The first step in getting housekeeping jobs is making sure that you know what kind of position you're looking for. A job as a full-time housekeeper for a hotel or school will have different conditions than one with a cleaning service, and you'll have another experience as a housekeeper for a private residence.
Think about your priorities and needs when you look at job listings, and decide what you require out of your position. Is money the biggest concern, or do you need flexible hours or part-time work to allow you to care for children? Do you prefer to work for private individuals, or is working for a larger company acceptable? The answers to these questions will rule out some blue-collar jobs for women and open up others.
There are a number of places that women in blue-collar jobs can look for housekeeping positions. Online job sites are probably the most comprehensive option, allowing you to see many different jobs at once. However, there are also opportunities to be found in the classifieds in your local newspaper, on job boards, by word of mouth, and by cold calling agencies you'd like to work for. Don't rule out other methods of looking for a job just because you can't find blue-collar jobs in the housekeeping section of your local newspaper classifieds.
Before heading to a job interview for any housekeeping position, you'll need to make sure you know what will be expected. Do a little research if possible to find out whether you'll need to provide any of your own supplies, wear a uniform, or provide your own transportation. You can always ask these questions at the interview, but it looks good to have done a little research on your own.
Women in blue-collar jobs are still expected to maintain their appearance, so looking neat and tidy is important for a housekeeping position. However, you should take care not to look overdressed, either. Housekeeping is a physical job, so dress sensibly and in clothing that's difficult to mess up.
The duties that go with a housekeeping job will vary depending on the actual position. However, the general point of the position is keeping an area clean and welcoming, or directing others to do so. While men do perform housekeeping jobs and make up a significant percentage of the workforce, women still do the majority of these jobs. Housekeeping positions are also still frequently held by immigrants, and some people may assume that immigrant workers in these types of blue-collar jobs for women are not in the country legally.
Housekeeping supervisors and cleaning company team leaders may be responsible for drawing up shift rosters and allocating daily duties. They are also responsible for inspections, recording damage and problems, and arranging for maintenance in hotel situations. This type of housekeeping position is also responsible for keeping team morale up.
Housekeepers who don't have supervisory positions are responsible for vacuuming and mopping, cleaning up litter, and wiping down surfaces. They may also be called on to do dishes, wash windows, and do laundry, but there may be an extra charge for this. If you're applying for a housekeeping position, make sure that you ask about all your duties in advance.
Remember that housekeeping jobs are physical labor, like many other blue-collar jobs for women and men. That makes it important to take precautions to avoid injury. If you already have injuries or physical conditions that limit your movement, these might not be the right jobs for you. If you decide to take them anyway, it's important to let supervisors know about your condition.
Most housekeepers do shift work, though the length and timing of the shifts may be different than usual. Housekeeping jobs can be found in health spas, clubs, hotels, private homes, and many other locations, meaning it's possible for the same job to occur in many different settings. Part-time work is common, but many housekeepers need to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, which can be inconvenient.
To get a housekeeping job, you don't need any type of education. Instead a good work ethic, the ability to work quickly, and physical fitness are important. It's good for housekeepers to be detail-oriented so that they don't miss minor areas that need repair or cleaning. Showing up on time and doing all the work specified is vital to retaining a position. Housekeeping jobs can be very challenging but are a great way to fit a job into a difficult schedule or to find work outside the retail and other standard service industries.
