As a janitor, articulating your diverse skill set and extensive hands-on experience into a compelling resume can be a significant challenge. Our guide offers tailored tips and industry-specific examples to help you translate your practical knowledge into a resume that shines with professionalism and competence.
- Janitor resumes that are tailored to the role are more likely to catch recruiters' attention.
- Most sought-out janitor skills that should make your resume.
- Styling the layout of your professional resume: take a page from janitor resume examples.
How to write about your janitor achievements in various resume sections (e.g. summary, experience, and education).
- Cable Technician Resume Example
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- Custodian Resume Example
- Landscaping Resume Example
- Resident Assistant Resume Example
- Maintenance Technician Resume Example
- Cleaning Manager Resume Example
- Handyman Resume Example
- Regional Property Manager Resume Example
- Facilities Manager Resume Example
Optimize your janitor resume format to pass the recruiters' assessment
You may be wondering just how much time you need to spend on designing your janitor resume.
What recruiters are looking for is systematised content that is clear and coherent. Thus, your janitor resume needs to answer requirements and why you're the best candidate for the role from the get-go.
Often, a clear layout consists of:
- Sorting your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your most recent and relevant roles. This is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals;
- Writing your contact information (e.g. personal phone number and email address) and your portfolio or LinkedIn link in your janitor resume header. If you're wondering to include a photo or not, always make sure that it's appropriate for the country you're applying in;
- Use the basic, most important janitor resume sections - your experience, education, summary, etc. Use your resume's real estate wisely to tell a compelling, professional story and match job description's keywords;
- Don't go overboard with the length of your resume. One page is absolutely fine if you happen to have under a decade of relevant experience.
Are you still wondering if you should submit your janitor resume in PDF or Word format ? The PDF has a few more advantages, as it doesn't change the format and the text can't be altered upon application.
Format matters most when your janitor resume is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS).
The ATS parses resumes, looking for specific keywords, skills or experience that match the job description.
P.S. We recently did a study on how the ATS works and were able to demystify three of the biggest misconceptions about how it assesses candidate resumes.
To pass the ATS evaluation, select any of the serif or sans-serif fonts. Popular choices that would help your janitor resume stand out include Raleway, Exo 2, Montserrat, etc.
Most traditionalists go for Arial or Times New Roman, but it's often the case that many candidates choose these fonts, and you'd thus lose points on the uniqueness front.
Think about the location of your application – Canadian resumes, for instance, might follow a different structure.
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PRO TIP
The more trusted the organization you've attained your certificate (or degree) from, the more credible your skill set would be.
Fundamental sections for your janitor resume:
- The header with your name (if your degree or certification is impressive, you can add the title as a follow up to your name), contact details, portfolio link, and headline
- The summary or objective aligning your career and resume achievements with the role
- The experience section to curate neatly organized bullets with your tangible at-work-success
- Skills listed through various sections of your resume and within an exclusive sidebar
- The education and certifications for more credibility and industry-wide expertise
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Proven experience with various cleaning techniques and knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies
- Physical stamina and mobility, including the ability to lift, push, or pull heavy objects and stand for extended periods
- Attention to detail and conscientiousness in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene
- Time management skills and the ability to efficiently prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and schedules
- Familiarity with health and safety regulations, including proper waste disposal techniques and the handling of hazardous substances
Quick formula for writing your janitor resume experience section
Have you ever wondered why recruiters care about your janitor expertise?
For starters, your past roles show that you've obtained the relevant on-the job training and expertise that'd be useful for the role.
What is more, the resume work experience section isn't just your work history , but:
- shows what you're capable of achieving based on your past success;
- proves your skills with (oftentimes, tangible) achievements;
- highlights the unique value of what it's like to work with you.
To ensure your resume work experience section is as effective as possible, follow this formula:
- start each bullet with a powerful, action verb , followed up by your responsibilities, and your workplace success.
The more details you can include - that are relevant to the job and linked with your skill set - the more likely you are to catch recruiters' attention.
Additionally, you can also scan the job advert for key requirements or buzzwords , which you can quantify across your experience section.
Not sure what we mean by this? Take inspiration from the janitor resume experience sections below:
- Managed cleaning and maintenance for a 250,000 sq ft corporate complex, ensuring a consistently high standard of cleanliness and organization.
- Led a team of 15 janitorial staff, coordinating schedules and tasks to increase efficiency and meet company performance metrics.
- Implemented green cleaning methods and eco-friendly waste management procedures, reducing the building's environmental footprint by 20%.
- Orchestrated the transition to automated cleaning technologies, resulting in a 10% reduction in labor costs and 15% improvement in efficiency.
