Housekeeping Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Kicking off a job application with a polished housekeeping resume can set you on the path to success. Whether you're dipping your toes into the housekeeping industry, changing careers, or you're a professional housekeeper with years of experience, this guide is your comprehensive companion. It's designed to assist you in creating a resume that highlights your skills and experiences in the housekeeping field.
Julia Belak — Certified Professional Résumé Writer
Julia Belak
Certified Professional Résumé Writer
Last updated: May 10, 2024
Average: 4.9 (165 votes)
Apartment Maintenance Resume Sample
Created with Kickresume

Average: 4.9 (165 votes)

Navigating the bustling housekeeping sector calls for a resume that sparkles. With diverse opportunities spanning luxury hotels to cruise ships and private estates, your housekeeping resume needs to sweep employers off their feet.

That's where targeted housekeeping resume tips, inspiring samples, and valuable templates come into play. Let's get you started.

Housekeeper Resume Sample
Housekeeper Resume Sample
Laundry Aide Resume Example
Laundry Aide Resume Example
Head Housekeeper Resume Sample
Head Housekeeper Resume Sample
See more examples like these

Keep reading to learn all about: 

  • Navigating successful housekeeping resume examples
  • Choosing the right format for your housekeeping resume
  • Crafting a persuasive housekeeper resume summary
  • Selecting key skills to list on your housekeeper resume
  • Effectively describing your work experience as a housekeeper
  • Including powerful action words in your resume
  • Properly listing your educational credentials as a housekeeper
  • Adding relevant extra sections in your resume
  • Avoiding common mistakes in a housekeeper resume
  • Pairing your resume with a proper cover letter
  • Exploring the average salary and job outlook for housekeepers
  • Accessing top job search resources for housekeepers

Housekeeper resume example

Housekeeper Resume Example
Created with Kickresume

Why does this housekeeper resume example work?

  • Effective layout: One of the strong aspects of this resume is the effective layout. Information is neatly organized and easy to find, reflecting the orderliness a good housekeeper brings to their work.
  • Clear communication of skills: A major plus of this housekeeper resume example is how clearly and effectively skills and achievements are communicated. Besides just listing skills, they're discussed in context, applied to real-life scenarios from the candidate's experience.
  • Spotlighting achievements: Another strength is the spotlight on achievements. Being an "Employee of the Month Award winner" and delivering "high-quality cleaning procedures in compliance with the 5-Star hotel standards" are both impactful statements. They immediately give the employer a sense of the standard of work they can expect from the candidate, making it a resume hard to overlook.

What could be improved?

  • Quantifiable achievements: While this housekeeper resume is noteworthy, one improvement would be the addition of more quantifiable achievements. Concrete numbers, be it in terms of efficiency increased, ratings received, or staff trained, add weight to accomplishments. They make your successes tangible, and that surely resonates with hiring managers.

Office cleaner resume sample

Office Cleaner Resume Example
Created with Kickresume

Why does this office cleaner resume example work?

  • Eye-catching profile: This office cleaner resume profile impresses with its concise detail that showcases professional experience, work ethic, and key skills. The pride of winning 'Employee of the Month' and a noted strong attention to detail speak volumes. Yet, the use of the candidate's name, 'Anette', in the profile is a bit out of place. Resumes typically avoid first-person references, preferring a more anonymized, third-person approach. Nevertheless, the profile does a stellar job of presenting a compelling candidate.

What could be improved?

  • Impact demonstration: A scope for enhancement in this office cleaner resume is going from just listing duties to demonstrating impacts and achievements. Instead of focusing on routine tasks, representing how these efforts improved customer satisfaction, cleanliness standards, or facilitated business operations can give the resume a significant lift.

Head housekeeper resume sample

Head Housekeeper Resume Sample
Created with Kickresume

Why does this head housekeeper resume example work?

