Housekeeping Jobs in the United Kingdom

Housekeeping Jobs Overview

If you've dreamt of a career that offers flexibility, stability, and a sense of accomplishment, housekeeping is a great job for you. A housekeeping job is not a mere job; it's a profession that holds great potential and promises a fulfilling future.

As a housekeeper, you can work in various environments and locations, allowing you to cater to your preferences and interests. Interestingly, there are vast possibilities, from working in busy hotels to offering personalised care in private residences. Whether you are a part-time, full-time, or freelance worker, housekeeping jobs allow you to grab a schedule that suits your lifestyle while providing a consistent income and job security.

How to Find a Housekeeper Job That Fits You

Before you start applying, it is important to figure out what type of job you want. Here is a practical guide to how you can reliably secure a housekeeping job:

Define Your Career Interests and Goals

To start a successful housekeeping career, it's essential first to determine your goals and interests. Spare some time and think about what motivates you in this profession. How important is the opportunity for career growth to you? Understanding your core interests will help you secure a position that aligns with your passion and values.

Determine Your Job Preference

Consider aspects you would like in your housekeeping roles, such as flexibility, work-life balance, and skill development. Establishing your preferences will allow you to narrow your job search and land a position with a perfect combination of benefits and work environment.

Take Time to Understand your Strengths and Weaknesses

Next, analyse your strengths and weaknesses. Are you organised, careful, and detail-oriented? These are some of the valuable qualities in the housekeeping field. On the other hand, if you struggle with physical stamina and time management, you must find strategies to address these weaknesses and look for a housekeeping role that accommodates them.

Consider Additional Training

Each homeowner has a unique set of standards they require from housekeepers. You can apply with a housekeeping organisation to familiarise yourself with host etiquette and housekeeping duties. After acquiring the essential training, you might feel the desire or need to increase your expertise. Explore various in-person and online courses and details such as clothes folding, pillow and bed sheet organisation, and arrangement of kitchen supplies.

Research Housekeeping Companies

Different companies have unique missions, values, and cultures. Research various hotels, resorts, and cleaning services that meet your criteria and take time to understand whether the company you aim to join lines up with your values. While you're researching you might as well check if the organisation has a good reputation. Also, determine whether the position fits your long-term goals.

How To Apply for a Housekeeping Job

Found a housekeeper job that you feel comfortable applying for? Review the job description, including the requirements, qualifications, and skills needed for the ideal candidate. Use the following tips to ensure your application aligns with these details:

Create an Effective CV

An effective CV has essential details such as an experience section, professional formatting, and a professional summary. For instance, if you are applying for an executive housekeeper position, explain your exceptional knowledge of cleaning commercial machines and your ability to exceed quality standards.

If you want to stand out, incorporate keywords into your CV such as "organisational skills" or "cleaning skills." Most organisations use software to scan the relevant keywords in your CV. Therefore, incorporating the right terms in your CV will increase the possibility of the system choosing your CV among various others.

Write an Ideal Cover Letter

A cover letter is an ideal chance to connect with the recruiter and express your interest in the housekeeping job. Customise your cover letter to address the job requirements and entail the following:

• a header containing your name and contact information
• a polite and professional greeting
• a body conveying your interest in the position
• a closing paragraph explaining your availability
• a signature

In your letter, express your education and experience to the employer and why you're interested in the position. For instance, you have three years of experience working as an executive housekeeper, which has prepared you well for the next job as a supervisor cleaner.

Next, mention your personal attributes and other skills required for the role. Add solid information about your achievements in working in a similar position, such as exceptional cleaning of machines, which improved the set regulatory compliance.

Submit Your Application

Satisfied with your CV and cover letter? Then it’s time to apply! Submit your housekeeping job application via Monster. It is super quick and convenient. You only need to follow this step-by-step procedure:

1. Sign up for a free Monster account and upload your CV.
2. Navigate, choose a job of your preference, and click on the apply button.
3. Use your uploaded CV and personal profile to apply for the position.
4. Verify the application to establish whether you need to edit or customise anything.
5. Submit your application.

