Returning to work after 10+ years, need tips on cleaning job!

[Evanescence78]

Hello,

I have been out of the workplace since 2010, due to the care needs of my children.

Eventually I am looking into training to work in the Early Years sector of education, (starting with remote learning access courses) but for now, we need extra money, so I've been applying or this and that.

My experience is in the retail sector. The jobs I've applied for in retail only had antisocial hours available, so I declined interview for those.

Yesterday I had a phone interview about a holiday let cleaning job.

I've never done a cleaning job, so I'm a little nervous about the trial shift they have offered me for this week.

I'll be teamed up with the head housekeeper, assuming she will assess that I'm not a total idiot and can work fast enough etc - and if I decide at the end of the shift that I want the job, they'll sort out a contract etc. And then I'll be working usually on the same large holiday let with 1 other cleaner.

It's just twice a week, variable hours as she said that I just have the same start time but can finish when the work is done... its on the changeover days so obviously there's a limit but she said most staff get it done in about 4 hours.

Any tips on cleaning efficiently? I mean, I clean at home, but what are the differences?

What is the best way to behave during a trial shift (eg too chatty etc) as I've only ever had two other jobs and they didn't have trials. What's the etiquette if I need the loo? I know its a weird question but I'm super anxious and just don't want to do anything weird!

I'd love any help or advice anyone has got.

Firstly, well done on securing an interview.
I'm a cleaner. I'd never worked as a cleaner before ( as a student, I worked in catering, bars, etc) but when I left teaching, I needed a job. I love it ! I wouldn't even say I was ever 'into' cleaning as such. My house is clean, tidy and I enjoy organising spaces, etc, so I can see why I enjoy it.
I also get to manage my own time, I can work on my own or work with others, and I love to see the end result. It's so satisfying. I would say it's the same as home cleaning. The process is the same.
Regarding the interview, treat it like any other : look presentable, be early ( not too early! ), listen to what needs doing, ask questions if you need to, but mostly, smile and be enthusiastic.
I think it's important to be enthusiastic !
I've had to interview people for this job, and that's what I look for.
Good luck !

@Amdone123

Firstly, well done on securing an interview. I'm a cleaner. I'd never worked as a cleaner before ( as a student, I worked in catering, bars, etc) but when I left teaching, I needed a job. I love it ! I wouldn't even say I was ever 'into' cleaning as such. My house is clean, tidy and I enjoy organising spaces, etc, so I can see why I enjoy it. I also get to manage my own time, I can work on my own or work with others, and I love to see the end result. It's so satisfying. I would say it's the same as home cleaning. The process is the same. Regarding the interview, treat it like any other : look presentable, be early ( not too early! ), listen to what needs doing, ask questions if you need to, but mostly, smile and be enthusiastic. I think it's important to be enthusiastic ! I've had to interview people for this job, and that's what I look for. Good luck !

Thank you! I have already spoken with the HR lady, so my trial shift is with the head housekeeper... I am to help her clean. HR said to see if I liked it, as she has found that the job can be more demanding than people expect.

My house has 6 people living in it and 4 animals, so I wouldn't say it's as clean as I would expect a holiday let to be!!!

I do enjoy organising things, and I don't mind cleaning really (just resent ALWAYS picking up after the lazy ones at home of course!!)

No problem.
Yes, it's certainly demanding. I lost 20lb in my first 12 months, and I've never been fitter !
I forgot to say they will guide you through different chemicals/ cloths/ coloured mops for different areas. I took a small notebook !! ( I also needed it for different codes etc ).

@Amdone123

No problem. Yes, it's certainly demanding. I lost 20lb in my first 12 months, and I've never been fitter ! I forgot to say they will guide you through different chemicals/ cloths/ coloured mops for different areas. I took a small notebook !! ( I also needed it for different codes etc ).

Yes, I'm expecting to lose weight! Ooh good tip with the notebook. I just hope I'm not too slow.

I got the job!

Congratulations

Well done ! 👏