- Conducted regular quality control inspections to ensure adherence to the company's high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
- Organized and maintained a comprehensive inventory system for cleaning supplies, reducing waste and cutting costs by 5% annually.
- Developed a strategic plan for routine and deep-cleaning cycles adapting to seasonal needs, which enhanced the office environment for 100+ employees.
- Facilitated training program for new janitors focusing on thorough cleaning practices, safe chemical use, and equipment operations that increased staff proficiency by 30%.
- Cultivated relationships with vendors to secure high-quality cleaning materials at a 10% reduced cost, passing savings onto the company.
- Managed daily cleaning routines for a downtown high-rise office building, maintaining a standard of excellence and contributing to a positive public image.
- Streamlined the floor waxing process, extending the lifespan of the floor surfaces and reducing the frequency of costly deep cleans.
- Coordinated with building management on site safety and emergency evacuation plans, playing a key role in security and employee safety initiatives.
- Instituted a company-wide recycling program, which increased recycled waste by 40% and supported the organization's commitment to sustainability.
- Negotiated with cleaning supply vendors to secure a 15% discount on bulk orders, which significantly reduced operating expenses.
- Completed a detailed nightly cleaning checklist for all departments, ensuring that every area met health and safety standards.
- Performed thorough sanitization protocols during a flu outbreak, contributing to a 30% decrease in employee sick days compared to the previous year.
- Responded quickly to unforeseen messes or spills, maintaining a safe environment and preventing potential workplace accidents.
- Assisted in the installation of new cleaning equipment such as industrial floor cleaners, enhancing efficiency by 20%.
- Revamped the warehouse cleaning program, directly impacting the reduction of airborne contaminants and contributing to a 25% drop in product contamination issues.
- Trained staff on the use of personal protective equipment and proper handling of hazardous materials, ensuring full compliance with OSHA standards.
- Led the initiative for the certification process for ISSA's Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS), showcasing the company's dedication to excellence in cleaning services.
- Oversaw cleaning tasks within critical areas, such as operating rooms and laboratories, maintaining a 99.9% sterilization rate for critical environments.
- Regularly updated the cleaning protocol to align with the latest health guidelines, reinforcing the facility's status for patient health and safety.
- Instituted a floor care program that reduced slips, trips, and falls by 35%, ensuring the safety of all hospital visitors and staff.
- Collaborated closely with the facilities management team to uphold a pristine environment during major renovations, minimizing disruption of services and maintaining safety standards.
- Optimized work schedules using time management software, reducing overtime by 10% while maintaining high levels of service.
- Conducted energy audits for janitorial equipment, recommending replacements that cut energy use by 15% and supported company sustainability goals.
- Fostered a culture of teamwork among the janitorial staff that led to a 5% increase in overall performance reviews from building management and tenants.
- Initiated an evening shift that provided 24-hour maintenance coverage, earning commendation from building tenants for responsiveness and dedication.
- Designed a systematic approach to window cleaning for high-rise areas, improving visual clarity and the building's external aesthetic appeal.
The following content includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top responsibilities present on the task lists for janitor professionals.
Top Responsibilities for Janitor:
- Service, clean, or supply restrooms.
- Gather and empty trash.
- Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
- Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.
- Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
- Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
- Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
- Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.
- Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.
- Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Specify the total square footage of the facilities you were responsible for cleaning and maintaining to demonstrate the scope of your work.
- List the percentage increase in cleanliness or satisfaction scores as a result of your efforts to show measurable improvement.
- Document the number of rooms, offices, or buildings you serviced daily or weekly to establish your capacity for handling large workloads.
- Highlight the decrease in cleaning supply expenses due to your efficient use of materials, reflecting your cost-saving abilities.
- Quantify the number of complex cleaning machinery and tools you mastered to exhibit your technical skill set.
- Include the number of safety or sanitation protocols you implemented or followed to emphasize your commitment to workplace safety.
- Cite any training sessions or workshops you led, noting the number of attendees, to show your leadership and knowledge-sharing skills.
- Mention the frequency of positive feedback or recognition you received from employers, co-workers, or clients to indicate your reliability and quality of work.
Action verbs for your janitor resume
Making the most of your little to none professional experience
If you're hesitant to apply for your dream job due to limited professional experience, remember that recruiters also value the unique contributions you can offer.
Next time you doubt applying, consider this step-by-step approach for your resume's experience section:
- Rather than the standard reverse chronological order, opt for a functional-based format. This shifts the focus from your work history to your achievements and strengths;
- Include relevant internships, volunteer work, or other non-standard experiences in your janitor resume's experience section;
- Utilize your education, qualifications, and certifications to bridge gaps in your janitor resume experience;
- Emphasize your interpersonal skills and transferable skills from various industries. Often, recruiters seek a personality match, giving you an advantage over other candidates.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Showcase any ongoing or recent educational efforts to stay updated in your field.
