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Cleaning Careers Guide 2012
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CONTENTS
Chapter 1 – Working in cleaning………………………………………………………………………… 3
Why choose cleaning?................................................................................................ 4
What makes good cleaning professional?.................................................................. 5
Salaries & Benefits……………………….............................................................................. 6
Chapter 2 – Cleaning Careers…................................................................................ 7
Cleaning Operative………….............................................................................................. 8
Specialist Cleaning Operative......................................................................................... 9
Window Cleaner……………..…………………………………………………........................................ 10
Cleaning Supervisor........................................................................................................ 11
Cleaning Manager……………………………......................................................................... 12
Chapter 3 – Apprenticeships & Qualifications........................................................ 13
Apprenticeships – Earn While You Learn.................................................................... 14
Cleaning Qualifications............................................................................................. 15
Chapter 4 – Decision Making................................................................................. 16 Making the Right Decision – Post 16 Subject Choices……………………………………………… 17 Going to University................................................................................................. 18
Chapter 5 – Job Hunting........................................................................................ 19
Searching for a Job in Cleaning................................................................................... 20
Your CV........................................................................................................................ 21
Your Covering Letter................................................................................................... 22
Application Forms....................................................................................................... 23
Make a Good Impression............................................................................................ 24
Chapter 6 – Cleaning People.................................................................................. 25
Case Studies: Cleaning Supervisor............................................................................... 26
Case Studies: Cleaning Services Manager..................................................................... 27
Chapter 7 – Further Information………………………………………………………………………….. 28 How can Asset Skills help you?.................................................................................. 29 Directory: Professional Bodies………………………………………………………………………………… 30 Directory: Awarding Bodies…………………………………………………………………………………….. 31 Directory: Careers Information……………………………………………………………………………….. 32
3
WORKING IN CLEANING
4
You may not have seriously
considered the possibility of
a career in cleaning but
there are some excellent
opportunities for
entrepreneurialism,
progression and high
earnings if you are willing to
work your way up the ranks
and develop your skills.
Historically, cleaning has
been seen as an unskilled
and unprofessional
industry; however, this is no
longer the case as modern
cleaning service provision
requires a range of skills
due to its complexity and
technicality.
For example, cleaning
operatives need to
understand pH values so
they can dilute chemicals
correctly, they must know
the difference between one
type of floor and another,
and they must have
extensive knowledge of
different cleaning
techniques.
More recently, businesses
have started to introduce
the concept of daytime
cleaning to cut operational
costs and increase business
sustainability so the
number of cleaning staff
working unsociable hours or
part-time is declining.
Career Options
Cleaning offers a range of
career options depending
on whether you’re
interested in general
cleaning or more specialist
cleaning areas like window,
upholstery, office, graffiti,
biohazard, carpet or crime
scene cleaning.
Typical jobs in the sector
range from a cleaning
operative responsible for
performing a range of
cleaning duties, to cleaning
service managers
responsible for overseeing
cleaning operations at
multiple sites.
WHY CHOOSE CLEANING? Have you ever seriously considered a
career in cleaning? If you are
motivated and willing to put in some
hard work a job in cleaning could be
just what you need.
REASONS TO CHOOSE A CAREER IN
CLEANING
1. Variety - You will have the
opportunity to take
responsibility for a range of
cleaning duties.
2. Work Ethic – Cleaners are able
to develop a good work ethic
allowing them to complete
tasks to a high standard.
3. Career – If you are willing to put
in the work, you can develop a
successful career in cleaning.
4. Challenge - You will experience
the challenges associated with
ensuring buildings are clean and
safe on a daily basis.
5. People - You will have the
chance to work with people
from a wide range of
backgrounds.
5
You will need to be an
enthusiastic individual
willing to learn basic
cleaning skills, such as
mopping and measuring
and diluting chemicals, on
the job and prepared to
take responsibility for your
work.
You will need to be
organised and a multi-
tasker able to perform a
range of different tasks
from cleaning kitchens,
offices or residential homes,
to ordering stock,
organising work schedules
and supervising other staff.
There is a skills shortage in
the profession for staff with
communication and
customer service skills so
you will need to work on
these, particularly if you
want to work on daytime
cleaning contracts where
you are more likely to come
into contact with
customers.
Employers are also
increasingly looking for
people with the
management skills,
supervisory skills and
confidence necessary to fill
high level management
positions in the future.
So a willingness to continue
your own personal
development through the
range of cleaning
qualifications available is a
very popular attribute with
some employers.
The Wider Context
Cleaning is a varied and
flexible job that has become
increasingly complex over
the past ten years.
Whilst there is not much
opportunity to progress in
domestic cleaning,
commercial cleaning offers
significant scope for
advancement through
qualifications that can bring
greater financial rewards.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CLEANING PROFESSIONAL?
THE VALUE OF WORK EXPERIENCE
IN CLEANING
In such a competitive job market,
many candidates are finding that to
secure a job they must combine
their academic achievements with
experience in the workplace. Work
experience can benefit you by:
Developing your employability
skills and business awareness.
