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

The importance of a Janitorial Supply Clerk for any organization cannot be overstated. As the front-line person responsible for ensuring the availability of cleaning supplies and other janitorial items, the Janitorial Supply Clerk plays a critical role in keeping any office or building clean and hygienic. This, in turn, helps to create a healthy work environment and reduces the risk of illness and disease among employees.

Furthermore, their efforts also ensure that any business premises looks professional and well-maintained, which helps to create a good impression on clients and visitors. Therefore, by keeping an adequate stock of cleaning materials, the Janitorial Supply Clerk can help to maintain a safe and hygienic work environment while also contributing to the overall image of the organization.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require janitorial supply clerks to have at least a high school education.
2. Pursue certification, if desired. Some employers may require a janitorial supply clerk to earn a certification through an organization like the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI).
3. Obtain experience. Some employers may require a janitorial supply clerk to have prior experience in the field.
4. Gain knowledge of the industry. Janitorial supply clerks should be familiar with the products they are selling and the industry as a whole.
5. Develop customer service and communication skills. Janitorial supply clerks must be able to effectively communicate with customers and provide excellent customer service.
6. Become knowledgeable of office computer systems. Janitorial supply clerks must be familiar with office computer systems to accurately create orders and track inventory.

Efficient and reliable janitorial supply management is essential to the smooth running of any workplace. One way to ensure this is to have a designated janitorial supply clerk. This individual can be responsible for ordering supplies, organizing inventory, tracking orders, and ensuring that all supplies are in stock when needed.

By having a dedicated janitorial supply clerk, businesses can save time and money, as well as reduce the risk of supply shortages or out-of-date products. the clerk can help to ensure that supplies are used properly and evenly distributed among all departments. By taking the time to properly organize and manage the supply chain, businesses can maximize their efficiency and reliability when it comes to janitorial supplies.

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Job Description

1. Maintain inventory of janitorial supplies.
2. Receive, inspect, and store incoming products.
3. Place orders for new supplies as needed.
4. Ensure shelves are stocked and organized.
5. Track and record levels of inventory.
6. Prepare orders for delivery and distribution.
7. Issue supplies to employees upon request.
8. Follow up with customers regarding backordered items.
9. Monitor expiration dates of supplies and restock accordingly.
10. Manage returns and exchanges of products.
11. Schedule regular maintenance for janitorial equipment.
12. Maintain cleanliness of storage areas and shelves.
13. Provide customer service to clients and vendors.
14. Monitor budget and ensure purchases are within financial limits.
15. Create reports on usage, inventory, and other relevant data.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of cleaning product supplies and equipment.
2. Ability to maintain accurate records in an orderly fashion.
3. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
4. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.
5. Ability to lift heavy items and move around the warehouse.
6. Ability to use a computer and enter data quickly and accurately.
7. Knowledge of safety protocols for handling hazardous materials.
8. Good customer service skills and communication skills.
9. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
10. Ability to work as a team member.

Organizational skills are an essential skill for a Janitorial Supply Clerk to have. Without them, it would be difficult to keep track of the inventory and ensure that all orders are filled accurately and in a timely manner. It is also important to be able to communicate effectively with customers and other workers to ensure that their needs are met.

Furthermore, being detail-oriented is key in order to pay attention to the small details that can make or break a job. Being able to multi-task can also be beneficial as a Janitorial Supply Clerk in order to stay on top of tasks that need to be completed in a timely fashion. Lastly, having a good understanding of the products being offered and the ability to provide advice on their usage can be invaluable for a Janitorial Supply Clerk.

