Creating a good resume is the first step toward securing opportunities in cleaning, janitorial services, general maintenance, and supervisory roles. Even though these jobs are hands-on, a well-structured resume demonstrates professionalism and increases the chances of being called for an interview. Many companies value candidates who present their information clearly and neatly. This shows commitment and attention to detail. A good resume should include personal information, career objective, previous experience, skills, and, if possible, completed training. Each element plays a role and should be tailored to match the job you’re applying for.
The first essential part of a resume is correctly presenting your personal information. Full name, updated phone number, email, and address are must-have details. Avoid using emails with nicknames or informal phrases—choose something more professional, like [email protected].
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This section should be simple, direct, and easily visible, usually at the top of the resume. It’s not necessary to include ID numbers unless requested by the company. Adding a photo is also unnecessary unless the job specifically asks for one. Well-organized personal information helps recruiters contact you and builds trust from the start.
The career objective is a short sentence that states the type of job you are looking for. For cleaning, janitorial, or general services roles, it’s important to match the objective with the job. A good example would be: “To work as a cleaning assistant, contributing to the cleanliness and organization of environments.” For a supervisor role, you could write: “To work as a cleaning supervisor, leading teams and ensuring service quality.” The objective helps recruiters quickly understand your focus and whether you’re a fit for the role without reading the entire resume.
Work experience should be listed clearly and objectively. Start with your most recent job and go in reverse order. Include the company name, the period you worked there (month and year), and your responsibilities. For example: “Responsible for cleaning offices, restrooms, hallways, and common areas.” If you’ve led teams, highlight that. Informal jobs should also be listed, such as freelance cleaning work. This shows hands-on experience, even without a formal contract. Practical experience is highly valued in the cleaning and general services industry, often more than formal titles or long education histories.
Even if a formal education isn’t required for every cleaning or maintenance role, it’s worth mentioning your education level on your resume. Indicate if you have completed or are still attending elementary or high school, and where you studied. For supervisory positions, a high school diploma may be a plus. If you’re currently studying, write “in progress.” Education won’t necessarily eliminate candidates, but it may be a deciding factor in some hiring processes. It shows commitment to learning, and in some companies, it can lead to promotions or access to internal training opportunities.
Extra training adds great value to your resume. Even basic or free courses—such as hospital cleaning, safe use of cleaning chemicals, or organizational techniques—show interest and dedication. List the course name, the institution, and the year of completion. For supervisor roles, courses in leadership, team management, or workplace safety are especially helpful. Many platforms offer online courses with certificates. Including these in your resume can be a game-changer, especially when many candidates have similar work experience. Employers appreciate applicants who seek improvement and take their roles seriously.
Behavioral and technical skills should also be included. These “competencies” help recruiters understand how you work daily. Useful skills for these jobs include punctuality, organization, responsibility, attention to detail, discretion, the ability to follow instructions, and teamwork. For supervisor roles, include leadership, good communication, conflict resolution, and task distribution. List five to seven skills, either in bullet points or separated by commas. These qualities complement your work experience and may set you apart from other applicants, showing that you have the right personality and attitude for the role.
Many job seekers forget to proofread their resume before sending it. Typos, outdated contact information, or poor formatting leave a bad impression. So, review everything carefully, ask someone else to read it, and use spelling tools.
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The resume should be no more than two pages long, with a readable font, good spacing, and simple language. A well-formatted document shows care and professionalism. Remember, your resume is your first impression and can determine whether you get an interview. Take your time—this small effort can have a big impact on your job search success.
To better understand what a good resume looks like, see the structure below in this infographic:
Infographic – Professional resume structure for cleaning and maintenance jobs
• Personal Information: Name, phone, email, address
• Career Objective: Example – “To work as a cleaning assistant”
• Work Experience: Company, period, tasks performed
• Education: School level, institution, year
• Completed Courses: Title, provider, completion date
• Skills: Organization, punctuality, teamwork
• Final Review: Check for errors, update contact info, adjust layout
If you’re just starting in this field and don’t have any experience yet, you can build a resume focused on your skills and willingness to learn. Write a clear objective and include any informal experience, like cleaning homes, volunteering, or internships. Show that you’re open to learning and committed to contributing. Free courses can help a lot in this case. Even without formal work history, you can demonstrate readiness. Many companies hire beginners if they see effort and commitment. An honest and well-organized resume can open doors—even without years of experience.
Resumes should be adapted to the type of job you’re applying for. For janitorial work in office buildings, highlight your ability to handle cleaning equipment, your reliability, and discretion. For general services, mention basic repair skills, room organization, and your support in various tasks. For supervisor roles, focus on leadership, team oversight, and maintaining cleaning standards. Each job has its own expectations, so tailor your resume accordingly. This shows the employer that you understand their needs and are serious about the opportunity, making your profile stand out.
A useful tip is to include keywords that relate to the job description. Many companies use software to filter resumes based on these terms. Words like “cleaning,” “sanitizing,” “organization,” “leadership,” “cleaning products,” and “waste collection” help your resume get noticed. So read the job post carefully and use the same terms naturally throughout your resume. Don’t overdo it—just align with what the employer is looking for. This strategy boosts your chances of getting seen and avoids your resume being lost in a pile of generic submissions.
Keeping your resume updated is essential. Whenever you complete a course or leave a job, update the document right away. This avoids forgetting important details and ensures you’re ready to apply for any opportunity that comes up. Keep a digital version saved on your phone or email for easy access. If your phone number or email changes, update them immediately. An outdated contact detail can make you miss important calls. Being ready to submit your resume quickly also shows employers that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the position.
If you’re submitting a printed resume, choose quality white paper with a clean, readable print. Avoid folds, stains, or smudges. Use a folder or envelope to keep it neat. When sending your resume digitally, save it as a PDF and use a clear file name like “Resume_John_Smith.pdf.” Avoid sending pictures of your resume or editable formats like .doc. These can make reading harder or alter your formatting. A professional-looking resume, whether digital or printed, increases your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers.
During hiring processes for cleaning and maintenance roles, recruiters highly value honesty. Never include false information, like fake jobs or incomplete courses. Lies can be discovered during interviews or on the job, damaging your reputation. You could lose the opportunity or even be dismissed later. Be honest about your experience and skills. Many companies prefer to hire someone with little experience who is willing to learn over someone who exaggerates their qualifications. Integrity and honesty go a long way and build trust with potential employers from the beginning.
If you’re aiming for growth in your career, you can include your goals on your resume. A phrase like “Seeking to develop my skills in the cleaning sector with a focus on professional growth” shows ambition and commitment. This is especially important for supervisory positions, where employers look for people who want to grow within the company. Showing this mindset early on already sets you apart. It demonstrates that you have vision, responsibility, and motivation—qualities that employers value when considering long-term team members.
Another great tip is to prepare a short version of your resume. This can be used in WhatsApp messages, social media, or job platforms. Include your name, desired position, location, main skills, and contact details. This helps you respond quickly to urgent or informal job openings.
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In many cases, these quick applications lead to immediate interviews. Having this mini resume ready also shows initiative. To complete it, keep a simple and friendly photo in case the employer requests one. The more prepared you are, the higher your chances of landing a job.
Creating an effective resume for roles such as cleaner, janitor, general services worker, or supervisor takes attention and dedication. Even though these are practical jobs, a good resume increases your chances of success. It should be clear, targeted, and well presented. Real experiences, relevant courses, skills, and neat formatting all matter. Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, there’s always room to improve your resume and boost your chances in the job market. With care and honesty, this simple document can open many doors for your future.