DayShift / Job descriptions / Janitor

Janitor job description: what you'll do and what to write on your resume

Applying for a janitor job at an office, mall, school or factory? Copy the duties below into your resume, then read what the interview asks.

Duties to write on your resume

Start each line with what you did. Keep the ones you've really done.

• Swept, mopped and vacuumed floors in offices, hallways and common areas daily
• Emptied trash bins and carried waste to the proper disposal area
• Cleaned and disinfected restrooms, sinks, toilets and door handles
• Wiped desks, windows, glass doors and mirrors until streak free
• Restocked tissue, soap, paper towels and other restroom supplies
• Mixed cleaning chemicals safely and used them as the label directed
• Reported broken lights, leaks and damaged fixtures to the supervisor
• Followed the cleaning schedule and checked each area before ending the shift

First job? Use the same lines for cleaning at home, a school, a church or a family shop, and say where.

A resume objective you can adapt

Hardworking applicant looking for a janitor job, ready to work early or rotating shifts and keep every area clean, safe and ready for use.

Skills employers ask for

• Knowing which cleaning product to use on each surface
• Working on your own without being told twice
• Being on time and ready for early shifts
• Handling tools like mops, brooms and floor machines
• Following safety rules when using chemicals

What the interview asks

1. Why do you want to work as a janitor? Say you take pride in clean spaces and you are reliable and steady.
2. Can you work early morning, night or weekend shifts? Answer honestly, because the schedule is built around when the place is empty.
3. What would you do if you found a spill or a broken item? Put up a warning sign, clean it safely and tell your supervisor.
4. How do you handle cleaning chemicals? Say you read the label, never mix products and wear gloves.

The questions every interview asks, with sample answers

How to get hired

1. Most posts ask for at least a high school diploma, though some hire without one.
2. Prepare a resume, a valid ID, an NBI clearance and your SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and TIN numbers.
3. Apply in person at the building's office, or through a cleaning services agency that places staff in many buildings.
4. Expect a short interview and sometimes a medical certificate check before you start.

What the work is like

You're on your feet and moving for most of the shift, often early in the morning or after the place closes. The hard part is the heavy lifting and the smells, but you work at your own pace once the routine is set.

Questions

Do I need experience to work as a janitor?

No. Many employers hire first timers and show you the tools, products and schedule.

Is janitor work part-time?

Both. Some posts are full-time with a fixed shift, and others are part-time for a few hours a day.

Do I need to study anything to become a janitor?

No course is needed. A short training on chemical safety and tools is usually given on the job.

Similar jobs

• Utility worker
• Housekeeper
• Room attendant
• Security guard
• Maintenance technician

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