Providing you with the
opportunity to interact with
experienced staff in a
professional capacity.
Giving your CV a competitive
edge by differentiating you
from other candidates.
Providing you with more life
experience.
Giving you the chance to work
independently and as part of a
team.
Providing you with the chance
to learn more about yourself
e.g. how you react in certain
situations.
No matter what your area of interest, there
are some skills that all cleaning employers
are looking for in potential new recruits.
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The table below provides a
snapshot of the various
roles and typical earning
potential.
Please note that this is just
a guide as salaries rise with
experience and vary
according to function and
location.
At the start of your career
you are likely to earn
approximately £12,000 if
you are employed on a full-
time basis.
SALARIES & BENEFITS Despite tough economic
conditions, the cleaning industry
still offers competitive salaries
and benefits.
TYPICAL SALARIES ACROSS THE UK
Level of Responsibility Average Salary
Cleaning Operative £12,000 (full-time)
Specialist Cleaning Operative £14,000 - £18,000 (full-time)
Cleaning Supervisor £14,000 - £18,000 (full-time)
Cleaning Services Manager £20,000 - £25,000 (full-time)
Facilities Manager £26,000 - £45,000 (full-time)
56 % 44 % MALE / FEMALE RATIO IN CLEANING 44/56
Evidence suggests that there
is a slight gender gap within
the cleaning industry – 44 per
cent of the cleaning
workforce is male, while 56
per cent are female (Annual
Population Survey, 2010).
Industry leaders are encouraging
more people to start a career in
cleaning because gender diversity
gives employers access to a wide
range of skills, can lead to more
innovative thinking and better
decision making.
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CLEANING CAREERS
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What do they do?
A cleaning operative is
responsible for making sure
buildings and their
surrounding areas are clean
and safe for people to use.
If you clean premises such
as office buildings and
hospitals you may be
employed by a cleaning
contractor.
Career prospects in
commercial cleaning are
good if you want to
progress to supervisory or
management positions.
Alternatively, you could set
up your own cleaning
business.
What would my duties be?
You will be responsible for
following a cleaning
schedule to ensure all areas
of the building (e.g. toilets,
kitchens, offices, corridors,
cafeteria or communal
areas) are cleansed to a
high standard.
What skills do I need?
Basic cleaning skills
Knowledge of health
and safety
Ability to use chemicals
Physical fitness
Communication skills
Organisational skills
Customer service skills
Independent and team
working skills
What qualifications do I
need?
There are no formal entry
requirements to get a job as
a cleaning operative.
However, once you have
secured a position there are
a range of qualifications
available to improve your
chance of promotion and a
higher salary.
CLEANING OPERATIVE Does the idea of being stuck
behind a desk send shivers down
your spine? Then this could be just
the job for you.
JUNIOR POSITION
•Cleaning Operative
•Earns £12,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires BICSc Cleaning Operators Proficiency Certificate or cleaning apprenticeship
MID POSITION
•Cleaning Supervisor
•Earns £14,000 - £18,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires BICSc Cleaning Supervisory Skills Certificate and the ability to manage others
SENIOR POSITION
•Cleaning Services Manager
•Earns £20,000 - £25,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires managerial course and the ability to manage others
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What do they do?
Specialist cleaning
operatives use science,
technology and training to
clean and restore
dangerous environments,
such as filthy properties,
squats, crime scenes and
trauma scenes.
This can be a challenging
job as environments like
these can contain drug
paraphernalia, bio-
hazardous waste, bodily
fluids and animal
infestations.
What would my duties be?
Prior to entering a
dangerous environment you
will have to gain as much
information as possible by
liaising with local
environmental health
officers.
You will use this
information to complete
risk assessments and
method statements before
undertaking any activity at
the premises.
As you clean these
dangerous environments
you will have to adhere to
strict disposal procedures
and ensure you comply with
health and safety
legislation.
What skills do I need?
Technical cleaning skills
Industry experience
Knowledge of health
and safety
Ability to use chemicals
Physical fitness
Communication skills
Organisational skills
Customer service skills
Independent and team
working skills
Knowledge of waste
disposal procedures
Have you ever considered a career
fighting grime? Well this could be
your chance to give it a go.
DOS AND DON’TS OF THE
SPECIALIST CLEANING PROFESSION
1. DO approach every dangerous
environment with caution and
be alert to potential dangers.
2. DO ensure you adhere to all
relevant legislation and
procedures.
3. DON’T cut corners because
rushing a job can put others in
danger.
4. DO carry out all your risk
assessments and method
statements before undertaking
activity.
5. DON’T ignore any of the above.
SPECIALIST CLEANING OPERATIVE
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What do they do?
Window cleaners are
responsible for washing and
drying glass surfaces on the
insides and outsides of
buildings such as private
homes, offices and retail
outlets.
Many window cleaners are
often self-employed,
employed by facilities
management companies
that provide a wide range of
building maintenance
services or employed by
large businesses that need
their own window cleaners.
