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Create CVIf you’re applying for janitor or custodial jobs in the United States, you should almost always use a resume, not a CV. A janitor resume is shorter, skills-focused, and optimized for fast hiring decisions and ATS systems. A CV is longer, more detailed, and typically used outside the US (like in the UK). Choosing the wrong format can hurt your chances, so understanding the difference is critical before applying.
This guide breaks down exactly when to use a janitor resume vs CV, how each is structured, and what actually works in real hiring situations.
A janitor resume is a concise, targeted document designed for US employers. It focuses on relevant experience, skills, and efficiency.
A janitor CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a more detailed document that includes full work history, certifications, training, and sometimes additional background information.
Resume: 1–2 pages, skills-focused, tailored for specific jobs
CV: 2+ pages, detailed history, more comprehensive
Resume: Standard in the United States
CV: Common in the UK and some international markets
Resume: ATS-optimized and fast to scan
More descriptive, less tailored
In the US job market, employers hiring janitors, custodians, or cleaning staff expect a resume.
Here’s why:
Hiring managers scan resumes in seconds
Most applications go through ATS systems
Job postings are written with resume expectations
Speed and clarity matter more than depth
Bottom line: If you're applying to janitor jobs in the US, always submit a resume unless the employer explicitly asks for a CV.
There are a few rare scenarios where a CV might be appropriate:
Applying for janitorial roles in the UK or international markets
Applying through government or academic systems that request a CV
Roles that involve facilities management with extensive certifications
Even in these cases, the CV is still structured differently than a US resume.
A janitor resume should be clean, simple, and highly practical. Hiring managers care about what you can do on the job, not long descriptions.
Contact Information
Resume Summary
Skills Section
Work Experience
Certifications (if applicable)
Education (basic, if relevant)
From a recruiter’s perspective, these are the key decision drivers:
Reliability and consistency
Cleaning and maintenance skills
Safety awareness (OSHA, chemicals, equipment)
Physical stamina
Attention to detail
Good Example:
Reliable janitor with 5+ years of experience maintaining commercial buildings, schools, and offices. Skilled in floor care, sanitation procedures, and equipment handling. Known for efficiency, safety compliance, and maintaining high cleanliness standards.
Weak Example:
Hardworking individual looking for a janitor job where I can grow.
Why it works: The strong example is specific, results-driven, and immediately relevant.
A janitor CV includes more detail and often expands on training, certifications, and full work history.
Contact Information
Personal Profile
Full Work History (detailed)
Training and Certifications
Skills
Education
Additional Information (optional)
More detailed job descriptions
Includes all roles, not just relevant ones
Focus on career progression
Less tailoring per application
As someone reviewing hundreds of janitor resumes, here’s the reality:
Hiring managers are not looking for long documents. They want quick answers to these questions:
Can you handle the physical demands?
Do you know cleaning procedures and equipment?
Have you worked in similar environments?
Are you reliable and consistent?
A resume answers these fast. A CV often slows this down.
Short, focused resumes (1 page is ideal for most janitors)
Clear bullet points showing responsibilities and results
Mentioning equipment and cleaning methods
Including measurable impact when possible
Long paragraphs
Irrelevant job history
Generic statements
Using a CV format in US applications
Cleaned and maintained 50,000 sq ft commercial building
Operated floor scrubbers and buffers
Managed cleaning supplies and restocking
Followed OSHA safety standards
Responsible for the comprehensive cleaning and maintenance of a large commercial facility, including floors, restrooms, and office areas
Detailed explanation of procedures, training, and responsibilities
Key Difference: Resume = efficient and direct. CV = descriptive and detailed.
This is one of the biggest mistakes. It signals you don’t understand the market.
Even experienced janitors don’t need 3+ pages.
If the job says “resume,” use a resume. If it says “CV,” follow that.
Focus only on cleaning, maintenance, or transferable skills.
If you're unsure, use this:
Applying in the US → Use a resume
Job posting says “resume” → Use a resume
Job posting says “CV” → Use a CV
Applying internationally (UK, etc.) → Use a CV
Need fast hiring results → Resume wins
Some roles may combine janitorial duties with facilities or maintenance management.
In these cases:
Entry-level → Resume
Senior facilities role → Resume (still preferred in US)
Academic or government role → Sometimes CV
Even then, US employers still lean toward resumes.
Beyond format, these factors make the biggest difference:
Floor care (buffing, waxing)
Restroom sanitation
Waste management
Equipment handling
Reduced cleaning time by X%
Maintained high inspection scores
Supported large facilities
Long-term roles signal reliability, which is highly valued in janitorial work.
If you’re applying for janitor jobs in the United States, use a resume, not a CV. Keep it short, focused, and practical. A CV is only relevant in specific international or specialized cases.
Choosing the right format is not just a detail, it directly affects whether your application gets noticed or ignored.
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