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

Aug 18, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The job of a Room Attendant/Housekeeper is highly important in the hospitality industry, as it is their responsibility to ensure all areas of a hotel, motel, or resort are kept clean and organized. Their work has a direct effect on the reputation of the business, since guests expect to find neat and tidy rooms when they check in. Room Attendants/Housekeepers must be detailed-oriented and have great organizational skills, as they need to complete all tasks in a timely manner.

They must also be able to follow instructions precisely, as any cleaning mistakes could lead to potential health and safety risks. Having a positive attitude and excellent customer service skills are also important, as they need to interact with guests in a polite and professional manner. All of these factors will help to ensure a pleasant experience for guests, resulting in repeat business and positive reviews.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require a high school diploma or the equivalent GED to become a Room Attendant/Housekeeper.
Take courses in hospitality and housekeeping. Many community colleges, technical schools and online institutions offer courses in hospitality and housekeeping. Courses in hospitality management, hotel operations, and housekeeping can offer valuable insight into performing the job duties of a Room Attendant/Housekeeper.
Research potential employers. Many hotels, resorts, and cruise lines hire Room Attendants/Housekeepers. Research potential employers to learn about their requirements for the position.
Submit an application and resume. Contact potential employers to inquire about open positions. Submit an application and resume for any positions for which you are qualified.
Attend an interview. If you are invited to an interview, prepare by researching the company and practicing common interview questions.
Complete on-the-job training. Most employers provide on-the-job training to new Room Attendants/Housekeepers. During training, you will learn the specific duties related to the position and how to fulfill them correctly.

The efficient and ideal room attendant/housekeeper must possess a range of skills to effectively provide quality service to guests. Time management is essential for the role, as time restraints can lead to inefficient work and unsatisfactory results. Attention to detail is also necessary, as any missed tasks can result in a lack of cleanliness, negatively impacting the guest experience.

Organization is also key, as it allows the attendant to prioritize tasks, complete them in an orderly manner, and keep track of their progress. Finally, a positive attitude and good communication skills are valuable assets that enable the attendant to professionally handle any issues that arise and maintain a pleasant atmosphere for guests. With these skills in place, an attendant can ensure that guests are provided with the best possible service.

You may want to check Room Chef, Room Service Captain, and Room Service Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Ensure guest rooms and public areas are cleaned and maintained according to hotel standards.
Greet guests upon arrival and provide assistance with luggage.
Make beds, change sheets and towels, vacuum carpets, and dust furniture.
Replenish guestroom and bathroom supplies.
Respond to guest inquiries and requests in a prompt and professional manner.
Report maintenance issues to the manager.
Follow health and safety regulations at all times.
Monitor stock levels of cleaning supplies and report when more are needed.
Clean spills and remove stains from carpets, furniture, and other surfaces.
Use of cleaning chemicals according to safety instructions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to understand and follow instructions.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
Knowledge of basic cleaning techniques and the use of cleaning agents.
Ability to lift and move heavy furniture and equipment.
Attention to detail to ensure a clean and comfortable environment.
Ability to use cleaning equipment, such as vacuums, mops, and buckets.
Ability to maintain a safe working environment by adhering to safety rules and regulations.
Ability to interact with guests in a professional and friendly manner.
Knowledge of proper sanitation practices and procedures.
Ability to troubleshoot minor maintenance problems.

Good customer service is an essential skill for any Room Attendant/Housekeeper. A Room Attendant/Housekeeper must always be friendly, courteous, and professional when dealing with guests. They must also be efficient and thorough when cleaning and preparing guest rooms.

If a Room Attendant/Housekeeper provides excellent customer service, they will be rewarded with positive reviews, repeat customers, and recommendations from other guests. On the other hand, if a Room Attendant/Housekeeper fails to provide good customer service, it can lead to negative reviews, unhappy customers, and a decrease in bookings. employers may not be as willing to hire or retain employees with poor customer service skills.

Therefore, it is important for Room Attendants/Housekeepers to always strive to provide the best customer service possible.

Room Layout Designer, Room Steward, and Room Attendant Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in housekeeping?
How do you prioritize tasks when working in a fast-paced environment?
What techniques do you use to ensure consistent quality of your work?
Describe a time when you had to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.
What steps do you take to ensure that rooms are cleaned to the highest standard?
How do you handle complaints from guests?
What would you do if you found a valuable item in a room?
How do you ensure safety and security for the hotel guests?
How do you go about stocking guest rooms?
What do you enjoy most about working as a Room Attendant/Housekeeper?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. Used to clean carpets, rugs, upholstery and other surfaces. (eg: Hoover WindTunnel 2 Rewind Upright Vacuum Cleaner)
Mop. Used to clean floors, walls and other surfaces. (eg: O-Cedar Easywring Microfiber Spin Mop)
Broom. Used to sweep debris from floors and other surfaces. (eg: O-Cedar Angle Broom with Dustpan)
Dustpan. Used to sweep debris into for easy disposal. (eg: O-Cedar Dual Action Microfiber Dust Mop)
Cleaning Cloths. Used to wipe down surfaces and remove dirt and grime. (eg: O-Cedar Microfiber Cloth)
Disinfectant Wipes. Used to sanitize surfaces and remove germs. (eg: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes)
Toilet Brush. Used to scrub toilets and remove dirt and grime. (eg: OXO Good Grips Hideaway Toilet Brush)
Window Squeegee. Used to clean windows and remove dirt, dust, and grime. (eg: Ettore Squeegee Off Window Cleaning Kit)
Carpet Cleaner. Used to clean carpets and remove dirt, dust, and grime. (eg: Bissell SpotClean Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner)
Trash Can. Used to collect trash for easy disposal. (eg: Nine Stars Motion Sensor Trash Can)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Hotel Housekeeping
American Hotel & Lodging Association
International Laundry and Cleaners Association
National Association of Professional Housekeepers
Association of Home Cleaners
International Executive Housekeepers Association
International Sanitary Supply Association
Cleaning and Maintenance Management Magazine
International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association

We also have Room Design Engineer, Room Division Controller, and Room Maintenance Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Housekeeping. The process of keeping a hotel, motel, or other hospitality facility clean and organized.
Linen Room. A room within a hotel or motel where clean linens and towels are stored and distributed to guest rooms.
Laundry. The process of washing, drying, and folding linens and towels used in hotels.
Room Service. A service offered by hotels and motels in which food items are delivered to a guest's room.
Guest Services. Services offered by hotels and motels to make a guest's stay more enjoyable, such as concierge services, valet services, and tour assistance.
Room Inspector. A person responsible for inspecting the condition of the guest rooms and ensuring that they are meeting hotel standards.
Guest Relations. The process of providing customers with assistance and resolving any issues or complaints that they may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What duties does a Room Attendant/Housekeeper typically perform?

A Room Attendant/Housekeeper is typically responsible for cleaning, dusting and vacuuming guest rooms, changing bed linens, replenishing towels and toiletries, and ensuring that all amenities are in proper working order.

How often should a Room Attendant/Housekeeper clean a guest room?

Room Attendants/Housekeepers are typically expected to clean guest rooms daily.

What qualifications are required to become a Room Attendant/Housekeeper?

Generally, employers require Room Attendants/Housekeepers to have a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in hospitality or customer service.

What safety precautions should a Room Attendant/Housekeeper take when cleaning a room?

Room Attendants/Housekeepers should always wear protective gear and use caution when handling hazardous materials such as cleaning products and chemicals. They should also be aware of any potential safety hazards, such as slippery floors or loose rugs, and take appropriate steps to address them.