How to Be Hotel Housekeeper - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 22, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Hotel Housekeeping is a vitally important job, as it directly impacts the overall customer experience. As such, it is essential that housekeepers take great care and attention in their duties. Poor cleaning standards can lead to a decrease in customer satisfaction, a drop in repeat business, and can ultimately lead to a decrease in revenue for the hotel.

On the other hand, if housekeepers maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation, customers will be more likely to have a positive experience, return to the hotel in the future, and recommend it to others. Furthermore, hotels that prioritize their housekeeping staff and provide them with adequate training and resources will be more likely to benefit from the increased customer satisfaction that comes with a clean and comfortable environment.

Steps How to Become

Obtain an Education. Many employers will require job seekers to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Additionally, some employers may prefer or require job seekers to have postsecondary education in hotel management or hospitality.
Get Certified. Potential housekeepers may benefit from obtaining certification through a professional organization, such as the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.
Gather Experience. Employers may prefer job seekers who have some prior experience in housekeeping. Potential employees can gain experience by working in a related industry, such as hospitality, nursing, or retail.
Apply for Jobs. Job seekers should search for open positions with hotels, motels, resorts, and other lodging establishments. Job seekers should send resumes and cover letters tailored to each position to which they apply.
Interview. After submitting job applications, employers may reach out to qualified applicants to conduct an interview. During the interview, job seekers should dress professionally and be prepared to answer questions about their experience and skills.
Demonstrate Knowledge and Skills. Employers may ask applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills during the interview process. Job seekers should be prepared to discuss their attention to detail, customer service skills, and ability to follow instructions.

Being a skilled and competent Hotel Housekeeper requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Firstly, it is important to have a good understanding of the duties that are required to be performed in this role. It is important to understand the various cleaning techniques, such as vacuuming, dusting, and mopping.

Housekeepers must be able to identify and use the right cleaning products and materials for each task. Furthermore, Housekeepers must be able to work quickly and efficiently in order to complete tasks on time and to the highest standards of quality. Finally, having good communication skills is important for Housekeepers, as they need to be able to provide guests with information and answer their questions.

All of these skills are essential for a successful Hotel Housekeeper.

You may want to check Hotel Manager, Hotel Sales Manager, and Hotel Groundskeeper for alternative.

Job Description

Clean guest rooms, including vacuuming carpets, dusting, cleaning bathrooms, and changing linens.
Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies, notify supervisor when supplies are low.
Wash and fold linens and towels.
Clean public areas of the hotel, including lobbies, hallways, and restrooms.
Empty wastebaskets, replace trash bags, and transport trash to disposal area.
Report any maintenance issues to the maintenance department.
Ensure that all safety and security guidelines are followed.
Answer guest questions and provide information regarding hotel services.
Respond to guest complaints in a timely and professional manner.
Stock supplies in guest rooms and public areas.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to follow instructions accurately and thoroughly.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Good organizational and time management skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Knowledge of cleaning products and equipment.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to lift, bend, and carry heavy items.
Ability to stand for long periods of time.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work well with others.
Ability to use basic cleaning equipment such as mops, brooms, and vacuums.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Being a hotel housekeeper is an important and challenging job, requiring a set of specific skills. The most important skill to have for success in this position is attention to detail. A hotel housekeeper must be able to pay close attention to the little things, such as making sure all items in a room are in place and all surfaces are clean and free from dust.

They must also be able to spot stains or other dirt quickly, so that they can be removed from the room. having good organizational skills is key, as a housekeeper must be able to prioritize tasks and stay on top of their workload. Finally, having good communication skills is essential for a hotel housekeeper, as they must be able to interact with guests and other staff in a professional manner.

All of these skills combined create the perfect recipe for a successful hotel housekeeper.

Hotel Valet, Hotel Security Officer, and Hotel Front Desk Agent are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in housekeeping?
What do you find most rewarding about working in hotel housekeeping?
How do you handle a situation where a guest is not happy with your service?
Describe a time when you had to go above and beyond to meet the needs of a guest.
What methods do you use to ensure cleanliness and safety in a hotel room?
How do you prioritize multiple tasks throughout the day?
How would you handle a difficult guest situation in a professional manner?
In what ways do you ensure quality control in your work?
What steps do you take to ensure that all rooms are thoroughly cleaned and inspected before they are occupied?
What is your experience with using cleaning equipment such as vacuums and mops?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum cleaner. Used to clean carpets and hard floors. (eg: Hoover Vacuum Cleaner)
Broom and dustpan. Used to sweep up debris and dirt. (eg: O-Cedar Multi-Surface Broom)
Mop and bucket. Used to clean floors. (eg: Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop)
Cleaning supplies and solutions. Used to clean surfaces and fabrics. (eg: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes)
Trash cans and bags. Used to collect and dispose of garbage. (eg: Hefty Strong Large Trash Bags)
Linens. Used to replace bedding and towels. (eg: Egyptian Cotton Hotel Towels)
Toilet brush and plunger. Used to clean toilets and unclog drains. (eg: Mr. Clean Turbo Plunger)
Step ladder. Used to reach high places for cleaning or changing lightbulbs. (eg: Werner 6-ft Fiberglass Step Ladder)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Hotel Housekeeping (IAHH)
Association for Hospitality and Tourism Education (AH&TE)
Canadian Association of Hotel Housekeeping and Laundry Management (CAHH&LM)
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)
National Society for Executive Housekeepers (NSEH)
International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA)
National Association of Professional Housekeepers (NAPH)
Professional Housekeepers Association (PHA)
International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA)
International Housekeepers Association (IHA)

We also have Hotel General Manager, Hotel Chef, and Hotel Room Attendant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Room Attendant. A hotel housekeeper who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining guest rooms.
Linen Room Attendant. A hotel housekeeper who is responsible for sorting, storing, and delivering linen to guest rooms.
Public Area Attendant. A hotel housekeeper who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining all public areas of the hotel, such as lobbies and restaurants.
Laundry Attendant. A hotel housekeeper who is responsible for washing, drying, pressing, folding, and storing linen.
Floor Supervisor. A hotel housekeeper who is responsible for managing and supervising the work of other housekeeping staff.
Night Cleaner. A hotel housekeeper who is responsible for cleaning guest rooms and public areas during the night shift.
Vacuuming. The process of using a vacuum cleaner to clean carpets and other surfaces.
Dusting. The process of using a feather duster or cloth to remove dust from surfaces.
Mopping. The process of using a mop to clean hard floors.
Disinfecting. The process of using a disinfectant to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary job responsibility of a Hotel Housekeeper?

The primary job responsibility of a Hotel Housekeeper is to ensure the cleanliness and upkeep of guest rooms and other areas of the hotel.

What qualifications are required to become a Hotel Housekeeper?

To become a Hotel Housekeeper, one must typically possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have basic knowledge of cleaning practices and equipment.

What hours does a Hotel Housekeeper typically work?

Hotel Housekeepers typically work full-time hours, with shifts usually ranging from 8-10 hours per day.

How much does a Hotel Housekeeper typically earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for Hotel Housekeepers in 2019 was $11.42 per hour.

What type of environment does a Hotel Housekeeper work in?

Hotel Housekeepers typically work in a fast-paced environment that involves frequent contact with guests. They must be able to work independently and as part of a team.