What duties will I have?
As a window cleaner you
will use brushes, sponges
and cloths to apply cleaning
solutions and dry wet glass
with cloths or squeegees.
If the window is above
ground level, you will either
work up a ladder or, on
larger buildings, use
scaffolding or work in
suspended cradles.
What skills will I need?
Communication skills
Organisational skills
Physical fitness
Customer service skills
Ability to use chemicals
Basic cleaning skills
Knowledge of health
and safety
Comfortable working at
heights
What qualifications do I
need?
There are no formal entry
requirements to get a job as
a window cleaner.
However, once you have
secured a position there are
qualifications available to
develop your skills.
WINDOW CLEANER Are you looking for a job where
you can go out and about? If your
answers yes, why not give this job
a chance.
JUNIOR POSITION
•Window Cleaner
•Earns £12,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires BICSc Cleaning Operators Proficiency Certificate or Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning and Support Services
MID POSITION
•Cleaning Supervisor
•Earns £14,000 - £18,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires BICSc Cleaning Supervisory Skills Certificate and the ability to manage others
SENIOR POSITION
•Cleaning Services Manager
•Earns £20,000 - £25,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires managerial course and the ability to manage others
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What do they do?
Cleaning supervisors have
overall responsibility for the
day-to-day cleaning
operation so that the
building and its surrounding
area are clean and safe for
people to live or work in.
They still undertake
cleaning tasks within the
building but have additional
responsibilities like
administration and
supervision.
What would my duties be?
As a supervisor you will
have to assign cleaning
areas to staff, carry out
daily inspections to ensure
the premises are cleaned
and supervise staff to
ensure they follow health
and safety procedures.
You will also have
administrative duties such
as maintaining logs and
timesheets, ordering
cleaning stock and ensuring
staff have received the right
training.
What skills do I need?
Supervisory skills
Communications skills
Interpersonal skills
Customer service skills
Organisational skills
Multi-tasking skills
Ability to use chemicals
Basic cleaning skills
Team working skills
Knowledge of health
and safety
What qualifications do I
need?
There are no formal entry
requirements to get a job in
cleaning. However, to get a
job as a supervisor you
usually need experience
working in cleaning and the
ability to manage others. To
develop the necessary skills
you could take a BICSc
Cleaning Supervisory Skills
Certificate.
CLEANING SUPERVISOR If you are interested in a job with
more responsibility, then why not
consider a supervisory position?
JUNIOR POSITION
•Cleaning Operative
•Earns £12,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires BICSc Cleaning Operators Proficiency Certificate or cleaning apprenticeship
MID POSITION
•Cleaning Supervisor
•Earns £14,000 - £18,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires BICSc Cleaning Supervisory Skills Certificate and the ability to manage others
SENIOR POSITION
•Cleaning Services Manager
•Earns £20,000 - £25,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires managerial course and the ability to manage others
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What do they do?
Cleaning services managers
are responsible for co-
ordinating the work of
cleaning operatives based
at a number of different
sites and ensuring that their
standard of work meets the
needs of the client.
What would my duties be?
As a cleaning services
manager you will be
responsible for assisting
cleaning supervisors to
organise the workload of
both full-time and part-time
staff.
Other administrative duties
may include organising
additional cleaning work,
approving stock orders and
checking timesheets.
You will monitor the
performance of staff and
take the necessary action to
improve performance
liaising with the HR
department as required.
You will be responsible for
advertising and interviewing
for new and replacement
cleaning operatives.
What skills do I need?
Management skills
Communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Customer service skills
Organisational skills
Multi-tasking skills
Team working skills
What qualification do I
need?
There are no formal entry
requirements to get a job as
a cleaning manager;
however, supervisory
experience within cleaning
and the ability to manage
others would be useful. To
improve your chances of
success you could do a
managerial course.
CLEANING SERVICES MANAGER
JUNIOR POSITION
•Cleaning Operative
•Earns £12,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires BICSc Cleaning Operators Proficiency Certificate or cleaning apprenticeship
MID POSITION
•Cleaning Supervisor
•Earns £14,000 - £18,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires BICSc Cleaning Supervisory Skills Certificate and the ability to manage others
SENIOR POSITION
•Cleaning Services Manager
•Earns £20,000 - £25,000 (full-time)
•Typically requires managerial course and the ability to manage others
If you are willing to put in the hard
work becoming a cleaning services
manager could another way to
develop your career.
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APPRENTICESHIPS AND
QUALIFICATIONS
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Apprenticeships are an
established route for people
to enter their chosen field
of work by easing the
sometimes difficult
transition between full-time
learning and employment.
They allow you to develop
practical, job specific skills
by working alongside
experienced staff.
Apprentices gain a
qualification that is valued
by employers and enhances
their prospects for career
progression in the future.
Apprenticeships offer the
added benefit of allowing
you to earn money as you
develop your skills.
In recent years, the range of
industries and areas
covered by apprenticeships
has grown, particularly as
the model has become a
key part of government
policy.
