Creating a good resume is the first step to landing a job in cleaning, general services, or supervisory roles. Even for positions that don’t require a college degree, presenting a clear, organized, and professional document makes a big difference in the selection process. Many candidates aren’t called for interviews simply because they don’t know how to highlight their qualifications and experience. With a well-structured resume, recruiters can quickly understand the candidate’s profile. In this article, you’ll learn how to create an effective resume, step by step, and increase your chances of getting the job you want in this sector.
Correct and updated personal information
The first section of the resume should include your personal details. Provide your full name, current phone number, professional email, and address (neighborhood and city are enough). Avoid using nicknames or emails with informal words.
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An email address with your name, for example, conveys more professionalism. It’s also important to keep this information up to date. A common mistake is not reviewing contact details before sending the resume, which can make it hard for employers to get back to you—even if your profile is a good fit. Pay close attention to this part and review it before saving or printing the document.
Clear and well-written career objective
Just below the personal information, include a brief career objective. This should be straightforward and clearly state the position you’re aiming for. Avoid generic phrases like “looking for an opportunity” and instead say, for example, “To work as a cleaning assistant in an organized company committed to excellence.” This shows clarity of purpose and professionalism. Customize the objective based on the job. If you’re applying for a supervisory role, tailor the sentence to reflect your interest in leading teams and overseeing tasks. A clear objective helps guide the reader through the rest of the resume.
How to describe your work experience
Work experience is one of the most valued sections by recruiters. List previous jobs in reverse chronological order, from the most recent to the oldest. For each job, include the company name, job title, work period (month and year of entry and exit), and a brief description of tasks performed. Avoid exaggeration or false information. Describe real duties, such as “office and restroom cleaning,” “organization of cleaning supplies,” or “supervision of a five-person team.” Demonstrating what you’ve done helps the employer recognize your experience in the field.
Tips for first-time job seekers
If you’re looking for your first job, don’t worry. You can use this section to highlight informal or volunteer experiences, such as cleaning done independently or help provided to community organizations. The key is to show willingness to work and responsibility. It’s also worth mentioning participation in courses or training related to cleaning and organization. This shows initiative and a desire to learn. Even without formal experience, you can build an interesting resume by valuing your attitudes and knowledge gained throughout life, especially if related to the job you’re seeking.
Educational background and relevant courses
In the education section, mention the highest level of education completed. Include the school name, year of completion, or if you’re still attending. There’s no need to detail subjects or add your school transcript. If you’ve taken additional courses, such as cleaning techniques, sanitation, workplace safety, or customer service, list them in a separate section called “Courses and Training.” Even short-term courses show commitment to professional growth. Ideally, include only those most relevant to the job you’re applying for to avoid overloading your resume with unrelated information.
Skills valued by employers
Skills are also very important in a resume for cleaning assistants, janitors, or supervisors. List qualities such as punctuality, organization, discipline, good communication, and ability to work in a team. If you have experience using specific equipment like floor polishers, mention it.
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Candidates who show interpersonal skills and technical knowledge are more likely to be called for interviews. These characteristics help the recruiter visualize how you will perform on the job. Be honest when listing your skills, focusing on those you truly possess and can demonstrate in practice.
Avoid mistakes and use proper language
Avoid spelling or grammar mistakes and read your resume multiple times before sending it. A well-written text, even if simple, conveys professionalism. If in doubt, ask someone you trust to review it. Avoid unnecessary abbreviations, random capital letters, and excessive exclamation marks. An organized resume—with aligned margins, legible font, and proper spacing—is easier to read and gives a more serious impression to the employer. Remember that your resume is often your first contact with the company. It’s through it that the recruiter will decide whether to call you for an interview.
Stand out as a supervisor
If you’re applying for a supervisory position, highlight your experience in team leadership, schedule organization, and inventory control of cleaning materials. Show that you’re capable of supervising, training colleagues, and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently. Include practical examples like “coordinated team focused on daily cleaning targets.” This adds value to your profile and shows professional maturity. Companies look for supervisors with leadership skills, strong communication, and a sense of responsibility. Also show that you’re open to dialogue and continuous development as a leader.
