General Cleaner Resume Guide

Introduction

A well-structured resume for a general cleaner in 2025 focuses on clarity, keywords, and relevant skills that ATS software can easily scan. As cleaning roles evolve with new tools and protocols, tailoring your resume to include current industry terminology is essential. An effective resume helps you stand out to hiring managers and ensures your application gets seen during automated screenings.

Who Is This For?

This guide is ideal for entry-level to mid-experience candidates seeking cleaning roles across regions such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or similar developed countries. Whether you're a recent graduate, switching careers, returning after a break, or applying for a new position within the cleaning sector, this advice applies. It also suits those applying for roles in hospitality, commercial, or residential cleaning services.

Resume Format for a General Cleaner (2025)

Organize your resume in a clear, logical order: Start with a Summary or Professional Profile highlighting your cleaning skills and experience. Follow with a Skills section filled with keywords relevant to the role. Then list your Work Experience, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities. Add a Projects or Portfolio section if you have specialized cleaning certifications or notable projects. Include your Education and any relevant Certifications at the end.

In most cases, a one-page resume suffices for entry-level or mid-experience roles. Use a two-page layout if you have extensive experience or specialized skills. If you possess certifications like OSHA, COSHH, or green cleaning credentials, include them in the certifications section. When applicable, add a brief Projects section to demonstrate specific cleaning initiatives or innovations.

Role-Specific Skills & Keywords

• Commercial and residential cleaning
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and safety protocols
• Use of cleaning equipment (vacuums, steam cleaners, buffers)
• Attention to detail and thoroughness
• Time management and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Experience with eco-friendly cleaning products
• Ability to follow cleaning checklists and protocols
• Inventory management for cleaning supplies
• Basic maintenance skills (changing light bulbs, minor repairs)
• Customer service skills
• Flexibility to work various shifts
• Bilingual skills (if applicable)

Incorporate these keywords naturally into your resume’s skills and experience sections. Many ATS systems scan for synonyms like "custodial services," "janitorial work," or "maintaining cleanliness," so include variations where appropriate.

Experience Bullets That Stand Out

• Successfully cleaned and sanitized over 50 commercial spaces weekly, maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.
• Reduced cleaning time by ~15% through efficient route planning and equipment optimization.
• Managed inventory of cleaning supplies, ensuring no shortages and reducing waste by ~10%.
• Trained new staff on proper cleaning procedures, improving team efficiency and quality.
• Implemented eco-friendly cleaning practices, resulting in a safer environment and positive client feedback.
• Maintained detailed logs of cleaning activities and safety inspections for quality assurance.
• Consistently received positive reviews from clients for attention to detail and reliability.
• Operated advanced cleaning equipment, including steam cleaners and buffer machines, with minimal supervision.

Related Resume Guides

• Hotel General Manager Resume Guide
• General Service Technician Resume Guide
• Window Cleaner Resume Guide
• Aircraft Cleaner Resume Guide
• Assistant General Manager Resume Guide

Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Vague summaries: Instead of “Responsible for cleaning,” specify tasks and achievements, e.g., “Cleaned and sanitized 30+ offices daily, ensuring compliance with safety standards.”
• Dense paragraphs: Use bullet points for clarity, making your experience easily scannable.
• Overloading with generic skills: Focus on role-specific skills and keywords rather than listing vague attributes like “hardworking.”
• Decorative layouts: Keep formatting simple. Avoid tables or text boxes that ATS software may not parse correctly.
• Missing quantification: Use numbers or percentages to highlight your impact, such as time savings or client satisfaction improvements.

ATS Tips You Shouldn't Skip

• Save your resume in a straightforward format like PDF or Word (.docx).
• Use clear section headings: “Summary,” “Skills,” “Experience,” “Education,” “Certifications.”
• Incorporate relevant keywords and their synonyms naturally throughout your resume.
• Avoid images, tables, and excessive formatting that can confuse ATS software.
• Maintain consistent tense (past tense for previous roles, present tense for ongoing ones).
• Use common file naming conventions like “FirstName_LastName_Cleaner2025.”
• Ensure proper spacing and avoid large blocks of text.
• Use standard fonts and font sizes for readability.

Following these tips will make your resume ATS-friendly, increasing your chances of passing initial screenings and landing your next cleaning role.