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Housekeeper job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

Free job description below
Median pay
$33,933per year, about $16 an hour
Range$24,288 to $42,500 a year
Hourly$11 to $20 an hour
EducationHousekeepers do not require any formal education degree or certification.
Also calledDay Porter, Janitor, House Cleaner
DepartmentTrades and Services
The role

What is a Housekeeper?

A housekeeper is a professional who keeps a residential or commercial property clean and orderly.

Their tasks usually include sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and laundry to maintain a tidy and hygienic environment.

Besides cleaning, housekeepers may organize spaces, manage household supplies, and sometimes even cook or run errands.

Their attention to detail and efficient handling of chores ensure the property runs smoothly and remains comfortable.

What to screen for

The top Housekeeper skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
Attention to DetailHousekeepers need to be thorough in cleaning and organizing to ensure every area is spotless and meets high standards.
Time ManagementThe ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively is crucial to complete all required duties within a given timeframe.
Physical Stamina and StrengthHousekeeping often involves physically demanding tasks such as lifting, bending, and standing for long periods, so physical fitness is important.
Communication SkillsGood communication skills are necessary for understanding instructions and requests from employers or supervisors and for effectively reporting any issues or concerns.
Flexibility and AdaptabilityHousekeepers may need to adjust to varying schedules, tasks, and environments, so being flexible and adaptable is beneficial.
Free template

The job description, ready to post.

Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.

HousekeeperTrades and Services · Free to use and edit

Join our team as a dedicated and detail-oriented Housekeeper! In this role, you’ll ensure our facilities sparkle, providing a comfortable and inviting environment for our guests and staff. We’re looking for someone with a strong work ethic, reliable attendance, and a keen eye for detail.

As a Housekeeper, you’ll tackle a variety of cleaning tasks, from vacuuming and dusting to mopping and replenishing supplies. Your hard work will make a tangible difference, enhancing the satisfaction of everyone who uses our facilities. If you take pride in creating clean, welcoming spaces, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and be part of something special.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Sweep, mop, wax and vacuum floors.
  • Wash and sort linens.
  • Dust, disinfect, and polish surfaces.
  • Wash windows, doors, walls, ceilings, and fixtures.
  • Empty wastebaskets and remove trash.
  • Replace light bulbs, soap, paper towels, etc.
  • Make a daily list of housekeeping tasks to be completed.
  • Record all housekeeping duties performed.
  • Properly care for supplies and equipment.
  • Provide excellent customer service and handle complaints when they arise.
  • Keep cleaning supplies stocked.
  • Properly handle chemicals and comply with health and safety regulations.

Requirements

  • Prior relevant experience.
  • Must be able to take instruction and follow through without a lot of oversight.
  • Must be able to pass a background check.
  • Efficiency, professionalism, and attention to detail.
  • Must be well organized and orderly.
  • English speaker.
  • GED.
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

What education this role needs.

Housekeepers do not require any formal education degree or certification.

Many housekeeper positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Housekeepers typically gain their knowledge and skill set from previous housekeeping experience.

After the applications land

Sample interview questions for a Housekeeper.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • Why you chose to housekeep as a profession?
  • What do you enjoy most about housekeeping?
  • What are your hobbies or activities outside of work?
  • How do you handle stress and maintain a positive attitude at work?
Human Resources
  • What motivates you to do your best work each day?
  • How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with coworkers or supervisors?
  • Can you describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or coworker? How did you handle it?
  • What are your expectations for this job in terms of work environment and company culture?
Management
  • How do you prioritize your tasks when you have multiple cleaning assignments?
  • Have you ever had to train or mentor a new housekeeper? If so, how did you approach it?
  • How do you manage your time to ensure all tasks are completed by the end of your shift?
  • Can you give an example of a time when you had to make a decision independently on the job?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • What types of cleaning products and equipment are you most familiar with?
  • How do you ensure that you use cleaning chemicals safely and effectively?
  • Can you describe your process for deep cleaning a kitchen or bathroom?
  • What techniques do you use to remove tough stains from carpets or upholstery?
  • How do you stay updated on the latest cleaning methods and products?
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$24,288
25th percentile$28,000
Median$33,933
75th percentile$36,000
90th percentile$42,500

Hourly equivalents run from $11 at the 10th percentile to $20 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

Day Porter

Day Porters typically work in commercial buildings and establishments to maintain their cleanliness and safety.

$31,464 median

Janitor

$33,056 median

House Cleaner

Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Housekeeper?

The primary responsibilities of a housekeeper include maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in assigned areas, which involves tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and sanitizing surfaces.

They are responsible for cleaning and restocking bathrooms, kitchens, and other common areas, as well as making beds and changing linens.

Housekeepers also manage laundry duties, including washing, drying, ironing, and folding clothes and linens.

What skills are essential for a Housekeeper?

Essential skills for a housekeeper include attention to detail to ensure thorough cleaning and tidiness, time management to efficiently complete tasks within set timeframes, and reliability to consistently perform duties.

Physical stamina and strength are important for handling the physical demands of the job, such as lifting and standing for long periods.

Knowledge of cleaning products and equipment is crucial for safe and effective use.

Is prior experience required to work as a Housekeeper?

Prior experience is not always required to work as a housekeeper, but it is often preferred by employers.

Many housekeepers receive on-the-job training to learn specific cleaning techniques, the use of equipment, and safety procedures.

Experience can be beneficial as it demonstrates familiarity with the demands of the role and proficiency in performing cleaning tasks efficiently.

However, candidates with a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to learn can also be successful without prior experience.

What safety measures should Housekeepers follow?

Housekeepers should follow several safety measures to ensure their well-being and that of others.

They should use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and goggles when handling cleaning chemicals to prevent skin irritation and inhalation of harmful fumes.

Properly labeling and storing cleaning products helps prevent accidental misuse and exposure. Housekeepers should follow instructions and dilution guidelines on chemical labels to avoid creating hazardous mixtures.

Regularly inspecting and maintaining cleaning equipment ensures safe operation and reduces the risk of accidents.

Practicing proper lifting techniques and using tools like step stools or ladders for high areas helps prevent injuries from heavy lifting and falls. Adequate ventilation during cleaning tasks minimizes inhalation of fumes.

Housekeepers should be trained in emergency procedures, including how to handle spills, dispose of sharp objects safely, and respond to injuries or exposure to hazardous substances.

Reporting any damaged equipment or unsafe conditions to supervisors is also crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.

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