Housekeeper
Job in about 50 words:
Are you a clean freak? Can you sweep, mop and straighten faster than we can say feather duster? If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and think you look pretty snazzy in rubber gloves, housekeeping jobs may have been made for you. You just need to have a friendly attitude and be willing to get your hands dirty – and then clean again.
Job skills/requirements:
The good news is that your training will teach you everything you need to know to succeed on the job. But here are a few skills you should have from the get-go:
- Keepin’ it clean: Whether you work in a hotel or in someone’s home, the cleaning duties are essentially the same. They include changing bed linens, vacuuming or sweeping, mopping, dusting, wiping down glass surfaces like mirrors and windows, scrubbing showers, sinks and toilets, and in hotels, ensuring rooms are stocked and up to industry standards.
- Heavy lifting: You don’t have to be Hercules, but you may have to push heavy carts full of cleaning supplies and lift objects like vacuums and buckets of water. You’ll also be on your feet most of the day, so wear comfy shoes.
- Positive attitude: Housekeepers should be customer-service focused and friendly. You will be interacting with hotel guests and home owners, so whistle while you work and stay pleasant.
- Trustworthy: Your customers trust you enough to allow you into their home or hotel room, which is a big deal, so you should always respect their privacy and property.
Expected hours: Hours can vary depending on the establishment, but most housekeeping jobs are during regular business hours. Some home owners may prefer you to clean while they’re at work, and hotels typically ask their housekeepers to straighten rooms before check-in and when guests are out. Weekend hours may also be required.
Dress the part: Most hotels provide their staff with a standard-issue housekeeping uniform, but if you work privately cleaning homes, you will either be given a shirt to wear with specified pants, or you can make your own dress code. So, if you wanted to clean houses in your old prom dress, be our guest.
Job myth:
You will have to clean filthy houses and rooms all day.
Many home owners who employ housekeepers use their services regularly, so you won’t be scrubbing grime if their home is cleaned often. Hotel rooms operate in a similar fashion because housekeepers clean each room almost daily, so you can leave your gas mask and rubber boots at home.
Career path:
- Executive housekeeper ($45,000/year)
- Staff manager ($60,000/year)
- Maid service franchise owner (Unlimited potential)