Check your cleaner CV against the job advert
Cleaning adverts want reliable people who work to a standard. Show the settings, the tasks and that you can be trusted on your own.
Start with your advert
Every cleaner advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What cleaner adverts usually ask for
Settings
Why they askOffices, schools, hospitals, hotels and homes have different standards.
How to show itName the settings you've cleaned.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Cleaned [offices / schools / wards / hotel rooms] to [specification or checklist].
Standards and checklists
Why they askEmployers work to specifications and audits.
How to show itSay how you met standards.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Worked to cleaning schedules and checklists, passing [audits / inspections].
COSHH and safe chemicals
Why they askUsing chemicals safely is a legal requirement.
How to show itMention COSHH training.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- COSHH trained ([year]); used and stored cleaning chemicals safely.
Equipment
Why they askSome roles use floor machines.
How to show itName the machines you've used.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Used [floor scrubbers / buffers / carpet cleaners].
Reliability and trust
Why they askCleaners often work alone and with keys or alarm codes.
How to show itShow trust you were given.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Held keys and alarm codes for [number] sites; worked unsupervised [early mornings / evenings].
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost cleaner applications
- Not naming settings.
- Not stating availability.
Questions
Do cleaners need a DBS check?
For schools, hospitals and care settings, often yes. The employer usually applies for it. In Scotland this is a PVG check (Disclosure Scotland), and in Northern Ireland an AccessNI check.