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

Nov 11, 2020 / 4 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The lack of a reliable housekeeper can have a negative effect on a home. Households that don't have someone to keep the house clean can be disorganized and chaotic, leading to family stress and a reduction in the quality of life. Furthermore, when there is no one to do basic tasks such as laundry and dishwashing, there is a greater risk of germs and bacteria spreading around the house.

having an untidy house can cause anxiety and depression as it can be a constant reminder of the mess that has been left unattended. A reliable housekeeper can ensure that the home is kept clean and organized, which will in turn reduce stress levels and create a healthier and happier environment.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers require housekeepers to have at least a high school diploma before they can be hired.
Acquire any necessary certifications. Depending on the state, certifications may be required to work as a housekeeper.
Get trained in housekeeping tasks. Employers are likely to require some level of training in housekeeping tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and basic maintenance.
Develop your customer service skills. Housekeepers often interact with guests and should have excellent customer service skills.
Apply for jobs. Housekeeping jobs can be found in hotels, resorts, hospitals, and other establishments.
Maintain a professional attitude at all times. Housekeepers must maintain a polite and professional attitude when dealing with customers and other employees.
Follow safety protocols. Housekeepers must be familiar with safety protocols such as proper lifting techniques and chemical handling.

When it comes to finding an ideal and capable housekeeper, it is important to consider a few key elements. Firstly, the individual should have a good grasp of basic cleaning skills such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and sweeping. Secondly, they should be able to complete all tasks efficiently and in a timely manner, with attention to detail.

Lastly, they should be trustworthy and reliable, so that you can feel comfortable leaving them in your home while you are away. All these qualities combined will ensure that you have an ideal and capable housekeeper who can take care of your home to the highest standards.

You may want to check Gun Keeper, Bakery Keeper, and Lodge Keeper for alternative.

Job Description

Clean and organize guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-house areas
Change bed linens, vacuum carpets, and dust furniture
Clean bathrooms, including showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets
Replenish bathroom amenities, linens, and other supplies
Report any maintenance issues to supervisor
Follow cleaning schedules and safety procedures
Address guest complaints and special requests
Maintain laundry equipment and cleanliness of laundry area
Stock and organize housekeeping carts and closets
Dispose of trash and other waste materials

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to work independently and without supervision
Ability to accurately follow instructions
Ability to prioritize tasks
Attention to detail
Ability to use cleaning products and equipment
Knowledge of safety and sanitation regulations
Good communication skills with other team members
Ability to lift and move heavy equipment and furniture
Working knowledge of cleaning techniques and procedures
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

Having a strong work ethic is one of the most important skills for a housekeeper to have. When a housekeeper demonstrates a strong work ethic, they will be more likely to take initiative and complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner. This will lead to them being more productive and reliable, which in turn will make them more valuable to the employer.

A housekeeper with a strong work ethic will also be more likely to show respect to their employer and colleagues, leading to better working relationships. Furthermore, having a strong work ethic will also help a housekeeper to stay motivated even when faced with difficult tasks. All of these qualities are essential for a successful housekeeping career and will help a housekeeper stand out from the competition.

Content Keeper, Janitor, and Park Keeper are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in housekeeping?
What is your approach to cleaning and organizing?
Are you comfortable working with different types of cleaning products?
How do you handle unexpected messes or spills during a cleaning job?
What methods do you use to ensure all areas are sanitized?
Are you comfortable following instructions and working with minimal supervision?
How do you handle customer complaints or requests in regards to cleaning services?
What do you consider to be the most important elements of a successful housekeeping job?
How do you prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously?
Do you have any questions for me?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. A machine used to clean floors, carpets, and other surfaces. (Eg: Dyson V7 Motorhead)
Broom and Dustpan. Used to sweep dust and debris away. (Eg: Libman Lobby Broom)
Mop and Bucket. Used to clean and sanitize hard surfaces. (Eg: O-Cedar Microfiber Flip Mop)
Cleaning Cloths. Used to clean and dust items like furniture and appliances. (Eg: Microfiber Cleaning Cloths)
Disinfectant Spray. Used to kill germs and bacteria. (Eg: Lysol Disinfectant Spray)
Glass Cleaner. Used to clean windows and mirrors. (Eg: Windex Glass Cleaner)
Carpet Shampooer. Used to deep clean carpets and remove stains. (Eg: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution)
Toilet Brush. Used to scrub and clean the toilet bowl. (Eg: OXO Good Grips Toilet Brush)
Sponge. Used to scrub dishes, counters, and other surfaces. (Eg: Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Sponge)
Scouring Pad. Used to scrub tough stains. (Eg: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)
International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA)
National Association of Professional Housekeepers (NAPH)
International Housekeeping Association (IHA)
Professional Housekeepers Association (PHA)
International Cleaning and Hygiene Association (ICHA)
Association for Linen Management (ALM)
International Society for Hospitality Housekeeping Managers and Supervisors (ISHMMS)
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)

We also have Guest Keeper, Bird Keeper, and Conservation Keeper jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cleaning Supplies. Necessary materials used to clean a space, such as sponges, mops, and cleaning solutions.
Linens. Sheets, towels, and other fabric items used in a hotel or home.
Dusting. The process of removing dust and other particles from furniture, walls, and other surfaces.
Vacuuming. The process of using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris from carpets and other surfaces.
Disinfecting. The process of using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces.
Mopping. The process of using a mop to clean hard floors.
Polishing. The process of making surfaces shiny and smooth, typically with a wax or polish product.
Laundry. The process of washing and drying clothing, linens, and other fabric items.
Sanitizing. The process of using chemicals to reduce the number of microorganisms on surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Housekeeper?

Housekeeper is a cloud-based property management software designed to help vacation rental owners and managers streamline their business processes.

What features does Housekeeper offer?

Housekeeper offers a variety of features to help manage property operations, including online reservations, payment processing, guest communication, housekeeping tracking, reporting and analytics, and more.

What type of businesses can benefit from using Housekeeper?

Housekeeper is designed for vacation rental owners and managers, but can be used by any type of property management business.

How much does Housekeeper cost?

Housekeeper offers three pricing plans that range from $49 to $149 per month. Additionally, there is a free plan that allows users to manage up to 5 properties.