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

The restaurant janitorial staff play an essential role in the overall success of a restaurant. Their duties are crucial in ensuring a clean and safe environment for patrons, which can ultimately lead to better customer service. A clean restaurant can also improve the reputation of the business, attract more customers, and result in increased sales and profits.

Without the janitorial staff's hard work and attention to detail, the restaurant would be unable to achieve the standards of cleanliness necessary for success. Furthermore, their efforts help to prevent the spread of germs and disease, thus leading to a healthier and more hygienic dining experience for guests.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain the necessary qualifications. To become a restaurant janitorial staff, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, some employers may require you to have experience in janitorial or cleaning services.
2. Get trained. Many employers will require you to complete on-the-job training. During this period, you will learn how to clean and maintain the restaurant’s premises, as well as use the necessary equipment and chemicals.
3. Apply to open positions. Search for restaurant janitorial job openings in your area. When you find a position that matches your qualifications, prepare a professional resume and cover letter and submit your application.
4. Attend an interview. If your application is successful, you will be invited for an interview. Prepare for the interview by researching the company and restaurant, and practice answering potential questions.
5. Participate in the onboarding process. If you are hired, you will be required to complete an onboarding process which may include completing paperwork, participating in orientation, and undergoing background checks.
6. Start working. Once you have completed the onboarding process and training, you can start working as a restaurant janitorial staff.

The key to reliable and efficient restaurant janitorial staff is having clear expectations, providing adequate training and supervision, and holding employees accountable for their performance. A well-defined job description allows janitors to understand their duties in detail, while regular training sessions can ensure they are up to date on the latest cleaning techniques and safety protocols. Supervisors should stay on top of janitorial performance by providing feedback and guidance, as well as monitoring employee attendance and attendance records. By setting clear expectations and providing appropriate supervision, restaurant janitorial staff can be held accountable for their performance, ensuring a reliable and efficient cleaning experience for customers.

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Job Description

1. Clean and disinfect all restrooms, including toilets, urinals, sinks, and floors.
2. Sweep and mop floors throughout the restaurant.
3. Empty all trash cans and replace liners.
4. Clean windows and mirrors in the restaurant.
5. Dust and wipe down all surfaces in the restaurant, including tables, chairs, counters, and shelves.
6. Vacuum carpets and upholstery in the restaurant.
7. Wash and sanitize all dishes and kitchen equipment.
8. Maintain and restock cleaning supplies and products.
9. Clean and organize storage areas.
10. Report any maintenance or safety issues to management.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Ability to follow instructions and detailed cleaning protocols.
2. Knowledge of safe and proper use of cleaning agents, tools, and equipment.
3. Ability to use a wide variety of cleaning materials, including chemicals, mops, brooms, brushes, etc.
4. Ability to work quickly and efficiently while paying attention to detail.
5. Ability to lift and carry heavy loads.
6. Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
7. Ability to maintain a clean and organized working environment.
8. Ability to follow all safety protocols.
9. Ability to identify and report any maintenance or repairs needed.
10. Good organizational and time management skills.

Having strong organizational and time management skills is essential for restaurant janitorial staff. Without those skills, they would not be able to efficiently complete their tasks and would struggle to keep up with the demands of the job. Good organizational skills allow janitorial staff to stay on top of their duties, ensuring that all areas of the restaurant are kept clean and sanitary.

