Maintenance and Janitorial Skills List

Maintenance and Janitorial Skills List



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Skills that give you an edge in janitorial and maintenance work

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BY ALISON DOYLE

 

Updated May 03, 2018

When you're applying for jobs, there are certain skills that can improve your chances of getting hired for maintenance and janitorial work. Most janitorial jobs don't require a formal education, and you typically learn on the job. Building maintenance work typically requires a high school diploma, but you also get on-the-job training. However, the more skills and experience you have to offer a potential employer, the better your chances of getting the job.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts average job growth, about 6 percent, over the next several years in the areas of janitorial and building cleaning and general maintenance and repair. The bureau says that the healthcare industry especially will grow, along with the need for these kinds of workers to clean and maintain their medical offices and hospital buildings.

We've put together a list of skills employers seek in janitorial and maintenance work. Skills will vary based on the job for which you're applying, so also review our list of skills listed by job and type of skill.

Administrative Skills

Janitorial and maintenance work is not only about cleaning. Someone has to organize what work needs to be done and when and where to do it. Cleaning supplies must be tracked, schedules set and records kept.

Inventory





Monetary Exchange





Ordering Supplies





Permits





Planning





Prioritizing





Record Keeping





Scheduling



Advanced Skills

These advanced skills can give you an edge in getting work at companies that need more than basic cleaning. As part of a building maintenance team, you'll be the go-to person to work on minor repairs to structures and special maintenance projects, keeping the building whole and up to date.

Carpentry





Masonry





Finishing/Refinishing Floors





Painting





Plumbing





Roofing





Welding



Basic Cleaning Skills

In addition to this list of basic cleaning skills, let employers know if you have special knowledge or experience with cleaning supplies. Some employers prefer to use "green" cleaning solutions, for example. 

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Buffing





Chemical Use





Cleaning





Dusting





Mopping





Polishing Furniture





Safety





Sanitation





Scrubbing





Sweeping





Washing Floors





Washing Windows





Waxing



People Skills

Many janitorial and maintenance jobs are part of a team of workers, and you'll all need to get along. In some cases, you'll also interact directly with a company's customers, especially if you're on the job during business hours. And if you have aspirations of rising up the ranks to a supervisory position, great interpersonal skills will help you get there.  

Communication





Customer Relations





Following Instructions





Interpersonal Skills





Service





Supervising





Teamwork



Repair and Maintenance Skills

In larger companies, you'll need to maintain the equipment you use to clean and maintain the buildings and grounds. The skills in this list tell potential employers that you'll be their go-to person to keep their equipment humming. If you have experience with specific brands of equipment that have special maintenance requirements, by all means, let employers know.

Building Repair





Equipment Maintenance





Electrical Repairs





Fixing Tools





Grounds Maintenance





Maintenance





Mechanical Aptitude





Refurbishing





Repair Electrical Fixtures





Tools



 https://www.thebalancecareers.com/maintenance-and-janitorial-skills-list-2062425