Follow Up with Your Employer

Following up with your potential employer is crucial in the job application process. A follow-up shows your interest and readiness for the position and can help you beat the competition. However, you should choose a suitable time when following up such that you don't appear too desperate for the position and still make a positive impression.

You can follow up recently enough but try to be relevant and don't appear pushy. The typical practice of following up in the housekeeping sector is within one to two weeks after applying for the position.

How Can You Follow Up?

Emailing or calling the hiring manager is the easiest way to follow up on your application. A quick phone call to HR shows your enthusiasm and that you're not afraid to go the extra mile. A follow-up email should be courteous and enthusiastic to show the HR your professionalism and great communication skills.

Interviewing Tips for Housekeeping Jobs

After sending a great application, you need to prepare for the interview. Interviews are intimidating, even for extroverts. Fortunately, these tips will enable you to succeed in your next housekeeping role.

Prepare Timely

You must be well-prepared to maneuver in an interview. Hiring managers focus on finding a suitable housekeeping candidate they can trust. Take time to understand the prospect company, and practice some common housekeeping interview questions, such as:

• Why are you interested in the housekeeping role?
• What skills do you have that relate to working as a housekeeper?
• What housekeeping tasks do you love doing most?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses in the housekeeping role?
• Can you count yourself among the effective housekeepers?

Understand What to Expect

Typically, a housekeeping job interview starts with a 30-minute in-person meeting. The interviewer asks questions to determine your professionalism and necessary skills for the job. You may only have one interview for less-demanding positions such as a night housekeeper. However, higher-level positions like executive housekeeper may require up to three interviews.

Tips to Pass Your Housekeeping Job Interview

Use interviewing techniques such as the STAR method - Situation, Task, Action, and Result - to reliably format answers to complex interview questions. The following essential tips will also help you pass a housekeeping job interview:

• Dress professionally.
• Carry a printed version of your updated CV.
• Describe how you can manage multiple complex housekeeping roles per day.
• Maintain good eye contact with the employer, pay close attention to what they say, and be polite during the interview.

Don't Forget to Follow Up

Remember to send a message thanking everyone for their interview time. If you are still waiting to hear from them after two weeks, consider sending an email or a quick follow-up phone callto express your interest in the position.

What to Do When You Receive an Offer Letter?

Congratulations, you've received an offer letter for a housekeeping role! A fascinating opportunity to display your skills and contribute to the successful functioning of a household or business awaits you. Here are helpful tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Read and Comprehend the Offer Letter: Review the offer letter and consider essential details such as job title, benefits, salary, and other requirements. Note the deadline for accepting the job offer.
2. Clarify Job Expectations: If the offer letter lacks specific information about job responsibilities or expectations, consider seeking clarification from the hiring manager. This will help decide if the role aligns with your skills and career goals.
3. Negotiate if the Need Arises: If you find it necessary to negotiate specific aspects such as the job salary and vacation time, do so respectfully and add compelling reasons to support your request. Prepare for a potential compromise.
4. Seek Professional Advice: If there are aspects of the job offer you need help understanding, seek professional counsel to ensure you know what you're signing.
5. Express Your Acceptance: After you are satisfied with the offer and addressed all the concerns, notify your acceptance to the employer.
6. Prepare for On-boarding: Start gathering any essential documentation or certifications needed for the position. In addition, familiarise yourself with the company's policies, dress code, and any training you may need to do.

Housekeeping Career Paths

The housekeeping sector has various career paths you can follow, depending on your skills and goals. If you are unsure how to advance your career, take advantage of networking and personal development opportunities. Others with experience in housekeeping roles know exactly how you can create more opportunities for yourself.

The future of the housekeeping industry, thanks to technological advancement, will smoothen and streamline cleaning processes, enhancing efficiency and productivity. In addition, the industry focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Familiarise yourself with these practices to meet your customers’ expectations.