  • Skimmability: One of the strengths of this head housekeeper resume is its skimmability. The information in this resume, from duties to achievements, is strategically selected and presented for quick consumption. In a world where hiring managers are sifting through piles of resumes, skimmability isn't just a fancy feature — it's a necessity.
  • Relevant skills woven like a tapestry: The second bullseye hit by this resume is the way it presents valuable skills. Attributes like "trustworthiness", "punctuality", "communication", "time management", and "leadership" aren't just plopped in a list. They're also woven throughout the text, spotlighted in the work experience and profile sections.

What could be improved?

  • Getting specific: A point that could be enhanced in this head housekeeper's resume is some vagueness in the responsibilities mentioned. For instance, phrases like "performed other duties as assigned by manager" are a bit too broad and lack specificity. The solution is simple — either give it a rewrite or give it the boot. If those 'other duties' include noteworthy tasks or led to significant outcomes, emphatically say so. The goal here is clear communication about your skills and experience, no distractions or ambiguity.

1. How to properly format your housekeeper resume

Crafting an exemplary housekeeper resume starts with choosing the right format. The layout you select should align with your career history and the role you're going for. Here we explore the three dominant resume formats and how they might suit your housekeeping career:

  • Reverse-chronological format: Preferred by most employers, this format places your most recent job first and works back chronologically. For instance, if you've moved from being a housekeeping aide at a small hotel to managing housekeeping in a large resort, this format lets you showcase this steady ascent.
  • Functional format: This layout focuses on your specific skills and experiences rather than date-ordered work history. If you've worked as a housekeeping supervisor, a janitor, and a personal housekeeper intermittently, this layout emphasizes your broad skillset over non-linear work history.
  • Hybrid format: A balanced blend of the other two, this format equally accentuates both skills and chronological work experience. So, if you've switched roles within the housekeeping industry and accumulated a host of relevant skills along the way, this format highlights both your diverse skills and varied experience.

Remember, the best format for your resume will depend on your individual situation. What's key is selecting the format that caters to your strengths, amplifies your achievements, and resonates with the job description.

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2. How to craft a strong resume summary or objective

A persuasive resume summary or objective can powerfully launch your housekeeping resume. But picking between the two depends on your career chronology.

A resume summary is apt if you've got a range of experiences in housekeeping to show off. Whereas, a resume objective is the fitting choice if you're relatively new to the sector or changing tracks.

Bad example of a housekeeper resume summary

A good housekeeper with a lot of experience.

Why is it so bad? This falls flat because it doesn’t detail the range of experience, specific skills, or achievements. It’s vague and doesn't communicate your value proposition.

Good example of a housekeeper resume summary

Energetic housekeeper with over 5 years’ experience in providing excellent cleaning services in a variety of hospitality settings. Excels in multitasking, managing housekeeping teams, and conducting quality control inspections.

Why does it work? This summary is compelling as it quantifies experience, highlights diverse settings, and pinpoints key skills, effectively positioning the applicant as a seasoned professional.

When it comes to drafting a resume objective for a housekeeping position, focus on your career goals, key skills, and how you intend to add value to the potential employer's setup.

Bad example of a housekeeper resume objective

Looking for a housekeeping job.

Why is it weak? This objective doesn’t serve its purpose as it fails to communicate relevant skills, personal passions, or how you would contribute to the role. It's unclear and unfocused.

Good example of a housekeeper resume objective

Reliable and detail-oriented professional seeking a housekeeping position to utilize excellent cleaning and organization skills to improve the guest experience.

Why does it hit the mark? This objective is movement-oriented, stating what type of position the applicant is seeking while showcasing their skills. It aligns personal abilities with a would-be contribution, demonstrating potential benefits for the employer.

Remember, your resume summary or objective needs to be a hard-hitting opener that not only stands out but also underscores why you're ideal for the housekeeping role at hand. Your words should effectively map your journey or aspirations and succinctly echo with the job role and the employer's requirements.

Housekeeper resume summary examples

3. How to pick the best skills for your housekeeper resume

Both hard and soft skills are integral to crafting a compelling housekeeper resume. Hard skills are the technical abilities acquired through training or experience. These are the actual, tangible skills that you've learned, such as operating specific cleaning tools or following a cleaning regimen.

