How to Be Janitorial Attendant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 13, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The lack of janitorial attendants can lead to a number of serious issues in any facility. Without a dedicated cleaning staff, the cleanliness of the building can quickly deteriorate, leading to the spread of germs and disease. This can create an unhealthy environment, resulting in a greater risk of employees and visitors suffering from illness.

Furthermore, the buildup of dirt and dust can cause equipment to malfunction, resulting in costly repairs and downtime. Lastly, an unclean space can reduce employee productivity and morale, leading to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity. Therefore, it is important for any facility to have a reliable janitorial attendant in order to maintain a healthy and productive environment.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most janitorial attendant positions require at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Complete a janitorial training program. Some employers provide janitorial training programs for new hires, while other employers may prefer that you have previous janitorial experience or training.
Get certified in safety protocols. Janitorial attendants must understand safety procedures and protocols, such as proper lifting techniques, chemical safety and proper disposal of hazardous materials.
Find an entry-level position. Look for job postings for janitorial attendants or related positions, such as custodians or cleaners. You may be able to find job postings through job search websites, your local newspaper or at your local job center.
Demonstrate your skills on the job. As a janitorial attendant, you will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining a variety of areas. Show your employer that you can perform the duties of the job by following instructions, paying attention to detail and taking initiative.
Take on additional duties. Once you have mastered the basics of the job, ask your supervisor if you can take on additional duties, such as painting or light maintenance. Demonstrating your ability to take on more responsibility will make you more valuable to your employer and may lead to promotions.

The role of a Janitorial Attendant is to ensure that the facility is kept clean and orderly. To be competent in this role, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest cleaning techniques, products and equipment. Keeping up with industry trends, best practices, safety regulations and other related information can help Janitorial Attendants stay knowledgeable and efficient in their job.

it is important to maintain good relationships with vendors and suppliers of cleaning materials, so that the attendant can be informed of any new products or technologies that could be beneficial to the business. By regularly taking the initiative to stay informed and educated, Janitorial Attendants can remain competent and effective at their job.

You may want to check Janitorial Technician, Janitorial Supervisor, and Senior Janitor for alternative.

Job Description

Empty and clean wastebaskets in all areas of the facility.
Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors in all areas of the facility.
Clean and disinfect bathrooms, including sinks, toilets, showers, and countertops.
Dust furniture and other surfaces in all areas of the facility.
Clean windows and walls as needed.
Remove stains from carpets and upholstery.
Perform minor repairs on furniture and fixtures as needed.
Replenish supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels, soaps, and other items.
Report any damages or repairs that need to be completed.
Follow safety procedures when using cleaning chemicals and equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to maintain a clean and organized work area.
Knowledge of cleaning products, equipment and procedures.
Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
Ability to comply with safety protocols.
Ability to lift and move heavy objects.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to work efficiently and accurately in a timely manner.
Ability to interact well with co-workers, customers and supervisors.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Knowledge of proper sanitation techniques.

Having strong organizational and task-management skills is a key component of being a successful Janitorial Attendant. Organization is essential for janitors as it ensures that jobs are completed on time and to the highest standard. Being able to prioritize tasks efficiently is important, as it allows janitors to identify and complete the most important tasks first and ensure that all areas of their workplace are kept clean and presentable.

Having good communication skills also helps janitors to keep their colleagues informed about any changes that need to be made. Furthermore, being able to work effectively in a team is also essential, as janitors often need to work with other members of their team to ensure that all areas of the workplace are kept clean and maintained. Finally, having strong attention to detail is crucial for janitors, as it ensures that no task is left incomplete and that all areas of the workplace are kept in a clean and tidy state.

Janitorial Supervisor II, Part-time Janitor, and Certified Janitor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in janitorial work?
How do you prioritize tasks when there are multiple jobs that need to be completed?
What safety protocols do you adhere to while performing janitorial duties?
Describe a difficult situation you have encountered while on the job and how you resolved it.
Are you comfortable with using industrial cleaning equipment and supplies?
Are you familiar with the proper methods of cleaning and sanitizing a variety of surfaces?
What do you think is the most important quality for a successful janitor to possess?
How do you ensure that all areas are properly cleaned and maintained?
What steps do you take to make sure that any hazardous waste is disposed of correctly?
How do you handle customer complaints or requests?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. Used to clean carpets and other surfaces. (Eg: Hoover)
Mop and Bucket. Used to clean floors and other surfaces. (Eg: Rubbermaid)
Dustpan and Brush. Used to sweep up debris and dirt. (Eg: O-Cedar)
Window Cleaner. Used to clean windows and other glass surfaces. (Eg: Windex)
Scrub Brushes. Used to scrub dirt and stains from hard surfaces. (Eg: Scotch-Brite)
Toilet Brush. Used to clean inside a toilet bowl. (Eg: Lysol)
Disinfectant Spray. Used to sanitize surfaces. (Eg: Clorox)
Trash Can and Bags. Used to store and dispose of trash. (Eg: Hefty)

Professional Organizations to Know

Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA)
International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
National Association of Professional House Cleaners (NAPHC)
Professional Janitorial Services Association (PJSA)
Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI)
Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS)
Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA)
Maintenance Solutions Magazine (MSM)

We also have Janitorial Services Manager, Janitorial Maintenance Worker, and Janitorial Supply Clerk jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Housekeeping. The act of keeping a home or workspace clean, orderly and free of clutter.
Custodial Services. The provision of general cleaning and maintenance services.
Cleaning Supplies. Products and tools used to clean, such as mops, brooms, vacuums, and detergents.
Disinfecting. The use of chemical agents to kill or reduce the number of microorganisms on surfaces.
Sanitizing. The process of reducing the number of microorganisms on surfaces to a safe level.
Waste Disposal. The process of disposing of unwanted materials in a safe and responsible manner.
Dusting. The act of using a dust cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove dust from surfaces.
Floor Care. The act of cleaning and maintaining floors, such as mopping, waxing, and buffing.
Window Cleaning. The act of cleaning windows, both inside and outside, to remove dirt and smudges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Janitorial Attendant? A1: A Janitorial Attendant is a person who performs cleaning duties such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and waste disposal in a commercial or residential building. Q2: What type of qualifications are needed to become a Janitorial Attendant? A2: To become a Janitorial Attendant, one typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as experience with janitorial equipment, such as brooms, mops, vacuums, and power washers. Q3: What types of tasks can a Janitorial Attendant be expected to perform? A3: A Janitorial Attendant can be expected to perform tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and waste disposal. They may also be expected to clean bathrooms, empty trash cans, and run errands. Q4: How many hours per week can a Janitorial Attendant be expected to work? A4: A Janitorial Attendant can be expected to work up to 40 hours per week. The exact hours may vary depending on the employer and the size of the facility they are working in. Q5: What is the average salary of a Janitorial Attendant? A5: The average annual salary for a Janitorial Attendant is around $29,000 per year. The exact salary will vary by state and employer.