The government covers a
proportion of the cost
associated with training
apprentices; however, this
is dependent on the age of
the apprentice.
How it works
The majority of the training
is ‘on the job’ at the
employer’s premises
working alongside
experienced staff to gain
job specific skills, while the
rest of the training is
provided by a local college
or specialist training
provider – this can be
completed on day release
or block release (where you
study for a week or two at a
time.
How an apprenticeship can
benefits you
The UK Government is
working hard to make
Apprenticeships equal to
other qualifications such as
A-Levels and degrees so
employers recognise the
value of Apprenticeships.
Cleaning Apprenticeships
The cleaning and
environmental services
apprenticeship framework
outlines an intermediate
apprenticeship with two
pathways.
The first is the cleaning
pathway which focuses on
developing the skills of staff
in a variety of job roles
including hygiene operative,
specialist cleaner, window
cleaner and passenger
transport valet.
The second is the
environmental services
pathway which has been
designed to develop the
cleaning and horticultural
skills of staff employed in
neighbourhood services.
As the cost of going to university
increases, an apprenticeship route
can be a great, cost-effective way
to start your career in cleaning.
APPRENTICESHIPS – EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
The Asset Skills Website:
http://www.assetskills.org/
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Higher level qualifications
and experience in cleaning
and management can
quickly lead to senior
positions in the cleaning
industry. Skills shortages in
the industry mean people
that can demonstrate the
correct skills and
qualifications are in a good
position to climb the career
ladder more quickly than is
sometimes possible in other
sectors.
CLEANING QUALIFICATIONS
The Asset Skills Website:
http://www.assetskills.org/
School/College/University GCSEs Maths, English and Science
qualifications would be useful
A-levels, BTEC National Diplomas
Maths, English and Science would be useful, along with other subjects such as business studies
Foundation Degree Environmental Cleaning Management
This qualification is available from the University of Northampton.
University A relevant degree such as facilities management or business studies
Work-based Learning (where your studies are part of your job) Level 1 Award in Cleaning and Support
Service Skills; BICSc Certificate in Cleaning
Level 2 Apprenticeship Cleaning and Environmental Services; Facilities Services
Level 2 Cleaning Principles; Cleaning and Support Services and Local Environmental Services
Different awarding bodies have slightly different titles for their qualifications.
Level 3 Apprenticeship Facilities Management Suitable for those over the age of 18 with a level 2/3 education.
Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Cleaning Supervision Skills Certificate in Property Caretaking and Facilities Supervision
ILM/BIFM Level 3 in FM Award/Certificate/Diploma This qualification would be a useful qualification for people in management.
Higher Apprenticeships at Levels 4, 5 and 6
Facilities Management These new higher level apprenticeships offer an alternative route to a degree.
BIFM Levels 4 - 7 These qualifications are for experienced facilities managers looking to progress their careers.
These qualifications would be useful for people working in higher level cleaning management roles.
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DECISION MAKING
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How should I decide?
You should try to choose
subjects to study at a higher
level that:
You are good at and
have enjoyed studying
You need to enter a
particular career or
course
You should try to study
subjects that suit your
strengths
What will give me the most
options?
Many courses at university
level build on the
knowledge you will have
gained at school and
college.
As parking related subjects
are not taught at school,
students can study a wide
variety of A-Level or
equivalent qualifications.
The following list of subjects
might be useful to study at
A-Level before moving onto
a course at university:
Mathematics
English
Science
Law
Business
Economics
Geography
History
Language
Is there anything else I
need?
If you have a specific course
or university in mind, use
their entry requirements as
a guide while making your
decisions.
Most universities require a
minimum grade C at GCSE
in English Language and
Mathematics as well as A-
Levels (or equivalent
qualifications) to ensure
that you will be able to
understand lectures and
complete any coursework.
Universities are also looking
for motivated candidates
that will regularly attend
lectures and get the most
out of their university
experience.
MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION – POST 16 SUBJECT CHOICES The choices you make now
could affect what you go on to
do at university.
1. Listen to people around you
but make up your own mind
which subjects to do, using
the information you have.
2. Do not choose a subject
because your favourite
teacher is teaching it!
3. Research the syllabuses of
new subjects before choosing
them so you know what to
expect.
4. Do not choose a subject
because your current teacher
expects you to take it.
5. Look at the workload of your
subject choices to see how
they are assessed – you may
not want 3 courses where all
your chances rest on exams at
the end of the year.
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Why do a degree?
For many industries a full-
time honours degree is the
accepted academic route to
professional status.
Many courses are based on
units of study or modules.
Each module lets you earn
credits towards your
qualification, while giving
you a degree of flexibility
over the focus of your
studies.
There is a good range of
qualifications available at
university. These include
full-time BScs as well as
part-time post-graduate
qualifications (diplomas,
MSc or MBA) that mainly
attract middle to senior
level managers who are
keen to continue
developing their careers.
What are the benefits of
university life?
