Securing a role in the competitive cleaning industry requires more than just a willingness to tidy up spaces—it demands a well-crafted CV that highlights your qualifications, experience and achievements.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating an impactful CV, offering valuable tips and providing real examples to guide you.
I am a self-motivated, energetic and hardworking Cleaner with extensive experience in the cleaning and hospitality industries. I work effectively both within a team and individually using my own initiative. I believe that I will be an invaluable asset to any organisation given my experience, dedication and the great pride that I take in my work.
Achievements
Awarded 11 GCSEs at grades A to C
More than five years of experience in the cleaning industry
Education
2000 – 2008
GCSEs
West Leeds High School
Results: 11 GCSEs at grades A to C
Relevant Modules:
English literature: C
English language: B
Mathematics: C
Statistics: C
Biology: C
PE: A
Spanish: B
Science: B
Geography: C
Religious Studies: B
Sociology: C
Work experience
Mar 2010 – Present
Cleaner Supervisor Cornfield Housekeeping Ltd.
Main duties performed:
Supervising a group of 7 cleaners
Ensuring Health and Safety guidelines are followed at all times
Organising training sessions for staff
Liaising with various stakeholders to organising jobs
Ensuring domestic properties are left in excellent condition after a job
Performing general Admin duties (phoning, filing, printing, etc)
Implementing Health and Safety rules (e.g. display warning signs such as “wet surface” signs when appropriate)
Locking rooms and ensuring the property is secure after the completion of the job
Dec 2008 – Mar 2010
Cleaning Operative Leeds Cleaning Services Ltd.
Main duties performed:
Cleaning offices, toilets, kitchens, meeting rooms, main entrance, function hall, corridors and other facilities to a high standard
Ensuring the workplace is clean and tidy for the following working day
Dusting, Damp Wiping, Washing and Polishing of office furniture
Vacuuming floors and carpets
Sweeping and mopping floors
Keeping the reception area clean and tidy
Replenishing hand soap, bin bags, toilet paper and tissues.
Cleaning windows and frames
Clearing waste and litter in appropriate bins
Recycling office equipment no longer required
General cleaning of all surfaces and areas
Following health & safety guidelines when handling chemicals
Reporting any issues to the Manager (when appropriate)
Restocking items in vending machines
Emptying bins (at least once every week)
Cleaning the surrounding area of the premises free of litter and chewing gum
Qualifications
Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning and Support Services Skills – City & Guilds
First Aid at Work – HSE
Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene (Catering)
Skills
Outstanding communication skills
Knowledge of correct cleaning products, equipment and best practices
The ability to use electrical equipment (e.g. vacuums, polishers and steam machines) in a safe and effective manner
Excellent attention to detail
A positive attitude and taking pride in work
The ability to multi-task and get work done according to strict deadlines
Hobbies and interests
I enjoy long walks, socialising with my friends and family and gardening. One of my greatest hobbies is also working on DIY projects in my spare time as I like to stay active and improve my physical skills and abilities in the process.
Adopt a clear font: Choose a legible font such as Arial or Calibri to enhance readability. Avoid decorative fonts, as simplicity is key in making your CV easily digestible.
Prioritise relevant experience: Showcase your cleaning experience prominently, detailing roles where you demonstrated efficiency in maintaining high cleanliness standards. For example, describe how you consistently met hygiene regulations in a healthcare setting.
Include a skills section: Devote a section to key cleaning skills, such as proficiency in using environmentally friendly cleaning products or knowledge of safety protocols.
Include a section for hobbies and interests: Briefly mention relevant hobbies or interests that showcase qualities beneficial for a Cleaner role. For instance, participation in a local environmental clean-up initiative.
Proofread thoroughly: Avoid typos and grammatical errors by proofreading your CV meticulously. A flawless document reflects your commitment to excellence.
Opt for PDF format: Save your CV as a PDF to maintain formatting integrity across various devices. This ensures your document appears as intended to recruiters.
