Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your meticulous attention to detail and reliability can be challenging for a housekeeper. Our guide provides targeted advice to elevate your CV, ensuring your dedication to cleanliness and order shines through to potential employers.
- Design and format your professional housekeeper CV;
- Curate your key contact information, skills, and achievements throughout your CV sections;
- Ensure your profile stays competitive by studying other industry-leading housekeeper CVs;
- Create a great CV even if you happen to have less professional experience, or switching fields.
When writing your housekeeper CV, you may need plenty of insights from hiring managers. We have prepared industry-leading advice in the form of our relevant CV guides.
Structuring your housekeeper CV layout: four factors to keep in mind
There are plenty of best practices out there for your CV layout and design. At the end of the day, a clear format and concise CV message should be your top priority. Use your CV design to enhance separate sections, bringing them to the forefront of recruiters' attention. At the same time, you can write content that:- Follows the reverse chronological order in the experience section by first listing your most recent jobs;
- Incorporates your contact information in the header, but do skip out on the CV photo for roles in the UK;
- Is spotlighted in the most important sections of your CV, e.g. the summary or objective, experience, education, etc. to show just how you meet the job requirements;
- Is no longer than two-pages. Often, the one-page format can be optimal for your housekeeper CV.
Before submitting your CV, you may wonder whether to export it in Doc or PDF. With the PDF format, your information and layout stay intact. This is quite useful when your CV is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS) . The ATS is a software that scans your profile for all relevant information and can easily understand latest study on the ATS , which looks at your CV columns, design, and so much more.
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For certain fields, consider including infographics or visual elements to represent skills or achievements, but ensure they are simple, professional, and enhance rather than clutter the information.
The top sections on a housekeeper CV
- Professional Summary showcases your dedication and experience in the housekeeping industry.
- Key Skills section highlights your cleaning and organisational skills specific to housekeeping.
- Work Experience details your past roles and responsibilities in similar positions.
- Education and Training indicates any qualifications relevant to housekeeping duties.
- References Available Upon Request demonstrates your credibility and good standing in previous employment.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your attention to detail and ability to maintain high standards of cleanliness by giving examples of previous work experiences in housekeeping or relevant sectors.
- Include any specialised skills such as knowledge of eco-friendly cleaning practices or experience with specific cleaning equipment that could set you apart from other candidates.
- Emphasise your reliability and flexibility by mentioning situations where you adapted to last-minute changes or managed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Showcase your interpersonal skills, as a good housekeeper often needs to communicate effectively with household members and work within a team.
- Provide evidence of your time management skills and your ability to work independently by describing tasks you've successfully completed on your own initiative.
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What information should you include in your housekeeper CV header?
The CV header is potentially the section that recruiters would refer to the most, as it should include your:
- Contact details - your professional (non-work) email address and phone number;
- Professional photograph - if you're applying hinting at the value you bring as a professional.
Many professionals often struggle with writing their housekeeper CV headline. That's why in the next section of this guide, we've curated examples of how you can optimise this space to pass any form of assessment.
Examples of good CV headlines for housekeeper:
- Executive Housekeeper | Expert in Luxury Hospitality | Certified Housekeeping Professional | 10+ Years Experience
- Senior Housekeeper | Specialist in Eco-Friendly Practices | NVQ Level 3 in Cleaning | 8 Years in Service
- Head Housekeeper | Detailed-Oriented | Hospitality Management Diploma | 15+ Years of Excellence
- Residential Housekeeping Supervisor | Staff Training & Development | BICS Certified | 12 Years Expertise
- Professional Housekeeper | High-End Domestic Care | Advanced Cleaning Techniques | 5 Years Dedicated Service
- Lead Housekeeping Manager | Quality Control Expert | Health & Safety Certified | Over 20 Years in Industry
Catching recruiters' attention with your housekeeper CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your housekeeper CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a housekeeper job:
- Seasoned housekeeper with over 10 years of experience in maintaining high-end residential homes. Expertise in deep cleaning, organization, and sanitation protocols. Notable achievement includes leading a team of housekeepers to earn the ‘Best Maintained Luxury Property Award’ in 2020.