Adapting to university is
one of the most rewarding
challenges you will ever
face. The main advantages
of going to university are:
To immerse yourself in
your chosen subject –
you get to study what
you want in your own
time.
To enhance your career
prospects – employers
like the commitment
and dedication that
studying one subject for
three years shows.
To meet lifelong friends
– university allows you
to socialise with a wide
range of people from all
walks of life.
To undertake extra-
curricular activities –
you can join all sorts of
clubs, societies and
teams.
How much will it cost?
The costs of being a student
vary between different
parts of the UK and the
length of courses.
Financial support is
available, so money does
not have to be a barrier.
Not sure about taking degree?
Here’s a bit more information to
help you make the right decision.
Prospects Graduate Careers
Website: www.prospects.ac.uk
Prospects provide detailed
information on the courses
available across the UK.
UCAS
www.ucas.ac.uk
UCAS is the organisation
responsible for managing
applications to higher education
courses in the UK.
Asset Skills Website:
www.assetskills.org
Asset Skills is the sector skills
council for cleaning.
GOING TO UNIVERSITY
19
JOB HUNTING
20
Where do I look?
Cleaning vacancies are
advertised in a variety of
places, including: local and
national press; specialist
building or cleaning
publications; on
professional bodies’
websites and at networking
events.
Recruitment or careers fairs
are also a great way of
learning about the industry,
meeting potential
employers and making a
good impression.
How can I improve my
chances?
Utilising free or inexpensive
services that provide
careers guidance and job
search assistance can be a
great place to start. These
services are often offered
by your local college or
university careers centre,
job centre or local library.
Careers advisers will
suggest you take a copy of
your CV to these meetings
so that the advisor can offer
specific advice on how to
improve your chances.
It is also a good idea to
build up a network of
people that can help you
develop your career
prospects (through work
experience for example) or
contact potential employers
(smaller employers tend to
rely on word-of-mouth,
headhunting or internal
recruitment to fill
vacancies).
Are there other routes into
the parking industry?
Yes, fixed term contracts,
short-term placements,
part-time or temporary
work through agencies are
all useful entry points,
especially in a depressed
economic market where
employers may be reluctant
to take on permanent staff.
Keep your spirits up
It can take time to get a job
because you need to go
through the process several
times before you develop
the right CV writing and
interview technique. To
speed up this process you
should get feedback on
each stage of your job
search.
SEARCHING FOR A JOB IN CLEANING So you’ve decided that parking is
for you. But what are the next
steps in your search for the perfect
parking job?
COMMON MISTAKES JOB
SEEKERS MAKE
1. Failing to research the
company – you need to tailor
your application and interview
responses to the company.
2. Insufficient preparation –
spend time making sure each
job application is as strong as
possible.
3. Unable to link past
experiences to the job role –
try to come up with examples
of when you have used the
skills listed on the job
specification.
21
You have seconds to
persuade a potential
employer to interview you
so an effective CV may be
the only way to grab their
attention.
Your curriculum vitae is
primarily your passport to
interview. It isn’t your life
story but it is a clear concise
explanation of why an
employer should talk to you
in person.
Remember that when you
are applying for a number
of jobs a one-size-fits-all CV
won’t always work. You are
likely to have more success
if you tailor your CV to
highlight specific skills and
experience relevant to the
post you have applied for.
There are two popular types
of CV:
1. Chronological CV – this
is the most widely used
format which outlines
your work and
educational history. It is
ideal if you are
developing your career
in a particular industry.
2. Skills Based CV –
highlights the skills and
achievements that you
have gained throughout
your education and
working career. This
style of CV is also good
for those just starting
out in the industry.
What should I include?
All CVs should include the
following information:
Contact details –
including name,
address, phone number
and email address.
Work experience – this
may include part-time
work, voluntary work
and school work
experience placements.
Education details – this
should include the
name and address of
your school/college/
university, dates you
were there, the
qualifications and
grades you achieved.
Other significant
information – such as
first aid certificates or
Duke of Edinburgh
achievements.
YOUR CV An excellent CV can be your
gateway to first-class
employment opportunities.
CV MYTHS
1. Title – there is no need to put
Curriculum Vitae at the top of
your CV.
2. The bigger the better – a CV
should be about quality, not
quantity.
3. References – you don’t have to
include references on your CV,
instead you could write
‘references available upon
request’.
4. One-size-fits-all – remember
different job applications
require you to highlight
different skills and experiences.
5. Special styles & fonts get
noticed - too much creativity
can be distracting. Stick to
standard fonts, black text and
no graphics.
For more information on how to set
out your CV visit:
https://nationalcareersservice.direc
t.gov.uk/advice/getajob/cvs/Pages/f
ormats.aspx
22
Whenever possible, send a
covering letter with your CV
or application form that
reflects your qualities, style
and professionalism.
Your letter must therefore
highlight your motivation,
commitment and relevant
skills without regurgitating
everything in your CV.
Structure
You’re not writing your
autobiography so a covering
letter should be no longer
than one page of A4,
consisting of between 4 and
5 paragraphs.
