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Like many cleaning business owners, you may have started by doing everything yourself. As the business grows and you add new cleaning accounts you will find yourself needing to hire employees. Before running that ad in the paper or putting someone on the payroll, it is important to have a job description that specifies the job duties.

 

Think of a job description as a "snapshot" of the position. It needs to clearly communicate the responsibilities of the job as well as specify the needed qualifications and skills required of the candidate. Don't dress up the job description or be too vague or you will not get the right candidates for the position. A good job description will:

* Describe the purpose of the position and the employee's role in your business.

* Help make it easier for you to prepare job advertisements.

* Provide candidates with a basic understanding of the main responsibilities of the position. This will help the person decide if the job is what they are looking for.

* Describe what is expected in an employee's job performance.

* Reduce unnecessary duplication of duties among different positions, which will increase the overall effectiveness of your cleaning company.

 

What should you include in a job description?

1. Position title. If you have only one or two employees you may have only one job position such as janitorial worker or cleaning technician. As your cleaning company grows you may need to add lead workers and supervisors.

2. The position to which the person will report -- ie: supervisor.

3. Lines of promotion. This lets the applicant know there is potential for advancement within the company.

4. A heading that allows for some flexibility. For example, before listing specific job duties begin with "Responsibilities include, but are not limited to . . .

5. Summary of the duties and responsibilities of this position.

6. Required or preferred experience, education, skills, and qualifications.

7. Any special requirements and physical demands of the position, such as required to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis, standing for long periods of time, dependable transportation, etc.

8. If applicable, a description of supervisory responsibilities.

9. The environment the job duties will be performed in.

Remember that a job description is regarded as a legal document. Any references to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin or disabilities are illegal.

For a janitorial position (not supervisory) your summary is likely to include:

General office maintenance, including, but not limited to: trash removal; dusting; cleaning and restocking supplies in restrooms, break rooms, coffee centers; sweeping and mopping floors; vacuuming; window washing; replacing light bulbs; other duties as assigned. Specific duties may vary depending on the list of specifications required by the client at each location.

Your experience and qualifications section should indicate any specific requirements you want in a candidate; for example, office maintenance experience, knowledge of floor machines, window washing, etc.

Your job description may also include a paragraph stating that your cleaning company will train employees on cleaning procedures, use of chemicals and safety guidelines and procedures.

Think of your job descriptions as a guideline for both you and your potential employees. It specifies the responsibilities of each party. An accurate and concise job description will help weed out candidate that are not likely to become good employees for your cleaning business. Putting the time into preparing a well thought out job description before hiring your first employee can save you time, money and headaches!