Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your cleaning business. You need reliable employees who show up on time, respect clients’ homes, and do a great job. But should you prioritize experience over attitude? Absolutely not!
The best hiring strategy is simple: Hire for character, train for skills.
Let’s break down why this approach works and how to apply it to your cleaning business.
Why Character Matters More Than Skills
Think about it—cleaning techniques can be taught, but traits like honesty, work ethic, and reliability are ingrained in a person’s character. If you hire someone with a great attitude, they’ll quickly pick up the skills needed to do the job well.
Key Traits to Look for in a Cleaning Employee:
✅ Reliability – Do they show up on time and follow through on commitments?
✅ Work Ethic – Are they willing to put in the effort to do the job right?
✅ Integrity – Can you trust them in clients’ homes without supervision?
✅ Positive Attitude – Are they friendly, respectful, and willing to learn?
✅ Attention to Detail – Do they take pride in their work and notice the little things?
A person with these qualities will be an asset to your business, even if they’ve never cleaned professionally before.
How to Identify Strong Character in an Interview
Hiring for character means asking the right questions and looking beyond the resume.
Interview Tips:
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Ask Open-Ended Questions
- “Tell me about a time you had to handle a difficult customer or situation.”
- “Can you give an example of when you went above and beyond at work?”
- “What does being reliable mean to you?”
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Look for Enthusiasm
- Do they seem eager to work?
- Are they engaged in the conversation, or just going through the motions?
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Check References Carefully
- Ask past employers about the candidate’s work ethic, attitude, and reliability.
- One key question: “Would you hire them again?” If the answer is no, that’s a red flag.
Training Employees for Cleaning Success
Once you’ve hired someone with great character, it’s time to teach them the skills they need. A structured training program ensures consistency, efficiency, and top-notch service.
Steps to Train Cleaning Employees:
🔹 Start with the Basics – Teach proper cleaning techniques, safety procedures, and time management.
🔹 Use a Hands-On Approach – Let them shadow experienced employees before working independently.
🔹 Provide Checklists and Guidelines – Written instructions help reinforce training.
🔹 Give Constructive Feedback – Offer praise for good work and correct mistakes with patience.
🔹 Encourage Questions – Make sure they feel comfortable asking for help when needed.
With the right training, even a beginner can become a top-performing cleaner!
The Long-Term Benefits of Hiring for Character
When you focus on hiring great people and training them well, your business will thrive.
What You’ll Gain:
✔ Better Customer Satisfaction – Friendly, trustworthy employees build strong client relationships.
✔ Lower Turnover – Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay.
✔ Stronger Teamwork – A positive work environment leads to better collaboration.
✔ Less Stress for You – Hiring dependable employees means fewer headaches down the road.
By hiring for character and training for skills, you’re setting up your cleaning business for long-term success.
Final Thoughts
It’s tempting to hire someone just because they have experience, but skills can always be taught. Character, however, is non-negotiable. When you build a team of honest, hardworking, and reliable people, your business will stand out in the cleaning industry.
So, next time you’re hiring, ask yourself: Is this someone I can trust to represent my business? If the answer is yes, you’ve found a great employee!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I ever hire someone without cleaning experience?
Yes! As long as they have the right attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn, you can train them to be a great cleaner.
2. What’s the best way to train a new cleaner?
Use a hands-on approach, provide clear instructions, and give constructive feedback. Pair them with an experienced employee for on-the-job training.
3. How do I make sure my employees stay with my company?
Show appreciation, offer fair pay, provide opportunities for growth, and create a positive work environment.
4. What’s the biggest hiring mistake to avoid?
Hiring based only on experience while ignoring red flags about attitude and reliability. A bad hire can hurt your business more than an inexperienced one.
5. How can I test someone’s reliability before hiring them?
Ask past employers about their attendance and work habits. During the interview, look for signs of punctuality, professionalism, and commitment.