Also try to match the style
of the letter with that of
your CV by using the same
font and a similar style of
writing.
Personalise
Always try to address the
letter to the specific person
at the company – this may
involve calling the company
and asking for their name.
Content
First, state the job title of
the role you are applying
for and how you heard
about the opportunity,
before listing the
documents you have
enclosed (CV).
Second, your covering letter
should always be tailored to
the specific role - so outline
why you are interested in
the role and working for the
organisation. This shows
potential employers that
you have researched the
role, organisation and
industry effectively.
Third, highlight your key
qualifications, skills and
experiences over the next
two paragraphs. Remember
to relate these back to the
skills requirements for the
job and use keywords from
the job advert.
Finally, positively conclude
the letter by maintaining
you enthusiasm for the
position and expressing
your interest in discussing
your application further at
interview.
Presentation
Remember to avoid long
paragraphs and check your
spelling / grammar before
you even think about
submitting your application.
Don’t rely on the computer
spellchecker - it lies!
Submission
There is a trend towards
email submissions in the
current job market so CVs
should be sent as
attachments while covering
letters are included in the
main body of the email.
YOUR COVERING LETTER An excellent covering letter
provides you with a great
opportunity to make a good first
impression.
For more information on
covering letters visit the
National Careers Service
website:
https://nationalcareersservice
.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob
/cvs/Pages/writeacoveringlett
er.aspx
23
Employers use application
forms to assess your
motivation and skills. The
questions are designed to
assess specific attributes so
remember to answer all the
questions. It is not good
enough to just slip in a copy
of your CV and ask them to
refer to it.
Where do I start?
The key to filling in an
application form is reading
everything before you start;
the job description,
personal specification and
the guidance. Additionally,
make sure you do your own
research on the
organisation and the job
role.
From here you can identify
the relevant skills and
experiences which are going
to convince the reader you
are the person for the job
by promoting your relevant
qualities.
What questions will I be
asked?
Application form questions
tend to focus on:
How your education
and work experience
relate to their vacancy
Why you want that
particular job role / or
to work in the cleaning
industry
Examples of your skills
that are relevant the
job role
The personal statement
Most application forms give
you the opportunity to
express why you are the
best person for the job.
To cover all the bases, use
the personal specification
document to provide sub-
headings under which you
can emphasise particular
skills or experiences in a
clear and concise manner.
References
If your application form asks
you for referees, make sure
you ask them first, and try
to use the most appropriate
people to match the job you
are applying for.
Practice makes perfect
Always print off a few extra
blank copies of the
application form so you can
practice your answers to
the questions. This involves
including all the information
you need to within the
word limit (or box), so avoid
information that the
employer hasn’t requested.
Common Mistakes
Poor spelling and
grammar
Not answering the
question
Underselling yourself
Not seeking feedback
Not outlining relevant
skills
APPLICATION FORMS Employers get numerous
applications but there are some
things you can do to ensure that
you stand out from the crowd
24
Before the Interview
Preparation is the key to a
successful interview so you
should research your
potential employer by
reviewing their websites for
key facts that you can refer
to in your interview.
Take a good look at your
copy of the job specification
and identify examples of
how your skills match their
requirements.
You can then anticipate the
types of questions you are
likely to be asked and
practice answers that
highlight your skills,
background and
qualifications so you really
sell yourself at interview.
Finally, ensure you can
make a good first
impression by planning your
journey so you will arrive a
few minutes early and
planning what you will wear
to match the culture of the
company.
Start of the Interview
Be aware of your body
language:
Give your interviewer a
firm and confident
handshake
Sit properly
Maintain eye contact
Don’t fidget
Remember to smile
During the Interview
An interview is a two way
process, not only are you
being interviewed to assess
your suitability for the role,
but it is also a chance for
you to understand if the
role is right for you.
Show interest in what the
interviewer tells you about
the company.
When asked, deliver your
prepared answers to the
questions as rehearsed and
if you don’t understand a
question remember that it
is OK to say so or ask for
some time to think about it.
MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION Having an interview can be a
daunting process – here is some
advice designed to ease the
pressure of the process
THE IMPORTANCE OF ASKING
QUESTIONS AT INTERVIEW
Asking the right questions during
interview could be the difference
between being employed or being
on job seekers allowance.
By asking questions you
demonstrate your interest and
depth of knowledge about the job
as well as your general level of
intelligence. The more senior the
position you are seeking, the more
complex the questions must be.
Some questions you may want to
ask at interview include:
Will I be working in a team? If
so, who will I be working
with?
What do you like best about
working for this organisation?
What types of training
opportunities can you offer?
Please can you tell me how
the role relates to the overall
structure of the organisation?
In what way is performance
measured and reviewed?
25
CLEANING PEOPLE
26
CASE STUDY Name: Jacqueline
Job Role: Cleaning Supervisor
Employed: Spectrum Services Solutions Ltd
Jacqueline is employed by Spectrum Services Solutions Ltd and has
recently been promoted to supervisor. Prior to working in the
cleaning industry she was employed on a temporary contract at a
health food store.
