Hiring housekeepers is a never-ending challenge for many industries. If you’re interested in becoming a housekeeper, you’ll certainly be an in-demand worker. Between 2020 and 2030, the need for employing housekeepers is projected to increase by 11.3% in the United States, reflecting the growing importance of cleanliness in both residential and commercial environments. The demand for housekeepers extends beyond the United States, with increasing job opportunities worldwide, especially in Europe and Asia, as hygiene and sanitation standards become more stringent globally.
But to thrive as a housekeeper, what skills do you need? As you’re marketing yourself and writing your resume, what housekeeper skills should you highlight? These are intelligent questions to ask because understanding the role and expectations will allow you to move forward on your career journey confidently. This blog post is here to help you get started with a detailed breakdown of responsibilities, essential skills, and salary insights.
What Does a Housekeeper Role Entail?
Housekeepers play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and hygiene of various spaces. Their responsibilities vary depending on the industry but generally include cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing areas to meet or exceed expected standards. Housekeepers ensure that homes, hotels, hospitals, and offices remain welcoming and safe. Here are some specific tasks housekeepers often handle:
- Changing and laundering sheets, towels, and other linens.
- Dusting and polishing furniture, fixtures, and decor.
- Replacing curtains and drapes as needed.
- Washing dishes and ensuring kitchen cleanliness.
- Cleaning and sanitizing pet areas, including cages and litter boxes.
In addition to these daily cleaning duties, housekeepers often manage periodic deep-cleaning projects and inventory control. This can include restocking supplies like toiletries and cleaning products, inspecting safety features such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and even making minor repairs. Specialized housekeepers may also handle laundry services, wardrobe organization, or event setup.
Your cleaning process will vary based on where you work. For instance:
- A hotel housekeeper focuses on preparing rooms for guests, often with tight deadlines.
- A hospital housekeeper ensures sanitary conditions by following strict infection-control protocols.
- A residential housekeeper manages a family’s day-to-day cleaning needs, often with more personalized tasks.
Some common workplaces for housekeepers include:
- Private residences
- Business offices
- Fitness centers and gyms
- Hotels and resorts
- Hospitals and clinics
- Retail establishments
Housekeeping jobs are available as part-time or full-time roles, and there are often opportunities for advancement, such as supervisory positions or specialization in areas like eco-friendly cleaning. If housekeeping sounds like the right role for you, then honing specialized skills and highlighting them on your resume is essential.
Top 9 Housekeeper Skills Employers Are Looking For
To excel in housekeeping, you’ll need a combination of technical skills, soft skills, and physical stamina. These qualities not only help you perform your duties effectively but also set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs. Here are the top skills employers look for:
1. Cleanliness
Attention to detail and a strong commitment to maintaining a spotless environment are critical for housekeepers. Employers expect high standards of cleanliness, often exceeding what individuals maintain in their homes. Being meticulous ensures that every corner is free from dust, stains, and debris, creating a clean and inviting space for residents or guests.
2. Communication Skills
Whether working in a hotel, office, or private home, communication is key. You’ll need to take instructions from employers, coordinate with teammates, and sometimes interact with clients or guests. Multilingual skills can be an asset, especially in international environments like hotels and airports.
3. Teamwork and Collaboration
Housekeepers often work as part of a team, especially in large facilities. Being able to collaborate effectively with colleagues, share responsibilities, and provide support ensures smooth operations. Teamwork skills are particularly important when handling extensive cleaning projects or emergencies.
4. Time Management and Efficiency
Housekeeping involves juggling multiple tasks, often under tight deadlines. You’ll need to prioritize effectively, manage your time well, and work quickly without compromising quality. Proactive planning and organization help ensure that all cleaning duties are completed efficiently.
5. Physical Stamina
Housekeeping is a physically demanding job requiring strength, endurance, and flexibility. Tasks like lifting furniture, carrying cleaning supplies, or scrubbing floors for extended periods can be taxing. Maintaining good physical health is essential to keep up with the demands of the role.
6. Specialized Cleaning Knowledge
Certain industries require specialized cleaning skills. For instance, hospital housekeepers must understand sterilization techniques and safe handling of biohazard waste, while hotel housekeepers may focus on luxury bedding care or eco-friendly cleaning practices. These specialized skills increase your value in the job market.
7. Prioritization Skills
Housekeepers often face competing demands, from attending to urgent spills to completing routine cleaning tasks. The ability to prioritize tasks ensures that critical needs are addressed promptly while maintaining overall efficiency.
8. Reliability
Employers depend on housekeepers to maintain a clean and functional environment consistently. Being punctual, dependable, and thorough builds trust and ensures the smooth operation of the facility or household.
9. Positive Attitude
A positive attitude helps housekeepers navigate challenges like unpleasant cleaning tasks or demanding schedules. Resilience and a cheerful demeanor can also enhance teamwork and client interactions.
Housekeeper Salary: What Can You Earn?
Housekeeping offers a wide range of earning potential depending on factors like location, industry, and experience. Let’s explore average salaries and earning trends:
Average Salaries in the U.S.
The average annual salary for housekeepers in the United States is approximately $29,250 or $14.06 per hour. However, salaries vary significantly based on the type of employer and geographic region. Examples include:
- Hotels: $25,000–$35,000 annually, often with tips and bonuses.
- Hospitals: $30,000–$40,000 annually, with additional benefits like health insurance.
- Private Residences: $40,000–$50,000 annually, with live-in positions often including free accommodation and meals.
Salaries in Europe
Salaries for housekeepers in Europe differ based on the country, cost of living, and industry. Some typical ranges include:
- United Kingdom: £19,000–£25,000 annually (€22,000–€29,000), with higher wages in metropolitan areas like London.
- Germany: €20,000–€30,000 annually, with premium pay for luxury hotel staff or specialized roles.
- France: €18,000–€25,000 annually, with additional allowances in tourist-heavy regions like Paris or the French Riviera.
- Sweden: SEK 240,000–SEK 360,000 annually (€21,000–€32,000), including benefits like parental leave and retirement plans.
- Spain: €16,000–€24,000 annually, with seasonal opportunities in coastal and tourist areas.
Global Trends
The demand for skilled housekeepers is rising worldwide, particularly in urban centers and luxury industries. Upskilling in areas like eco-friendly cleaning, inventory management, or hospitality can increase earning potential.
Include These Skills on Your Housekeeping Resume
To make a strong impression on potential employers, highlight relevant skills and experiences on your resume. Key sections to include:
- Skills: List both technical and soft skills, such as time management, teamwork, and specialized cleaning knowledge.
- Experience: Detail previous housekeeping roles, emphasizing achievements like improved efficiency or customer satisfaction.
- Certifications: Mention certifications in areas like biohazard cleaning, eco-friendly practices, or first aid.
If crafting a professional resume feels daunting, consider using CV2Go’s tailored templates for housekeeping roles. These templates simplify the process and help you present your qualifications effectively.
Housekeeping is a rewarding profession with diverse opportunities for growth. By developing your skills, understanding industry trends, and presenting a polished resume, you can build a successful career in this essential field.