Time management skills allow them to prioritize tasks and get them done in an efficient manner. having a good understanding of health and safety regulations is also important for janitorial staff, as they must ensure that the restaurant meets all sanitation requirements. Having these skills not only helps ensure a safe and healthy environment for guests and staff, but also keeps the restaurant running smoothly.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in janitorial work?
• What techniques do you use to maintain a clean and sanitary environment?
• How do you prioritize tasks while working in a restaurant environment?
• What safety protocols do you follow when cleaning the restaurant?
• How would you handle a spill or mess in a busy restaurant setting?
• What experience do you have using cleaning equipment?
• What is your approach to stocking cleaning supplies?
• Are you comfortable working with hazardous materials such as bleach or detergents?
• How do you handle challenging situations that may arise while cleaning the restaurant?
• How do you ensure that all areas of the restaurant are properly cleaned and sanitized?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Broom. Used to sweep floors (eg: long handle broom).
2. Mop. Used to clean and scrub floors (eg: spin mop).
3. Vacuum Cleaner. Used to clean carpets, rugs and upholstery (eg: handheld vacuum).
4. Dustpan and Brush. Used to sweep up debris (eg: long handle dustpan and brush set).
5. Toilet Brush. Used to clean and scrub toilets (eg: toilet bowl brush).
6. Disinfectant Spray. Used to sanitize surfaces (eg: antibacterial spray).
7. Window Cleaner. Used to clean glass surfaces (eg: window squeegee).
8. Scrub Brush. Used to scrub surfaces such as tile, walls, and counters (eg: stiff bristle brush).
9. Garbage Can. Used to collect and dispose of waste (eg: stainless steel garbage can).
10. Gloves. Used to protect hands from dirt and chemicals (eg: rubber gloves).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
2. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
3. National Restaurant Association (NRA)
4. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)
5. American Cleaning Institute (ACI)
6. Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
7. Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI)
8. International Custodial Services Association (ICSA)
9. International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA)
10. Cleaning Management Institute (CMI)

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Common Important Terms

1. Cleaning. The process of removing dirt, dust, germs, and other contaminants from surfaces and objects.
2. Sanitizing. The process of reducing the amount of germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms on a surface or object.
3. Disinfecting. The process of killing or removing germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms from a surface or object.
4. Sweeping. The act of using a broom to remove dirt, dust, and other debris from a surface.
5. Mopping. The act of using a wet mop to remove dirt, dust, and other debris from a surface.
6. Vacuuming. The act of using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and other debris from a surface or object.
7. Dusting. The act of using a cloth to remove dust from a surface or object.
8. Trash Removal. The act of collecting, sorting, and disposing of refuse from a designated area.
9. Window Cleaning. The act of cleaning the windows of a building or other structure.
10. Restroom Cleaning. The act of cleaning the bathrooms in a building or other structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What duties are expected of a restaurant janitorial staff?

The duties of a restaurant janitorial staff typically include cleaning and sanitizing the dining area, kitchen and restrooms, sweeping, mopping and vacuuming floors, restocking supplies, disposing of trash, and cleaning equipment and surfaces.

How many hours per week do restaurant janitorial staff typically work?

Restaurant janitorial staff typically work 20-40 hours per week depending on the size and type of establishment they are employed in.

What qualifications are necessary to become a restaurant janitorial staff?

To become a restaurant janitorial staff, applicants must have basic knowledge of cleaning techniques and safety procedures, be able to lift and move heavy objects, and be able to follow instructions. In some cases, a high school diploma or GED may be required.

What type of training do restaurant janitorial staff receive?

Restaurant janitorial staff usually receive on-the-job training from their supervisors on the specific duties they will be performing. This typically includes instruction on the proper use of cleaning tools and chemicals as well as safety protocols.

What is the average salary of restaurant janitorial staff?

The average salary of restaurant janitorial staff varies depending on experience and location. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for janitors and building cleaners was $26,850 in May 2020.

What are jobs related with Restaurant Janitorial Staff?

• Restaurant Banquet Server
• Restaurant Prep Cook
• Restaurant Food Runner
• Restaurant Counter Server
• Restaurant Maintenance Worker
• Restaurant Greeter
• Restaurant Bar Manager
• Restaurant Chef de Partie
• Restaurant Barista
• Restaurant Cook

Web Resources

• Janitorial Services | YSU ysu.edu
• Janitorial Staff – Career Connections | Texas Woman's University careerconnections.twu.edu
• Janitorial Staff | BCC Career Development Center - berkshirecc.edu blogs.berkshirecc.edu