Her duties range from cleaning toilets, kitchens, offices and
boardrooms to general administrative duties like ordering cleaning
stock.
“The best thing about this job is that I know what I’m doing. The
money is quite good and more importantly the work was really
interesting - I really enjoy the administration aspect of the work
because I’ve had jobs like that in the past so it’s second nature to me.”
In Jacqueline’s experience, confidence, problem solving skills,
communication skills, organisational skills and the ability to
management workloads help to make a good cleaning supervisor.
Jacqueline strongly believes in taking advantage of any opportunity to
undertake training and would encourage anyone to try a career in
cleaning.
“If there’s a training programme out there do it! It could be your only
chance to get a job.”
27
CASE STUDY Name: Jasmine
Job Role: Cleaning Services Manager
Employed: Ceredigion County Council
Jasmine has been employed as the cleaning services manager at
Ceredigion County Council for 16 years. In her current role, Jasmine is
responsible for 150 staff providing cleaning services to schools,
offices, public conveniences, libraries, day centres, leisure centres and
even the paddling pool on the promenade.
“I absolutely love my work; it’s a joy to go to work every day. The
variety is immense and challenging as one minute I can be discussing
cleaning issues with the heads of governing bodies and the next I can
be appointing staff or discussing washroom design with architects –
it’s a job that really keeps me on my toes.”
“On a sunny day I can be out and about inspecting standards in our
beach side public conveniences and watching the dolphins some 20
yards off shore, who wouldn’t want a job like this?”
“It’s this variety that I enjoy most – it’s extremely satisfying to solve a
problem for a head of department or building manager. I believe the
most challenging aspect of the job is the low public opinion of a career
in cleaning. It has always been seen as a Cinderella service so I strive
to raise the profile of cleaners and cleaning issues.”
Her advice for anyone interested in taking a similar career route is
“You lucky, lucky people - grab the opportunity with both hands, the
world is your oyster. Get as much experience as you can, get qualified
because an education is always an asset and, above all else, enjoy the
challenge.”
28
FURTHER INFORMATION
29
Interested in a Career in Cleaning?
Get Careers Advice
Like to talk...?
Call us on 08000 567 160. We can give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your career options
Prefer to email...? Email us at [email protected] or submit your quire via our website at http://www.assetskills.org/CareersandTraining
/CareersAdvice.aspx
Access Careers Information
Job Profiles Job profiles provide you with basic information about job roles in the industry, including typical duties and salary information.
Find them at: http://www.assetskills.org/FindYourWay /CareerIdeas.aspx
Sector Career Guides
Asset skills produce 5 seperate career guides that give an extended view of each industry. Find them at:
http://www.assetskills.org/CareersandTraining/CareersHome.aspx
Careers advisor looking for more
information?
Get Careers Advice
Acess Labour Market
Information
Careers IAG Report
Asset Skills produces a labour market intelligence report specifically designed to help careers advisors. It is available
from: http://www.assetskills.org/Research /LabourMarketInformation/LabourMarket.aspx
State of the Sector and Nation
Reports
These reports can provide valuable information about how the sectors and nations are faring. They are available
from:http://www.assetskills.org/Research/LabourMarketInformation/LabourMarket.aspx
Please Note: Asset Skills also offers free
additional services to schools and
employers, such as helping schools find
employers that are willing to support
school activities. For further information
please contact: [email protected]
Asset Skills offers free careers
services to all. We provide the
information your career advisor
and you need to make informed
decisions about your career path.
HOW CAN ASSET SKILLS HELP YOU?
30
The British Cleaning Council
(BCC)
www.britishcleaningcouncil.
org
BCC provides a forum for
members to meet and work
together to raise the profile
of the cleaning industry.
To achieve this, BCC
promotes and encourages
improvements in cleaning
standards with regards to
health and hygiene through
activities like the Cleaning
Show.
They also provide
information on industry
statistics, health and safety
regulations, a glossary of
cleaning terms and
sustainability trends in the
industry.
The British Institute of
Cleaning Science (BICSc)
www.bics.org.uk
BICSc is the largest
independent professional
and educational body
within the cleaning
industry. It aims to raise
standards of education and
building awareness through
professional standards and
accredited training.
BICSc offers a range of
training courses and
assessment schemes
designed to meet the needs
of all types of businesses.
They also offer a range of
training aids, manuals and
books.
The Cleaning and Support
Services Associations
(CSSA)
www.cleaningindustry.org
CSSA is a cleaning trade
association that aims to
promote professionalism in
the industry through
training and development.
They believe this will
strengthen the
competitiveness and
profitability of their
members so that they can
impress customers and
enlarge the market for
contract cleaning and
support services.
They provide regular
updates on issues and
events that could affect the
industry.