With these skills, a Janitorial Supply Clerk can provide excellent customer service, complete orders quickly and efficiently, and maintain accurate inventory records.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in purchasing janitorial supplies?
• What methods do you use to identify the best suppliers for janitorial supplies?
• How do you stay up-to-date on the latest janitorial supplies and trends?
• How do you organize and manage a large inventory of janitorial supplies?
• What strategies do you use to ensure that janitorial supplies are cost-efficient?
• How do you handle customer complaints related to the quality of janitorial supplies?
• Describe a time when you had to negotiate with a supplier for better terms.
• What procedures do you use to ensure accuracy and consistency when ordering janitorial supplies?
• How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple orders for janitorial supplies?
• What steps do you take to ensure timely delivery of janitorial supplies?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Broom. Used to sweep and clean floors (e. g. Corn broom).
2. Mop. Used to clean floors and other surfaces (e. g. Wet mop).
3. Dustpan. Used to collect dirt and debris (e. g. Heavy-duty dustpan).
4. Vacuum Cleaner. Used to remove dirt, dust, and debris from floors and other surfaces (e. g. Upright Vacuum Cleaner).
5. Window Cleaner. Used to clean windows and other glass surfaces (e. g. Squeegee).
6. Sponges. Used to clean surfaces with liquid or soap (e. g. Kitchen sponges).
7. Disinfectant. Used to kill bacteria and other germs (e. g. Bleach solution).
8. Toilet Brush. Used to clean the inside of toilets (e. g. Toilet bowl brush).
9. Trash Bags. Used to collect garbage and other waste (e. g. Heavy-duty trash bags).
10. Cleaning Cloths. Used to wipe down surfaces (e. g. Microfiber cloths).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
2. National Association of Professional Cleaners (NAPC)
3. Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
4. Cleaning Management Institute (CMI)
5. Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
6. American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES)
7. International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA)
8. International Custodial Advisors Network (ICAN)
9. Sustainable Cleaning Products Alliance (SCPA)
10. Janitorial Products and Equipment Suppliers Association (JPESA)

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Common Important Terms

1. Janitorial Supplies. All the items and materials needed to clean and maintain a facility, including cleaning chemicals, tools, paper products, and other equipment.
2. Janitorial Equipment. Machines and tools used to assist in cleaning and maintenance of a facility, such as vacuums, mops, and brooms.
3. Cleaning Agents. Chemicals used to clean surfaces and other areas, including detergents, disinfectants, and deodorizers.
4. Janitorial Services. Services provided by a janitorial company or individual to maintain a clean and safe environment in a facility.
5. Custodial Services. Services provided by a custodial staff to ensure the cleanliness of a facility, such as mopping floors, emptying trash cans, and restocking supplies.
6. Sanitation. The practice of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in a facility to prevent the spread of disease and illness.
7. Inventory Management. The process of tracking and managing a business’s inventory, including ordering supplies, tracking usage, and keeping accurate records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Janitorial Supply Clerk?

The primary responsibility of a Janitorial Supply Clerk is to manage inventory and order supplies for janitorial and sanitation staff.

What qualifications are needed to be a Janitorial Supply Clerk?

To be a Janitorial Supply Clerk, you must have basic knowledge of janitorial equipment and supplies, as well as excellent organizational and customer service skills.

What are the typical hours of a Janitorial Supply Clerk?

The typical hours of a Janitorial Supply Clerk depend on the size of the organization and the shift, but most positions are full-time and involve working 40 hours per week.

What is the salary range for a Janitorial Supply Clerk?

The salary range for a Janitorial Supply Clerk can vary depending on experience and location, but typically ranges from $25,000 - $35,000 per year.

What other duties might a Janitorial Supply Clerk be asked to perform?

In addition to managing inventory and ordering supplies, a Janitorial Supply Clerk may also be responsible for scheduling maintenance and repairs, organizing storage areas, and assisting with other janitorial tasks as needed.

What are jobs related with Janitorial Supply Clerk?

• Janitorial Technician
• Janitorial Engineer
• Janitorial Manager
• Janitorial Cleaning Specialist
• Janitorial Supervisor II
• Janitorial Maintenance Worker
• Lead Janitor

Web Resources

• Janitorial Supplies - Administrative Services Gateway - University … www.buffalo.edu
• Janitorial Supplies | Clemson University, South Carolina www.clemson.edu
• Janitorial Supplies | University of Missouri System www.umsystem.edu