop, dust, vacuum and climb stairs and ladders for the duration of their shift. They also need to be able to use various commercial cleaning equipment. This can include large buffing machines, floor scrubbers/buffers, carpet shampooers and pressure washers. Additionally, they need to be able to withstand exposure to cleaning chemicals and dust. This job is not easy for anyone, and it takes someone with the right skills to do well.
Responsibility
Whether your company needs a live-in or hotel housekeeper, it’s important to list the specific skills and qualities you want to see in candidates. This helps you filter out those who need to be a better fit before you spend time interviewing them.
In addition to cleaning and arranging, housekeepers also need to be responsible and punctual. They must meet deadlines and finish their work within the expected time frame. They must also be able to follow instructions given by the supervisor or manager.
Lastly, housekeepers who work in hotels must be able to handle multiple tasks daily. For example, they may need to replenish items like soap, shampoo, toilet paper, and face tissue in guest rooms. They also need to be able to answer guests’ questions and help resolve possible problems. This is a critical skill for hotel housekeepers to provide exceptional customer service. They should be willing to learn and improve their skills regularly. This includes knowing how to cook, iron, and care for children or pets.