Flexible schedule Is a plus
A notable advantage on a resume is schedule flexibility. If you can work weekends, holidays, or varied shifts, mention it in a section labeled “Availability” or “Notes.” Many companies value this kind of commitment, especially in areas that require ongoing services. However, only include what you’re truly willing to do. Being transparent avoids future problems and helps the employer better organize the team. Stating this availability clearly can significantly improve your chances in competitive selection processes.
Polish your resume’s appearance
Besides content, the visual presentation of your resume matters. Use a simple layout, with no more than two pages, and prefer sending it in PDF format via email. Use bold headings to separate sections and choose a standard font like Arial or Calibri, size 11 or 12. Avoid bright colors or unnecessary images. The focus should be on clarity and relevant content. Remember, your resume must be read quickly and make a good impression. A clean, well-formatted template helps the recruiter and enhances your professional image.
Infographic: Ideal resume structure
Below is an infographic with the essential elements of an effective resume for cleaning and general services jobs:
• Personal Information: Name, phone number, professional email
• Career Objective: Desired position and clear intention
• Experience: Companies, job titles, dates, and tasks
• Education: Schooling and relevant courses
• Skills: Organization, punctuality, teamwork
• Availability: State if you can work different shifts
• Visual Presentation: Clarity, readable font, clean layout
Use this template as a reference to build a resume that clearly reflects your professional profile.
Keep your resume updated
Keeping your resume updated is essential, even when you’re already employed. It makes future applications easier and shows you’re paying attention to opportunities. Whenever you complete a course, change jobs, or gain a new skill, review the document and update the information. An updated resume helps you present yourself more competitively in job selection processes. This practice also demonstrates organization and career planning. Take time every three months to review your resume, even if you’re not actively job hunting.
Honesty is always the best policy
Avoid lying on your resume. False information—such as jobs you never held or courses you didn’t take—can be discovered during interviews or the trial period. This not only damages your reputation but can also close doors to future opportunities. It’s always better to be honest and show a willingness to learn than to pretend to be more experienced than you are. Recruiters value sincere and committed candidates. If you’re still developing a skill, mention it as a learning goal to show interest in growing professionally in a consistent way.
Use keywords from the job posting
Use keywords related to the desired job. If the job description mentions “hospital cleaning,” “routine cleaning tasks,” or “inventory control,” naturally include these terms in your resume. Many recruiters use automated systems to filter resumes, and these systems look for specific words. Adapting your resume to the job posting helps highlight your profile. However, avoid overdoing it or copying the exact phrases. The ideal is to use the job’s language while keeping your writing original. This makes your resume more effective and targeted.
Add references with permission
You can also include an optional section called “References,” where you mention the names and phone numbers of former supervisors—if you have their permission. This adds credibility and makes background checks easier. References are especially helpful if you’ve worked reliably in other companies or private services. If you prefer not to include their information directly on the resume, you can write “References available upon request.” This shows transparency and readiness to provide proof of your professional experience when needed.
Avoid unnecessary documents and photos
At the end of your resume, avoid adding documents like ID, taxpayer number, or work card. These should only be provided during the hiring stage. The resume should contain only professional and contact information.
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You also don’t need to include a photo unless the job specifically requests one. Images can lead to judgments unrelated to your skills. Focus on your qualifications, skills, and experience. A direct, organized, and objective document is more likely to catch recruiters’ attention and land you an interview.
Land your job with a good resume
Creating an effective resume requires attention to detail, organization, and honesty. Every piece of information should help present your professional profile positively. Whether you’re applying as a cleaning assistant, janitor, general services worker, or supervisor, following these guidelines helps highlight your potential and increases your chances of being called. Remember, your resume is your business card. Investing time in building it is an important step toward a stable and respected job. With a well-crafted document, you’ll be more prepared to seize great opportunities in the job market.