- Highly proficient in cleaning and maintenance tasks, with 8 years of experience in the hospitality industry, ensuring guest satisfaction through impeccable standards of room cleanliness and attention to detail. Successfully managed inventory and reduced waste by 20% within the first year.
- Former healthcare administrator with a strong record of facilities management and employee supervision, eager to transfer a 5-year background into housekeeping. Demonstrated high competency in maintaining cleanliness standards and understanding of hygiene practices crucial in healthcare settings.
- Dedicated restaurant manager with 7 years of experience transitioning to a housekeeping role. Familiarity with rigorous cleanliness requirements and adept at creating efficient cleaning schedules and leading teams to exceed customers' expectations in dining experience through environmental presentation.
- Keen to embark on a housekeeping career with a focus on excellent service and creating a welcoming environment. Enthusiastic about acquiring new skills and contributing to achieving high standards of upkeep and customer satisfaction, despite lack of experience in the field.
- Aspiring housekeeper, no experience in the sector, but bringing a strong work ethic, effective organizational abilities, and an eagerness to learn and grow. Determined to apply personal skills in time management and meticulousness to provide quality housekeeping service.
How to meet job requirements with your housekeeper CV experience
We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:
- Match the job description with your skills, values, and accomplishments;
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb, followed up with one key skill and your outcome of applying this skill;
- Spotlight parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness across a portfolio of 4-star hotel rooms, ensuring all areas were spotless and well-presented before guest arrival. Managed inventory of cleaning supplies and placed orders before depletion to ensure continuous operations.
- Performed deep cleaning tasks on a weekly basis, including carpet shampooing and upholstery cleaning, resulting in a 30% reduction in guest complaints related to room hygiene. Trained new staff on proper cleaning techniques and safety procedures.
- Developed a checklist for daily cleaning routines that increased efficiency by 20% and ensured consistent attention to high-touch areas, contributing to enhanced customer satisfaction scores. Attended to guest requests for extra cleaning services promptly, demonstrating strong communication and customer service skills.
- Implemented eco-friendly cleaning practices, significantly reducing chemical use by 40%, by incorporating green products and methods. Actively participated in weekly team meetings to discuss performance feedback and strategies for ongoing improvement.
- Scheduled and oversaw spring-cleaning projects, including decluttering and organising storage areas, leading to better inventory management and reduced waste. Expertly laundered fine linens and delicate garments, with no incidents of damage.
- Operated and maintained various types of cleaning machinery, including floor buffers and steam cleaners, with a perfect safety record. Co-ordinated with maintenance teams to report and follow up on minor repairs, ensuring rooms stayed in optimal condition.
- Delivered excellent room turnaround times, consistently preparing rooms within the prescribed 30-minute window after guest checkout. Addressed and resolved any housekeeping issues reported by guests, often leading to positive feedback and repeat stays.
- Conducted regular inventory audits of linens and cleaning supplies to manage costs effectively, achieving a 15% cost saving over 12 months. Fostered a cooperative team environment that improved morale and reduced staff turnover by 10%.
- Collaborated with front desk and hospitality staff to ensure all guest-specific requests, such as hypoallergenic pillows or additional towels, were met with personalised attention. Kept abreast of the latest industry standards and sanitation protocols to ensure compliance and excellence in service delivery.
- Supervised a team of 15 housekeeping staff, ensuring adherence to quality standards and timely completion of duties in a 500-room luxury hotel.
- Reduced supply costs by 20% through the implementation of a centralized procurement system and by training staff on efficient cleaning practices.
- Developed and enforced a comprehensive housekeeping checklist which increased guest satisfaction ratings by 30% as per online reviews.
- Led the housekeeping department to win the 'Best Hotel Cleaning Services' award in 2019 by providing top-notch room and facility maintenance.