In-demand hard skills and soft skills for your janitor resume
A vital element for any janitor resume is the presentation of your skill set.
Recruiters always take the time to assess your:
- Technological proficiency or hard skills - which software and technologies can you use and at what level?
- People/personal or soft skills - how apt are you at communicating your ideas across effectively? Are you resilient to change?
The ideal candidate presents the perfect balance of hard skills and soft skills all through the resume, but more particular within a dedicated skills section.
Building your janitor skills section, you should:
- List up to six skills that answer the requirements and are unique to your expertise.
- Include a soft skill (or two) that defines you as a person and professional - perhaps looking back on feedback you've received from previous managers, etc.
- Create up to two skills sections that are organized based on the types of skills you list (e.g. "technical skills", "soft skills", "janitor skills", etc.).
- If you happen to have technical certifications that are vital to the industry and really impressive, include their names within your skills section.
At times, it really is frustrating to think back on all the skills you possess and discover the best way to communicate them across.
We understand this challenge - that's why we've prepared two lists (of hard skills and soft skills) to help you build your next resume, quicker and more efficiently:
Top skills for your janitor resume:
Floor scrubber
Vacuum cleaner
Pressure washer
Mop and bucket
Chemical cleaning agents
Trash compactor
Ladder
Broom and dustpan
Restroom sanitation equipment
Cleaning scheduling software
Attention to detail
Time management
Communication
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Work ethic
Customer service
Dependability
Organization
Next, you will find information on the top technologies for janitor professonals from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Top technologies for Janitor’s resume:
- Microsoft Excel
- Eko
- Microsoft Outlook
PRO TIP
If you're in the process of obtaining your certificate or degree, list the expected date you're supposed to graduate or be certified.
Education section and most popular janitor certifications for your resume
Your resume education section is crucial. It can indicate a range of skills and experiences pertinent to the position.
- Mention only post-secondary qualifications, noting the institution and duration.
- If you're still studying, highlight your anticipated graduation date.
- Omit qualifications not pertinent to the role or sector.
- If it provides a chance to emphasize your accomplishments, describe your educational background, especially in a research-intensive setting.
Recruiters value janitor candidates who have invested their personal time into their professional growth. That's why you should include both your relevant education and certification . Not only will this help you stand out amongst candidates, but showcase your dedication to the field. On your janitor resume, ensure you've:
- Curated degrees and certificates that are relevant to the role
- Shown the institution you've obtained them from - for credibility
- Include the start and end dates (or if your education/certification is pending) to potentially fill in your experience gaps
- If applicable, include a couple of job advert keywords (skills or technologies) as part of the certification or degree description
If you decide to list miscellaneous certificates (that are irrelevant to the role), do so closer to the bottom of your resume. In that way, they'd come across as part of your personal interests, instead of experience. The team at Enhancv has created for you a list of the most popular janitor certificates - to help you update your resume quicker:
The top 5 certifications for your janitor resume:
- Certified Custodial Technician (CCT) - International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
- Bloodborne Pathogen Certification – National Safety Compliance (NSC)
- Occupational Safety and Health for custodial workers (OSHA custodial) - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Certification - ISSA
- Certified Building Service Executive (CBSE) - Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
The content below includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top associations for janitor professionals.
Top US associations for a Janitor professional
- American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
- Building Service Contractors Association International
- IEHA
- ISSA Residential
- ISSA-The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association
PRO TIP
If you're in the process of obtaining your certificate or degree, list the expected date you're supposed to graduate or be certified.
Recommended reads:
Practical guide to your janitor resume summary or objective
First off, should you include a summary or objective on your janitor resume?
We definitely recommend you choose the:
- Resume summary to match job requirements with most noteworthy accomplishments.
- Resume objective as a snapshot of career dreams
Both the resume summary and objective should set expectations for recruiters as to what your career highlights are.
These introductory paragraphs (that are no more than five sentences long) should help you answer why you're the best candidate for the job.
Industry-wide best practices pinpoint that the janitor resume summaries and objectives follow the structures of these samples:
Resume summaries for a janitor job
- Dedicated janitorial professional with over 6 years of experience in commercial cleaning and maintenance, proficient in the latest sanitation processes and green cleaning techniques. Recognized for reducing the cleaning time by 30% at ABC Corp through innovative workflow improvements and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a spotless and healthy environment.
- Seasoned educator transitioning to janitorial management, bringing 8 years of experience in organizing, problem-solving, and time management from the academic sector. Adept at coordinating large-scale cleaning projects and committed to applying structured discipline to achieve the highest cleanliness standards within facility operations.
