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Create CVIf you’re applying for a janitor job, employers expect a mix of basic education, physical ability, reliability, and practical cleaning skills. Most roles are entry-level, but hiring managers prioritize candidates who can follow procedures, work independently, handle cleaning chemicals safely, and maintain consistent performance. Experience is often preferred—but not always required.
This guide breaks down exact janitor job requirements and qualifications, how to present them on your resume, and what actually matters in real hiring decisions.
Janitor job requirements are the minimum qualifications employers look for when hiring cleaning staff.
Typical requirements include:
Basic education (high school diploma often preferred, not required)
Physical ability (lifting, standing, repetitive movement)
Knowledge of cleaning procedures and safety practices
Reliability and punctuality
Ability to follow instructions and work independently
Passing a background check (in certain environments)
Most employers hire based on work ethic and reliability over formal credentials.
These are the non-negotiable expectations across most janitor roles in the US.
Most janitor jobs do not strictly require a high school diploma, but having one can improve your chances.
What matters more:
Ability to read instructions and safety labels
Basic communication skills
Understanding cleaning procedures
Recruiter insight:
Many employers skip education requirements if the candidate shows reliability and practical experience.
This is one of the most important requirements.
You must be able to:
Stand for long periods
Many janitor jobs are entry-level, but you still need to meet basic expectations.
Willingness to learn cleaning procedures
Basic understanding of hygiene and sanitation
Strong work ethic
Physical readiness for the job
Ability to follow directions
If you have no experience, highlight:
Volunteer work (cleaning, maintenance, events)
Lift 20–50 pounds (trash bags, equipment)
Bend, kneel, and reach frequently
Perform repetitive cleaning tasks
Hiring reality:
Candidates are often rejected if they cannot handle the physical demands consistently.
Janitors must follow specific cleaning procedures, schedules, and safety guidelines.
Employers look for:
Attention to detail
Consistency in completing tasks
Ability to follow checklists
Why this matters:
Cleaning mistakes can lead to health risks or safety violations, especially in hospitals or schools.
This is one of the top deciding factors.
Employers expect:
Showing up on time
Completing assigned shifts without absenteeism
Dependability in unsupervised environments
Recruiter insight:
A reliable candidate with no experience is often chosen over an experienced but inconsistent one.
Depending on the workplace, janitors may:
Work alone during night shifts
Coordinate with maintenance teams
Follow supervisor instructions
Employers value:
Self-motivation
Clear communication
Accountability
Any labor-intensive job
School responsibilities
Personal reliability (attendance, discipline)
Recruiter insight:
Entry-level hiring is based heavily on attitude, consistency, and trainability.
Your resume should reflect the same criteria employers use to hire.
Include these clearly:
Relevant cleaning or custodial experience (if any)
Physical capability (lifting, standing, etc.)
Knowledge of cleaning tools or chemicals
Reliability indicators (attendance, long-term roles)
Ability to follow procedures
Use clear, practical language.
Good Example:
Maintained cleanliness of commercial facility by following daily cleaning schedules
Safely used cleaning chemicals and PPE according to safety standards
Completed tasks independently during overnight shifts
Ensured consistent sanitation across restrooms, floors, and common areas
Weak Example:
Responsible for cleaning
Hardworking and motivated
Why the first works:
It shows specific actions, consistency, and safety awareness.
Even for entry-level roles, employers value basic safety awareness.
Proper use of cleaning chemicals
Understanding of hazard labels
Use of PPE (gloves, masks, goggles)
Safe handling of waste and biohazards
Why it matters:
Reduces workplace accidents
Ensures compliance with safety regulations
Protects both employees and building occupants
Recruiter insight:
Candidates who mention safety knowledge are often seen as more professional and lower risk.
These are not required—but can help you stand out.
Experience in places like:
Office buildings
Schools
Hospitals
Factories
This shows:
Ability to handle large spaces
Familiarity with cleaning equipment
Understanding of professional standards
Examples:
Floor buffers and polishers
Carpet cleaning machines
Industrial vacuums
Disinfection protocols
Employers prefer candidates who require less training.
Certifications are not required, but can boost your profile.
Examples:
Custodial training programs
Sanitation certifications
Workplace safety courses
When this matters:
Government jobs
Hospitals
Large facility management companies
Some janitor roles require screening based on the work environment.
Schools
Hospitals
Government buildings
Corporate offices
What employers look for:
Criminal history
Reliability
Trustworthiness
Recruiter insight:
Trust is critical because janitors often work unsupervised with access to buildings.
Job descriptions list requirements—but hiring decisions go deeper.
Consistency and attendance
Attention to detail
Ability to work without supervision
Professional behavior
Clean and organized work habits
Poor attendance history
Lack of reliability
Ignoring safety procedures
Inability to follow instructions
Sloppy or inconsistent work
Avoid these if you want to get hired faster.
Not mentioning physical readiness can hurt your application.
Even basic safety awareness can set you apart.
Employers want specific cleaning tasks and responsibilities.
Gaps, short-term jobs, or lack of consistency raise red flags.
Cleaning jobs require precision, not just effort.
Focus on:
Reliability
Willingness to learn
Physical capability
Basic cleanliness standards
Highlight:
Type of facilities cleaned
Equipment used
Safety procedures followed
Consistency and efficiency
To stand out, your resume and interview should show:
Reliable + Physically Capable + Detail-Oriented + Safety-Aware
That combination wins most hiring decisions.
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