- Initiated a green cleaning program that minimized chemical use by 40% and promoted an eco-friendly hotel environment.
- Championed a cross-departmental training initiative which improved communication between the housekeeping and front desk teams, enhancing overall service delivery.
- Managed inventory control with 98% accuracy rate, ensuring optimal stock levels of cleaning supplies and amenities.
- Coordinated daily housekeeping operations and room inspections, resulting in consistently exceeding the hotel's cleanliness standards.
- Implemented a staff recognition program that drove a 15% increase in employee morale and reduced turnover by 25%.
- Assisted in the management of a 20-person team in a premiere resort, directly contributing to a 10% yearly increase in guest satisfaction.
- Played a key role in budgeting and forecasting for housekeeping expenses, resulting in 5% cost savings annually.
- Spearheaded the transition to a new hotel management software which improved scheduling efficiency and reduced overstaffing by 20%.
- Directed daily operations for a cleaning crew of 10, ensuring high quality and timely room turnovers for an average of 250 rooms daily.
- Introduced an incentive program for staff that led to a 40% increase in positive guest feedback relating to room cleanliness.
- Collaborated with the maintenance department to seamlessly integrate room repair work with cleaning schedules, improving overall efficiency.
- Developed a standardized operating procedure for the housekeeping department adopted across the brand's Northeastern hotel chain.
- Negotiated with vendors to upgrade to more efficient cleaning equipment while keeping under the year's budget by 5%.
- Orchestrated the housekeeping workflow to accommodate an increase of long-term stays without sacrificing quality, handling an average of 350 rooms per week.
- Established a quality assurance program that was adopted throughout the hotel chain, enhancing brand reputation for cleanliness and attention to detail.
- Played a pivotal role in designing a cross-functional emergency response plan, proven effective during several unexpected events.
- Managed and refined a linen reuse program that reduced laundry-related expenses by 18% and contributed significantly to the hotel's sustainability goals.
- Coordinated with the hotel event planners to prepare rooms and event areas, accommodating over 100 events annually without discrepancies.
- Revamped the lost and found system, resulting in a 50% decrease in guest claims related to lost items.
- Optimized the scheduling system to align with fluctuating occupancy rates, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate on room availability at check-in time.
How to ensure your housekeeper CV stands out when you have no experience
This part of our step-by-step guide will help you substitute your experience section by helping you spotlight your skill set. First off, your ability to land your first job will depend on the time you take to assess precisely how you match the job requirements. Whether that's via your relevant education and courses, skill set, or any potential extracurricular activities. Next:
- Systematise your CV so that it spotlights your most relevant experience (whether that's your education or volunteer work) towards the top;
- Focus recruiters' attention to your transferrable skill set and in particular how your personality would be the perfect fit for the role;
- Consider how your current background has helped you build your technological understanding - whether you've created projects in your free time or as part of your uni degree;
- Ensure you've expanded on your teamwork capabilities with any relevant internships, part-time roles, or projects you've participated in the past.
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If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your housekeeper CV:
Cleaning Procedures
Knowledge of Cleaning Chemicals
Laundry Expertise
Waste Disposal
Room Set-Up Abilities
Business Understanding for Private Homes or Hotels
Attention to Detail
Equipment Operation
Sanitization Techniques
Time Management
Reliability
Flexibility
Discretion
Communication
Organisation
Customer Service
Problem-Solving
Initiative
Teamwork
Stress Tolerance
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Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Your university degree and certificates: an integral part of your housekeeper CV
Let's take you back to your uni days and decide what information will be relevant for your housekeeper CV. Once more, when discussing your higher education, select only information that is pertinent to the job (e.g. degrees and projects in the same industry, etc.). Ultimately, you should:
- List only your higher education degrees, alongside start and graduation dates, and the university name;
- Include that you obtained a first degree for diplomas that are relevant to the role, and you believe will impress recruiters;
- Showcase relevant coursework, projects, or publications, if you happen to have less experience or will need to fill in gaps in your professional history.
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If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
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Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your housekeeper CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