DIRECTORY: PROFESSIONAL BODIES
31
The British Institute of
Cleaning Science (BICSc)
www.bics.org.uk
BICSc is an awarding body
for qualifications in
cleaning. These
qualifications are often
taken alongside NVQs and
cover topic including
proficiency, food premises
cleaning and supervisory
skills.
City & Guilds
www.cityandguilds.com
City & Guilds is an awarding
body for qualifications in
cleaning. These
qualifications are designed
for cleaning operatives at
Levels 1 and 2, and cleaning
supervisors at Level 3.
EDEXCEL
www.edexcel.com
EDEXCEL is an awarding
body for qualifications in
cleaning. These are
designed for cleaning
operatives at Levels 1 and 2,
and supervisors at Level 3.
SQA
www.sqa.org.uk
SQA is the awarding body
for qualifications in
Scotland. Cleaning and
support services
qualifications are available
at Levels 1 and 2.
The Waste Management
Industry Training &
Advisory Board (WAMITAB)
www.wamitab.org.uk
WAMITAB aims to develop
policy and standards of
education, qualifications
and training for all
employees in the waste
management industry. They
are the awarding body for
the waste management
industry in England.
DIRECTORY: AWARDING BODIES
ABOUT ASSET SKILLS
Asset Skills is one of 21 Sector
Skills Councils (SSCs) licensed by
Government. It works with
industry to ensure occupational
standards are up-to-date and
relevant. These standards are
then used as the basis for the
development of new qualifications
and apprenticeships.
Asset Skills covers facilities
management, housing, property
and planning, cleaning and
parking. To find out more on
careers, qualifications and training
contact:
www.assetskills.org
Tel: 0845 6782 888
Email: [email protected]
32
Careers Advice Websites
Asset Skills
www.asseetskills.org
Careers Box
www.careersbox.co.uk
Career Player
www.careerplayer.com
Careers Service NI
www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers
Careers Wales
www.careerswales.com
Connexions
www.connexions-direct.com
Find Your Way
www.findyourway.co.uk
Graduate Talent Pool
www.graduatetalentpool.direct.gov.uk
ICould
www.icould.com
Learn Direct
www.learndirect.co.uk
Milk Round
www.milkround.com
National Apprenticeships Service
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
National Careers Service
www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk
Open University
www.open.ac.uk/careers
Prospects
www.prospects.ac.uk
Russell Group
www.russellgroup.ac.uk
Skills Development Agency (Scotland)
www.myworldofwork.co.uk
Networking
www.facebook.com
www.linked
DIRECTORY: CAREERS INFORMATION
33
STA
ND
AR
D N
ATI
ON
AL
QU
ALI
FIC
ATI
ON
LEV
EL
L6 L5 L3 L2
L1
GCSEs grade D-G
GCSEs grade A-C Useful subjects include English, Maths and Science
Relevant A levels such as English, Maths and Sciences
Certificate in Cleaning Award/Certificate in Cleaning & Support Services Skills Certificate in Cleaning & Support Services
Level 2 Apprenticeship in Cleaning and Environmental Services Certificate in Principles of Cleaning Award/Certificate/Diploma in Cleaning Principles Award/Certificate/Diploma in Cleaning and Support Services Skills Certificate in Local Environmental Services Certificate in Local Environmental Services Skills
Certificate/Diploma in Cleaning Supervision Skills Level 3 Cleaning Services Supervision Award/Certificate/Diploma in Cleaning and Cleaning Supervision Certificate in Property Caretaking and Facilities Supervision
A relevant degree such as Business Studies or Environmental Studies
WORK BASED TRAINING ROUTE ACADEMIC ROUTE
PROFESSIONAL BODIES
British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) www.bics.org.uk British Cleaning Council (BCC) www.britishcleaningcouncil.org Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) www.cleaningindustry.org
FURTHER INFORMATION
Asset Skills www.assetskills.org
ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL QUALS FOR CLEANING OPERATIVES Cleaning Operatives Proficiency Certificate (COPC) Cleaning Professional Skills Suite (CPSS)
AP
PEN
DIX
1:
CLE
AN
ING
AN
D E
NV
IRO
NM
ENTA
L SE
RV
ICES
SUITABLE PREVIOUS CAREERS INCLUDE: *Customer Service *Catering *Retail *Reception There are flexible entry routes into cleaning jobs. Customer service skills are particularly useful when work is carried out during regular office hours.
SKILLS & QUALITIES
*Literacy & Numeracy *Reliability & Honesty *Knowledge of Health & Safety *Team working skills *Speed and efficiency *Discretion *A reasonable level of fitness *The ability to use machinery Safely *The ability to follow Instructions and routines *The ability to work alone *Good communication skills
OPPORTUNITIES
If you clean premises such as office buildings and hospitals, you may well be employed by a cleaning contractor, although some organisations employ their own staff. Prospects are good if you want to progress to supervisory and management level. You may then be able to use your experience to move into facilities management. Other options would be to become a technical specialist with a particular focus such as industrial or deep cleaning or waste management. Alternatively, you could set up your own cleaning business.
34
NOTES:
35
NOTES:
