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

Nov 15, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The effect of having a janitor in the workplace can be extremely beneficial. By having a janitor, the workplace will be kept clean and organized, which can lead to improved productivity and morale among employees. having a janitor can reduce the risk of sickness and injury caused by a dirty work environment, as well as reduce the cost of repairs for damaged equipment.

Furthermore, having a janitor can create a more professional atmosphere for customers and guests, which can help to increase business. In short, having a janitor in the workplace can have many positive effects on overall efficiency, safety, and business success.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most janitorial positions require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. High school courses such as science, math and English can help prepare you for your job.
Consider attending a vocational school or college to further enhance your skills and knowledge. Many vocational schools and colleges offer courses in building maintenance, janitorial and custodial services.
Apply for a janitorial position. You can find open positions for janitors by looking online or in local newspapers. You can also look for job openings at local businesses and schools.
Complete an interview with a prospective employer. During the interview, you should demonstrate your knowledge of janitorial duties as well as any prior experience you may have.
Pass a background check. Most employers require that potential janitors pass a criminal background check before being hired.
Complete any necessary training. Your employer may provide you with on-the-job training or may require that you take classes in safety, first aid and basic janitorial skills.
Follow all company policies and procedures, including those related to safety and security. Janitors are expected to maintain a clean and safe working environment in accordance with company standards.

The key to reliable and efficient janitorial work is to create a system that is organized and well-defined. Establishing a clear routine and structure for the tasks that need to be completed is essential. Having a checklist of tasks can help ensure nothing is missed, and having a management system in place can help hold staff accountable for their duties.

Regular inspections of supplies and equipment will help maintain their quality and effectiveness, ensuring that the job is done with minimal effort. providing proper training for staff can help ensure that they understand the tasks they are expected to complete. By creating a structure, providing the necessary supplies and equipment, and training staff, janitorial work can be completed reliably and efficiently.

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Job Description

Sweep, mop, and polish floors
Empty wastebaskets, empty and clean ashtrays, and transport other trash and waste to disposal areas
Clean and disinfect bathrooms, sinks, mirrors, and floors
Vacuum and shampoo carpets
Dust furniture, walls, and window ledges
Clean windows, door panels, and partitions
Clean and polish metal fixtures such as door knobs and locks
Replenish bathroom supplies
Monitor building security and safety by performing such tasks as locking doors after operating hours
Notify managers when equipment is not working properly or when supplies are low

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to use basic cleaning equipment, such as mops, vacuum cleaners, and scrubbing brushes.
Knowledge of cleaning products, techniques, and safety procedures.
Ability to lift, move, and manipulate heavy objects.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods of time.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.

A successful janitor must possess several important skills to effectively carry out their duties. Time management is a key skill, as janitors must be able to efficiently complete their tasks in the allocated time frame. Attention to detail is also important, as janitors must be able to spot and clean dirt, dust, and other debris that other people may not notice.

Furthermore, janitors should have good communication skills, as they must be able to interact with other staff members and customers in a courteous and professional manner. janitors should have knowledge of safety protocols, such as proper handling of hazardous materials and the use of protective gear. Finally, physical stamina is essential for janitors, as they will be required to perform strenuous tasks such as mopping and scrubbing for long periods of time.

Without these skills, a janitor's job performance will suffer, potentially leading to decreased customer satisfaction and job security.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in janitorial work?
What is your understanding of the job responsibilities associated with janitorial work?
How do you go about making sure that all areas of a building are clean and organized?
How do you handle customer complaints or requests in regards to janitorial services?
How are you able to keep up with the changing cleaning protocols and techniques?
How have you been able to keep up with the janitorial supplies and materials needed for the job?
What methods do you use to ensure that the job is done efficiently and effectively?
What safety protocols do you follow in order to ensure the safety of yourself, other staff members and customers?
Are you comfortable using different types of equipment associated with janitorial work?
How do you handle difficult or unpleasant duties related to janitorial work?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. A machine used to clean carpets, rugs, and other surfaces by sucking up dirt and debris. (e. g. Hoover WindTunnel)
Broom. A tool with a long handle and a brush made of stiff bristles for sweeping floors. (e. g. O-Cedar Angle Broom)
Mop. A cleaning tool with a long handle and a wide, flat head made of absorbent material for cleaning floors. (e. g. O-Cedar Microfiber Mop)
Dustpan. A shallow pan with a handle used for collecting dust and dirt swept up with a broom. (e. g. Rubbermaid Dustpan)
Window Squeegee. A tool with a rubber blade attached to a handle used to clean windows and other glass surfaces. (e. g. Ettore Professional Window Squeegee)
Cleaning Cloths. Cloths made of absorbent material used to wipe surfaces clean. (e. g. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths)
Bucket. A large, cylindrical container used to hold cleaning solutions and other liquids. (e. g. Rubbermaid Commercial Bucket)
Scrub Brush. A stiff-bristled brush used for scrubbing away dirt and grime from hard surfaces. (e. g. O-Cedar Heavy Duty Scrub Brush)
Sponges. A soft, absorbent material used for cleaning surfaces, dishes, and more. (e. g. Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Sponge)
Floor Buffer. A machine used to clean, polish, and maintain hard floors like tile and linoleum. (e. g. Koblenz Floor Machine)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
Professional Custodial Managers Institute (PCMI)
International Housekeeping Association (IHA)
American Cleaning Institute (ACI)
National Association of Building Maintenance and Security Management (NABMSM)
Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)

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Common Important Terms

Cleaning Supplies. Materials used for cleaning, such as mops, brooms, sponges, and cleaning solutions.
Sanitizing. The process of reducing the number of microorganisms on a surface to a safe level.
Floor Care. Maintenance and cleaning of floors, including vacuuming, mopping, and polishing.
Trash Removal. The process of disposing of waste, including recycling, composting, and garbage disposal.
Laundering. The process of washing or drying clothes, linens, and other items.
Dusting. The process of removing dust particles from surfaces using a cloth or brush.
Restocking. Replenishing supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, and cleaning solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Janitor?

Janitor is a software maintenance and automation tool that helps organizations automate their operations and manage their IT infrastructure.

How does Janitor work?

Janitor works by automating routine tasks and maintenance activities, such as patching, configuration management, and monitoring. It can also detect anomalies and alert administrators when something abnormal is detected.

What are the benefits of using Janitor?

Benefits of using Janitor include improved system reliability, increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced security.

How much does Janitor cost?

The cost of Janitor depends on the features and services you are looking for. Generally, prices start from $99/month for a basic package, with more advanced packages costing up to $499/month.