Hotel housekeeping is just one of the many jobs a hotel has to offer. As a hotel housekeeper, you will have to do many cleaning tasks, from emptying the trash to vacuuming to cleaning bathrooms, just to name a few. You will also most likely deal with laundry, both folding and doing it. If this sounds like a job you'd enjoy, then read this article to find out how you can become a hotel housekeeper.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:
Understanding the Job
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Know the physical requirements of this job. Hotel housekeeping is a very demanding job, and you will likely be on your feet and/or walking around for most, if not all, of your shift. Also, hotel housekeepers must be able to perform strenuous activities such as stooping, twisting, bending, and kneeling. Also, you must be able to manipulate objects of various sizes without assistance. [1] X Research source
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Know the age requirements of this job. Although it can be different for some, many hotels will hire 15 or 16 year olds in their housekeeping department. If you're a high schooler and you're interested in being a hotel housekeeper, call a hotel of your choosing or go on their website to find out what age they hire housekeepers.
- If you're interested in moving up to a higher level of housekeeping, such as executive housekeeper or supervisor, a four-year degree in hospitality may be required. Again, check with a hotel you're interested in working for, or are working for, just to be sure of their requirements.
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Understand that many of your hours are just in the morning or afternoon. Depending on the hotel, most housekeeping is done during the morning and afternoon hours. Sometimes, they'll have people on in the evening, or "on call" in case of an emergency such as someone needs something in their room or their was a major spill. Usually, though, you'll do most of your work in the morning/afternoon.
- If you're 15 or 16 and get a job as a hotel housekeeper, because of the hours normally worked, you may only be able to work days such as weekends and holidays during the school year.
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Think about the type of hotel you're aiming for. Some hotels have more rooms, and are fancier than others. This should also be taken into consideration when you're picking a hotel to apply at, because you're probably going to have a lot more to learn if you're working at a 5-star hotel than if you're working at a budget hotel. Consider how much information you'll be able to take in and remember.
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Make sure that you have good customer service skills. Similar to many jobs at a hotel, you may be interacting with customers (although not as much as other hotel jobs such as a receptionist). You may end up walking in on a customer who didn't hear you knocking, or you may end up having to go into someone's room and clean it while they're still in there. You need to know how to interact with these people in a positive manner, so that the hotel will retain their business.Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:
Getting the Job
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Find a hotel you want to work at. Search on job websites for "hotel housekeeping jobs" in_____(your area). Usually, doing this will return a good amount of results that you'll be able to look through.
- Once you've found a hotel that you're interested in working for, make sure you look at and obtain the necessary documents that you need ahead of time, just in case you fill out the application and are called in for an interview. This may include working papers (if under 18 in some areas), identification, and certification (if required).
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Fill out the application. Usually, hotel housekeeping applications are just garden variety applications. However, make sure to include if you have any previous experience as a hotel housekeeper. Sometimes, if you do have previous hotel housekeeping experience, this will stand out to potential employers who really want workers who they know can do a great job.
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Wait for a response. This is often the hardest part, because many potential employers can take awhile to get back to you. It often depends on how bad they need housekeeping employees, and how well done your application was.
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Go for the interview. If you were called for an interview, then you'll want to go in with every single document you need, and you'll want to show it to the interviewer so they know you're prepared. During the interview, make sure that you have a positive attitude, because as said above, you may end up interacting with customers more than you think, so potential employers will want to see that you can keep a positive attitude when interacting with anyone.Advertisement
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Tips
- If you're 15 or 16 years old, and/or you don't have any job experience, that's okay. Instead, if there's either a special cleaning related skill that you have, such as you're very thorough or you're really good with a vacuum, or if you have really good hospitality skills, put that down either in a "skills" column, or if it isn't there, mention it in an "additional comments" section if they have it.Thanks
- If you do get the job, make sure that you wear items you don't mind turning white if they're black. Some hotels may have a uniform, so you can wear that, but make sure you at least wear pants or shorts you don't mind getting anything on, because you will likely use bleach or some product containing bleach, which stains.Thanks
- If you do get the job, and a housekeeper or a manager gives you their phone number, make sure that it is saved in your phone. This can be a lifesaver if you're having an issue and don't know how to solve it.Thanks
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Warnings
- As with any job application, do not lie. Just simply state facts on your application. While many hotels may look for more experienced applicants, as said above, some hotels will hire kids as young as 15 or 16. Speaking the truth will typically help you get hired. Also, honesty is something that is very important in housekeeping, because you need to be able to be trusted not to steal anything, or lie about supply levels in a closet, or how many rooms you've done.Thanks
- Be nice to the people you're working with. You may end up working in a team of two or more, especially if you're working in a larger hotel. If you don't talk or aren't nice to someone you're working with because you don't like them, then you're going to end up having a very boring and very unpleasant time at work.Thanks
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References
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