Soft skills, on the other hand, deal with your interpersonal abilities — your approach to work, communication style, problem-solving capacity, and so on.

But be careful — it's important to not just list these skills, but to align them with the needs of the job you're applying to. If the job description emphasizes meticulous attention to detail, make sure that's a skill you highlight at the top of your list.

Hard skills for housekeepers could include

  • Knowledge of cleaning products and their usage
  • Experience with industrial cleaning equipment
  • Safety guidelines for cleaning procedures
  • Physically fit and able to handle heavy cleaning tasks
  • Time management 
  • Knowledge of hotel or industry standards for cleanliness

Soft skills for housekeepers could include

  • Attention to detail
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Initiativeto take on tasks without explicit orders
  • Patience and adaptability
  • Professional and positive demeanor

Remember that your skills should be more than just a laundry list. Align them with the job you're after, prioritize them based on the job ad's requirements, and showcase how they could make you the vital asset the employer is seeking. After all, it's the right blend of hard and soft skills that make a housekeeper truly stand out.

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4. How to describe your work experience on a housekeeper resume

When it comes to showcasing your work experience on a housekeeper resume, the key lies in presenting it in a clear, enticing format that captures and keeps attention.

Ideally, you should list your experiences in reverse chronological order — starting with the most recent one. Use bullet points to detail the tasks and responsibilities you've held in each role. Highlighting key projects or achievements can boost the perceptibility of your contributions. 

In your descriptions, make use of powerful action verbs and descriptive adjectives to illustrate your duties and achievements. Verbs like 'organized,' 'maintained,' 'managed' or adjectives such as 'meticulous,' 'efficient,' 'dedicated' can add flavor to your job description.

Let's take a look at two contrasting examples:

Bad example of a housekeeper resume work experience section

Housekeeper,
Sun Hotel,
2019-Present

  • Did the cleaning
  • Took care of laundry

Why does it fall flat? This example lacks detail. The duties listed are extremely generic and offer no insight into the candidate's unique experiences or achievements.

Good example of a housekeeper resume work experience section

Lead Housekeeper
Grand Luxury Hotel, 
NYC 
2017-2022

  • Managed housekeeping operations in a high-volume 200-room establishment ensuring excellent room cleanliness and consistently scoring above 95% in room inspection ratings.
  • Devised a cost-effective inventory control system, leading to an annual reduction in supply costs by 18%.

Why is this example strong? This version provides a detailed account of the candidate's role, highlights achievements, and showcases the ability to contribute to efficiency and cost-saving measures.

All in all, presenting your work history should be more than just a duty-roster of past jobs. By using strong verbs, detailed descriptions, and tangible achievements, you give your resume life, making it an effective tool in showing potential employers your value.

5. How to employ action words in your housekeeper resume 

The use of action words (or power verbs) in your housekeeper resume can significantly elevate its impact. These dynamic words bring zest to your contributions and responsibilities, making your resume much more compelling.

Action words are remarkable for a few reasons:

  • They animate your experiences, replacing generic phrases with more engaging language
  • They convey your duties and accomplishments more strongly, creating a vivid image of your role

Choosing action words relevant to housekeeping adds industry-specific color to your resume.

Here are some powerful action words for your housekeeping resume

  • Sanitized
  • Organized
  • Coordinated
  • Streamlined
  • Maintained
  • Operated
  • Upheld
  • Monitored
  • Performed
  • Managed

Sprinkling these action words across your resume can pack a punch, but they must align with your real duties and achievements in the housekeeping realm. Choose them wisely to bring life to your professional narrative, capturing the recruiter's attention.

Housekeeper action words

6. How to list education in your housekeeper resume

Although hands-on skills and experience are the heart of a housekeeping role, don't overlook the relevance of your education in your resume. Including your educational qualifications can add depth to your profile and help you stand out, especially if you have formal education or training in fields related to housekeeping, such as hospitality or facility management.