The first section of your CV should contain personal information such as your full name, address, contact number, and email address. Make sure to present these details clearly and accurately, ensuring potential employers can easily reach out to you.
Your personal profile on your CV is like your professional introduction, a chance to make a strong first impression. It’s vital as it gives employers a glimpse of who you are, your career goals, and what you can offer.
Make it concise yet impactful, highlighting your key skills, experience and the value you bring to a potential role.
Keep it brief to capture attention without overwhelming the reader; ideally around 2-3 sentences.
With over 5 years of dedicated cleaning experience, I bring a meticulous approach to maintaining impeccable standards of hygiene. Proficient in utilising industrial-grade equipment, I’ve consistently ensured the cleanliness and sanitation of various environments, including healthcare facilities. My commitment to efficiency is underscored by achieving a 20% improvement in turnaround time for daily cleaning tasks. A detail-oriented Cleaner, I am ready to contribute my expertise to elevate cleanliness standards in your team.
Achievements
The achievements section of your CV is where you highlight the key milestones and successes that set you apart. Use bullet points to showcase awards, promotions, outstanding grades, and any other noteworthy accomplishments.
Example:
Successfully led a workplace cleanliness initiative, resulting in a 20% improvement in overall hygiene standards.
Successfully coordinated and cleaned up after major corporate events, ensuring seamless and efficient post-event transitions.
Achieved a Level 2 Certification in Health and Safety, enhancing awareness and adherence to safety protocols.
Employment and work experience
In the employment section of your CV, you showcase your work history and professional experience. Highlight your roles, responsibilities and achievements, using bullet points to succinctly outline your contributions to each position.
May 2018 – Present
Senior Cleaner Sparkle Clean Services Ltd.
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of office spaces, maintaining high standards of sanitation.
Coordinating with the team to achieve efficient and effective cleaning schedules.
Implementing eco-friendly cleaning practices, contributing to the company’s sustainability goals.
Achievements: Received “Employee of the Month” twice for outstanding dedication and commitment to maintaining a pristine working environment.
Conducting thorough and systematic cleaning of assigned areas, including offices, restrooms, and communal spaces.
Utilising appropriate cleaning methods and equipment to ensure high standards of hygiene.
Emptying and disposing of waste bins in a timely and environmentally responsible manner.
Safely handling and using cleaning agents, chemicals, and equipment according to health and safety guidelines.
Monitoring and replenishing cleaning supplies to ensure a well-stocked and functional work environment.
Performing routine inspections to identify and address maintenance issues affecting cleanliness.
Collaborating with colleagues to achieve team-based cleaning goals and maintain consistent standards.
Responding promptly to special cleaning requests and addressing urgent cleaning needs.
Adhering to established cleaning schedules and adapting to changing priorities as required.
Continuously seeking opportunities for improvement in cleaning processes and suggesting innovative solutions for enhanced efficiency.
Educational background
This section offers a snapshot of your academic journey so highlight your university degrees, A-levels, GCSEs, diplomas, or any other relevant qualifications you’ve attained. Provide details such as the institution’s name, the qualification obtained and the dates of study.
Example:
September 2015 – June 2018
BTEC in Cleaning and Support Services
Sheffield College
Grade achieved: Pass with Distinction.
Subjects Studied:
Principles of Professional Cleaning
Health and Safety in Cleaning
Environmental and Sustainability Practices
September 2012 – June 2014 Results: 8 GCSEs at Grades A*-C, including Maths and English.
GCSEs
City High School
Qualifications & training
The professional training and qualifications section of your CV outlines the specific courses, certifications, and additional training you have completed in your field.
For a cleaner role, this section may include certifications in specialized cleaning techniques, health and safety courses and relevant training programs such as courses on eco-friendly cleaning practices or the use of specific cleaning equipment.
