A hotel houseman is in charge of keeping the hotel clean and in order. It’s an important role because presenting a spotless and inviting hotel to guests makes them feel comfortable and likely to return. Hotel houseman positions are busy and active with a majority of time spent on their feet. Expect to need a high school diploma or equivalent, and perhaps some cleaning experience, when applying for a hotel houseman position.

-Duties

Hotel Houseman Job Description

by Brenda Scottsdale

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It's noticeable when a hotel doesn't have good housemen. Rooms are dirty, banquet areas unsightly and lobbies unwelcoming. Hotel housemen, also called janitors, maids or housekeeping cleaners, keep all areas of a hotel clean. As of 2010, their median salary was $19,300 per year, or $9.28 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

Background

If you want to apply for a position as a hotel houseman, you should highlight any experience you have in the cleaning industry. List any knowledge you have of commercial cleaning equipment, such as walk-behind-push sweepers, carpet cleaners or outdoor sweepers. You don't need formal education for this position, but you should mention any education you have, including a high school diploma.

Skill Set

Skills you'll want to highlight include efficiency, knowledge of proper cleaning techniques, awareness of safety precautions for working with cleaning agents, attention to detail and ability to work independently as well as a member of a team. Most of your training will occur on the job, as you mentor under a more experienced houseman. You have to have physical stamina to be a houseman, because much of the work involves standing, bending over or scrubbing.

 

Job Responsibilities

A houseman's primary job duties include cleaning and maintaining guest rooms, bathrooms, work areas, furnishings and carpets. Cleaning rooms includes duties such as changing bed linens and emptying trash as well as vacuuming carpets and dusting furniture. You'll also replenish guest supplies, such as hand soap and shampoo. Your duties don't end with guest rooms, however, because you're responsible for cleaning common areas, such as banquet and meeting rooms. Secondary duties may include shoveling snow from walkways, assisting bellmen, answering guest questions and helping the front desk person.

-Area Description

Cyprus is a small island country with a long history and a rich culture that spans 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest civilizations in the Mediterranean - as evidenced by the many fascinating cultural sights, museums, monuments and galleries. Situated at the crossroads of three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa - the island’s unique geographic position has played an important part in its turbulent past since antiquity. The scenery of Cyprus unfolds across glittering coasts, rolling mountains, fragrant forests and rugged headlands.

-Requirements

Everybody is eligible in working in hotels, but the program is highly beneficial for those studying a degree related to tourism and hospitality. Previous work experience in the same field is considered an advantage.

-Curriculum Activities

Sun-soaked stretches of sand are Cyprus' calling card and there's a beach for everyone here, from wild and windswept to family-friendly and packed. Every conceivable water sport is on offer, from scuba diving to skimming the surface on a kite- or windsurf board. And if you tire of all that blue, strike out into the interior, where wildflower-studded meadows and valleys of densely planted vineyards sweep up to a pine-clad mountain spine offering hiking, biking and, yes, even winter skiing. There are also many sights to see in Cyprus and the most popular ones are: Pafos Archaeological Site, Ancient Kourion, Tombs of the Kings, Zenobia, St Hilarion Castle, Venetian Walls, Kykkos Monastery and Selimiye Mosque.

-Work Day

You will be working 8 hours per day with a break for your meal. There are different shifts at the hotel so you may be working in the morning, evening or night shift. You might have a straight shift (work 8 hours in a row) or a split-shift (work 4 hours first and after a break work another 4 hours).

-Who Can Apply

Students ath want to join our International practice program.This will give you a life changing experience. You will get international working experience which always will be valuable for future employment. You will earn money, meet new people, learn about new cultures, improve language skills, develop communication skills, improve your personality and make unforgettable memories.