When listing your education:

  • Start with your most recent educational attainment
  • Include the name of the institution and its location
  • Generally, large gaps in your education aren't necessary. For example, college and above is enough unless your high school education is explicitly relevant.
  • Graduation dates aren't always necessary unless you've recently graduated and it highlights your youth
  • If you've attended any industry-related workshops, courses or certification programs, list them under a separate 'Professional Development' or 'Continuing Education' section

Education section example

Associate Degree in Hospitality Management
City Community College, New York, NY
2016-2018

High School Diploma
Riverside High School, New York, NY
2012-2016

Continuing Education

  • Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH) | International Executive Housekeepers Association | 2019 

Remember, your education shouldn't be downplayed. It contributes to your overall professional identity, giving employers a complete picture of you as a candidate. Not only does it convey your intellectual foundation but can also indicate your commitment to professional growth within the sector.

7. How to choose relevant extra sections for your housekeeper resume

Adding extra sections to your resume can put a spotlight on unique qualifications and experiences that reinforce your fit for the housekeeping role. The trick is to select sections that enhance your image as a well-rounded candidate.

  • Certifications: If you hold any professional cleaning certifications, this could reflect a commitment to your craft. For instance, a "Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) Certification" showcases your competence and dedication, making you stand out.
  • Languages: A multilingual ability can be an asset in the hospitality industry. If you're bilingual or multilingual, dedicate a section to highlight this. Communicating fluently with hotel guests or house owners in their native language can be a game-changer in service industries.
  • Volunteering: If you've volunteered your housekeeping services for community events or non-profits, don't hesitate to include this. For instance, "Volunteered as lead housekeeper for 'Annual Local Music Festival,' ensuring clean and orderly event areas for guests." It demonstrates initiative, leadership, and a service mentality outside of paid work.

Example of how to list extra sections on your housekeeper resume

Certifications

  • Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) Certification | 2020

Languages

  • English - Fluent
  • Spanish - Conversational
  • Chinese - Basic

Volunteering Experience

  • Lead Housekeeping Volunteer, Annual Local Music Festival | City | Year
  • Volunteer Housekeeper, Local Non-profit Organization for the Homeless | City| Year

Remember, every additional detail you include should amplify your qualifications as a candidate for the housekeeping role. These extra sections can offer a fuller picture of you as a professional, highlighting skills and experiences that aren't typically part of your work history. 

8. How to avoid common mistakes on a housekeeper resume

Even the most experienced housekeepers can make errors when it comes to resume creation. Let's shed light on some routine missteps and the ways to avoid them:

  • Generalized duties: Merely stating you "cleaned rooms" or "tidied spaces" is too vague. Use action words and describe specific duties and achievements, for instance, "Enhanced guest satisfaction by maintaining a 95% cleanliness rating."
  • Omitting relevant extra sections: Always include any additional sections like certifications, languages, or volunteering if they can bolster your suitability for the housekeeping job.
  • Ignoring soft skills: Displaying precision in cleaning is crucial, but so is showcasing your ability to interact with team members, guests, or homeowners. Don't underestimate the power of including interpersonal skills like 'effective communicator' or 'team player'.
  • Typos and grammar issues: These can make you seem careless. Always proofread your resume, use spell-check tools, or enlist someone else to review for potential mistakes.
  • Lack of customization: Generic resumes seldom make the cut. Tailor your resume for each application, making sure your skills and experiences align with the job's requirements.

Your resume is your personal marketing tool — ensuring it's error-free, customized, and inclusive of your full range of skills and qualifications enhances your chances of landing that housekeeping role. Assiduity, precision, and customization are the keys to make your resume stand proudly amidst the competition.

9. How to pair your housekeeper resume with a relevant cover letter

Even in an age of online applications, a strong cover letter paired with your housekeeper resume remains an important step in your job application process. While a resume presents your skills and experience in a concise format, a cover letter tells your story and elaborates on what makes you the right fit for a specific position.

A housekeeping cover letter should highlight your most relevant skills and experiences, mirroring the keywords from the job advertisement. However, it's not a repetition of your resume. Use it as an opportunity to:

  • Express your passion for housekeeping
  • Provide additional details
  • Explain why you're excited about the potential role.

