While the only hard requirement for many school cleaning jobs is a high school degree, that alone won’t guarantee you employment. Most schools will want more from you to consider you a shoe-in for their janitorial position.
Here are some of the other qualifications you can offer in order to boost your chances of being hired:
1. Cleaning experience
The best thing to bring to any job application is experience in a related job. Working as a maid, janitor, handyman or in a facility maintenance role gives you a great background to bring to any school cleaning job. Think about the responsibilities you’ve had in your previous jobs.
Most food service and retail workers are expected to keep their workplace tidy and clean up after customers. Any previous job experience is good. A history of steady employment helps to prove to an employer that you’re a dedicated worker who can show up on time every day.
2. Heavy lifting
As a cleaner, you’ll be expected to move boxes, desks, and supplies around. While vacuum cleaners aren’t exactly Olympic weights, there’s still a decent amount of physical labor involved in using one for several hours.
The equipment and machinery involved in outdoor cleaning can weigh even more. Having a gym membership and knowing how much you can lift can be a plus. You’ll be able to respond to interview questions accurately and with confidence.
3. Cleaning supplies
Some schools have rigid protocols for using cleaning supplies. Others don’t. In both cases, coming equipped with a knowledge of common cleaning supplies will help a lot. Knowing when you should use bleach and other chemical cleaners can be big.
Many typical interview questions involve this knowledge. Expect to be asked how you would clean multiple surfaces, including computer screens, granite, wood, and concrete.
4. Flexible hours
School cleaners often work when students aren’t around. This means you might be expected to work late nights or early mornings. Having a clear schedule can help make finding employment as a school cleaner easier.
5. Integrity and diligence
School cleaning is hard work. You’ll be expected to keep logs and follow job protocol and safety rules while you perform your duties. A positive work history helps prove your willingness to follow rules and work hard each day.
Even with a great history, you can still expect some interview questions designed to test your integrity.
6. Teamwork
Janitorial staff members don’t act alone. Cleaning a large campus is a coordinated activity that involves multiple people performing multiple tasks. School cleaners are expected to notify management when they encounter things that are out-of-the-ordinary.
While this means you won’t have to solve every issue yourself, it also means you’ll have to work as a team. Be prepared to draw teamwork examples from your prior work experience or answer hypotheticals in an interview.
Are you qualified?
If you have a high school diploma and positive work experience, you may be qualified to work as a school cleaner. Consider hitting the gym to make sure you can lift heavy objects and brush up on your knowledge of chemical cleaners and cleaning techniques.
With this extra preparation, you’ll be more likely to ace your interview and find the school cleaning job you’ve been looking for.
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