Example:
Level 2 Certification in Health and Safety – British Safety Council
BTEC in Cleaning and Support Services – Cleaning Excellence College
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Cleaning and Support Services – City & Guilds
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Training – Health and Safety Executive
Fire Safety Awareness Course – National Fire Protection Association
First Aid at Work Certificate – St John Ambulance
Professional Cleaning Techniques Workshop – British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc)
Skills and competencies
The skills section of your CV is a crucial space where you directly communicate to potential employers the specific attributes that make you an effective cleaner.
Outline both technical and soft skills relevant to the role, such as proficiency in handling cleaning equipment, attention to detail, time management and excellent organisational abilities.
Proficient in handling cleaning equipment: Demonstrated expertise in effectively using vacuum cleaners, floor buffers, and other cleaning tools to maintain high standards of cleanliness.
Attention to detail: Meticulously spot-checking and cleaning, ensuring no area is overlooked and consistently achieving impeccable results.
Time management: Efficient organisation of cleaning schedules to meet deadlines and maintain a well-coordinated workflow.
Trustworthiness: Building and maintaining trust through responsible handling of client spaces and belongings.
Attention to detail: Diligent and thorough in cleaning tasks, ensuring no area is overlooked for a spotless environment.
Health and safety awareness: Adherence to health and safety guidelines, ensuring a safe working environment for all.
Team collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a cleaning team, contributing to a positive and cooperative atmosphere.
Problem-solving: Quick thinking and effective resolution of issues during emergency cleaning situations.
Customer service: Providing excellent service, addressing client needs, and ensuring satisfaction with cleaning outcomes.
Organisational skills: Structured approach to managing cleaning tasks, maintaining order, and preventing chaos.
Stamina: Physical fitness and endurance for sustained periods of cleaning and strenuous activities.
Chemical handling knowledge: Safe and proper use of cleaning chemicals, preventing accidents and ensuring effective cleaning results.
Hobbies and interests (optional)
The hobbies and interests section of your CV provides a glimpse into your personality and interests outside of work, helping potential employers see you as a well-rounded individual.
For a cleaner role, this section can include hobbies and interests that reflect qualities beneficial in a workplace. For instance, showcasing an interest in DIY home improvement projects highlights your hands-on skills and attention to detail. Participation in community clean-up events or environmental initiatives demonstrates a commitment to cleanliness and a sense of community responsibility. Additionally, mentioning activities like jogging or yoga signals not only physical fitness but also discipline and a focus on well-being – attributes that can positively influence your work as a cleaner.
Example:
During my free time, I derive immense pleasure from upholding a neat and orderly living environment, reflecting my dedication to cleanliness in both personal and professional realms. I take pleasure in delving into eco-friendly cleaning methods, staying updated on the latest industry advancements, and playing my part in fostering a greener environment. Furthermore, I participate in physical pursuits like hiking and cycling to maintain an active lifestyle that resonates with the physical demands of the cleaning profession.
Professional references
The references section of your CV is the place where you provide contact details for individuals who can vouch for your professional abilities.
These referees are typically former employers, managers, or supervisors who can speak to your work ethic and skills.
Ensure you include their full names, job titles, company names, email addresses, and phone numbers, allowing prospective employers to easily reach out to them.
Tailor your CV to the job: Customise your CV for each application by emphasising skills and experiences most relevant to the specific cleaning position you’re applying for, whether it’s in commercial, residential, or specialised cleaning.
Quantify your impact: Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as the number of rooms cleaned daily, the square footage covered, or the percentage reduction in sanitation issues under your supervision.
Utilise keywords from job descriptions: Incorporate industry-specific keywords from job descriptions to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate alignment with the employer’s requirements.
Mention specialised cleaning skills: If applicable, highlight any specialised cleaning skills, such as carpet cleaning, window washing, or knowledge of eco-friendly cleaning products, to stand out as a versatile candidate.
Conclusion
This is the end of our comprehensive guide on crafting a standout Cleaner CV.
By following the provided example, incorporating the tailored tips, and utilising the step-by-step guidance, you should now have the tools to create a compelling document that showcases your expertise in the cleaning profession.
Good luck with your job hunt!
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).