Your cover letter and your resume should be two parts of a cohesive whole. So, ensure they share the same design elements, such as font, headings, and formatting. This consistency shows an attention to detail, essential for a housekeeper, and creates a professional image.

Including a cover letter with your resume depends on the job posting requirements. If it's requested, it's essential to include one. It's often wise to include one even if it's not explicitly required — it provides an added opportunity to sell your skills and demonstrate your fit for the job.

To sum up, a well-crafted cover letter goes hand-in-hand with a robust housekeeper resume, enhancing your narrative and deepening recruiter's understanding of your qualifications.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for housekeepers

Breaking into the field of housekeeping is not just about knowing the job, but also understanding how much you can potentially earn and the job outlook in the industry.

According to the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, the average annual salary for housekeepers is $34,650. This figure gives you an idea of what you can expect to make in this field, though this may vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and the type of establishment.

In terms of job outlook, BLS projections indicate that employment opportunities for housekeepers will show little or no change from 2022 to 2032. While this might suggest stability, it emphasizes the importance of having a strong housekeeping resume and honing your skills to stay competitive in the job market.

In essence, while the salary for housekeepers is reasonable and job outlook stable, securing a position will require showcasing a solid set of skills and abilities. A powerful resume is your key to unlocking these opportunities in the ever-competitive market.

11. Top job search resources for housekeepers

Finding the right housekeeping job involves combing through reliable job search resources, which can considerably streamline your job hunts. Here are prime platforms to kickstart your search:

  • Hospitality job boards: Websites like Hcareers or Hospitality Online specialize primarily in hospitality jobs, making them likely to feature a myriad of housekeeping vacancies.
  • General job posting sites: Top-tier platforms like Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor host a wide range of jobs, including housekeeping roles across various sectors. Use relevant keywords and location filters to tailer your search.
  • Networking platforms: LinkedIn, the leading professional networking platform, might just connect you to your next housekeeping gig. Leverage the site's robust search functions, tap into your network, and participate in relevant groups to unearth potential opportunities. You can even turn your LinkedIn profile into a polished resume within a few seconds.
  • Local job boards: Don't overlook local job boards or classifieds like Craigslist. They can be a boon, particularly for finding jobs in smaller local businesses or private homes.
  • Company websites: If you're interested in housekeeping roles in specific hotels or service providers, check their websites directly. Most have a 'Careers' section where they post job openings, offering you a direct path to apply.

All in all, leveraging a blend of job search resources promises a wider access to housekeeping job opportunities, and success in finding the one that suits you best. It's about knowing where to look, casting a wide net, and being persistent in your efforts. Happy hunting!

Housekeeping Resume FAQ

What if my housekeeping experience is not directly related to the job I'm applying for?

Even if your past roles don’t line up perfectly with the job at hand, highlight transferrable skills that are applicable, such as attention to detail, organizational abilities, or management skills.

I've had a wide range of tasks in my housekeeping roles — how do I decide which ones to include?

When deciding which tasks to feature, consider the job listing's main requirements. Include tasks that showcase the skills and experiences the employer is seeking. If space allows, other relevant tasks can be added.

What if I haven't obtained any certifications related to housekeeping?

While certifications can certainly give you an edge, they're not a prerequisite for many housekeeping roles. Focus on your practical skills, experience, and commitment to quality service.

Can my volunteer work make a difference on my housekeeper resume even if it's not directly related?

Absolutely. Volunteer work can shed light on your work ethic, commitment, and other interpersonal skills. Try to highlight any skills used during volunteering that are relevant to housekeeping.

 

Should I always submit a cover letter even if the job posting doesn't ask for one?

While it's not always required, providing a cover letter can show your enthusiasm for the role and give you an opportunity to detail your fit for the position beyond what's in your resume. However, if a job posting explicitly requests no cover letters, respect those instructions.

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Average: 4.9 (165 votes)

Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.

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