- With a background in hospitality and over a decade of customer service experience, this candidate excels in creating welcoming environments. Passionate about applying transferable skills to the janitorial sector, especially in enhancing organizational appearance and contributing to guests' and employees' satisfaction by maintaining immaculate premises.
- Customer-focused retail manager pivoting to janitorial services after 12 successful years in the retail industry. Acclaimed for exceptional organizational skills and a keen eye for detail, eager to leverage extensive staff training and operational management skills to ensure efficient custodial services in high-traffic facilities.
- Seeking to enter the janitorial field, this enthusiastic individual offers a strong work ethic and a drive to exceed expectations in maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly environment. Committed to mastering the necessary technical skills and contributing positively by keeping up with the rigorous demands of facility upkeep.
- Energetic self-starter aiming to apply a fresh perspective to janitorial duties, with a particular interest in eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Possesses a strong commitment to learning industry best practices and anticipates becoming a valuable team member through a hands-on approach and dedication to cultivating a pristine workplace atmosphere.
Average salary info by state in the US for janitor professionals
Local salary info for Janitor.” Source: My Next Move, National Center for O*NET Development. Accessed 10/15/2024
| State | Average Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| US National Average | $35,020 |
| California (CA) | $37,970 |
| Texas (TX) | $29,640 |
| Florida (FL) | $29,800 |
| New York (NY) | $38,710 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $34,790 |
| Illinois (IL) | $36,400 |
| Ohio (OH) | $33,840 |
| Georgia (GA) | $30,100 |
| North Carolina (NC) | $29,780 |
| Michigan (MI) | $34,080 |
Extra sections to include in your janitor resume
What should you do if you happen to have some space left on your resume, and want to highlight other aspects of your profile that you deem are relevant to the role? Add to your janitor resume some of these personal and professional sections:
- Passions/Interests - to detail how you spend both your personal and professional time, invested in various hobbies;
- Awards - to present those niche accolades that make your experience unique;
- Publications - an excellent choice for professionals, who have just graduated from university or are used to a more academic setting;
- Volunteering - your footprint within your local (or national/international) community.
Key takeaways
At the end of our guide, we'd like to remind you to:
- Invest in a simple, modern resume design that is ATS friendly and keeps your experience organized and legible;
- Avoid just listing your responsibilities in your experience section, but rather focus on quantifiable achievements;
- Always select resume sections that are relevant to the role and can answer job requirements. Sometimes your volunteering experience could bring more value than irrelevant work experience;
- Balance your technical background with your personality traits across various sections of your resume to hint at how much time employers would have to invest in training you and if your profile would be a good cultural fit to the organization;
- Include your academic background (in the form of your relevant higher education degrees and certifications) to show recruiters that you have the technical basics of the industry covered.
Janitor resume examples
Explore additional janitor resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level Janitor
Janitorial Supervisor
By Role
Cleaning Manager
For Cleaning Manager roles, evidence of excellent team leadership and a solid understanding of cleaning procedures are essential.
Ensure you include instances where you supervised a cleaning team, planning schedules, assigning tasks, and providing training in your resume. Detail any experience with different cleaning methods and the use of various cleaning tools and chemicals.
Use action verbs like “supervised”, “coordinated”, or “implemented”, followed by results,for example, “improved cleaning efficiency by 20%”. Also, emphasize any cost-saving measures you have introduced, and employee safety means you've put in place. Don’t just list duties; show your ability to manage a team and drive productivity.
Custodian
When applying for Custodian roles, highlight your physical strength, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of cleaning and sanitizing agents.
Showcase instances where you were successful in maintaining the cleanliness of premises and handling minor repair works, using related machinery or tools. Don’t forget to mention your aptitude for ensuring safety by following regulations.
Your resume stands out when you illustrate how your skills resulted in a clean and safe environment – like “improved cleanliness score by..”, or “reduced the number of accidents by..”. The emphasis should be on your capacity to keep institutions in top shape.
Dishwasher
In many instances, the dishwasher position sprouts from the hospitality industry, for which reason, hospitality trends generally shape global dishwasher positions and its application process.
The following tips will enhance your application for dishwasher jobs in the hospitality industry:
- Insight into kitchen management procedures is crucial. Food safety regulations, dishwashing techniques, and inventory management skills are often emphasized. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in these areas, or your application may be overlooked.
- Place emphasis on the practical experience that directly affects the operation. Numerous successful dishwashers have solid backgrounds in kitchen operations. Be sure to highlight your practical skills and how they improved the kitchen's efficiency on your resume.
- Don't merely enumerate your skills. Show how they benefited the operation, for instance, "enhanced hygienic standards by…", "improved turn-around time after...". Adhere to the "skills-action-results" format.
