How to Find and Apply for Cleaning Jobs in Canada
Canada is a popular destination for immigrants who want to work and live in a developed country with a high quality of life. One of the sectors that offers many opportunities for newcomers is the cleaning industry. Cleaning jobs are in high demand in Canada, especially in urban areas where there are many offices, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other facilities that need regular cleaning and maintenance.
Cleaning jobs can be a good option for people who have limited education, skills, or language proficiency, as they usually do not require formal qualifications or certifications. However, cleaning jobs can also be challenging, as they involve physical work, long hours, and exposure to chemicals and dirt. Therefore, it is important to know what to expect from cleaning jobs in Canada, how to find and apply for them, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of working as a cleaner.
Types of Cleaning Jobs in Canada
There are different types of cleaning jobs in Canada, depending on the setting, the tasks, and the level of responsibility. Some of the most common types of cleaning jobs are:
- Housekeeping: This involves cleaning and maintaining private residences, such as houses, apartments, condos, or cottages. Housekeepers may work for individual clients or for agencies that provide housekeeping services. Housekeepers may perform tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing, making beds, doing laundry, ironing, organizing closets, and taking out the trash. Housekeepers may also be responsible for cooking, shopping, running errands, or taking care of pets or children for their clients.
- Janitorial: This involves cleaning and maintaining public or commercial buildings, such as offices, schools, hospitals, malls, airports, or stadiums. Janitors may work for cleaning companies that contract with various clients or for specific organizations that employ their own janitors. Janitors may perform tasks such as sweeping, mopping, waxing, buffing, vacuuming, sanitizing, disinfecting, emptying trash bins, recycling, restocking supplies, and reporting any damages or repairs needed. Janitors may also be responsible for operating and maintaining equipment such as floor machines, carpet cleaners, pressure washers, or steam cleaners.
- Hotel: This involves cleaning and maintaining guest rooms and common areas in hotels, motels, resorts, or other lodging facilities. Hotel cleaners may work for the hotel management or for outsourcing companies that provide cleaning services to hotels. Hotel cleaners may perform tasks such as changing linens, making beds, dusting furniture and fixtures, cleaning bathrooms and toilets, replenishing amenities, vacuuming carpets, removing trash, and inspecting rooms for cleanliness and damage. Hotel cleaners may also be responsible for cleaning lobbies, corridors, elevators, staircases, conference rooms, restaurants, bars, gyms, pools, or spas.
- Industrial: This involves cleaning and maintaining industrial sites such as factories, warehouses, plants, or construction sites. Industrial cleaners may work for industrial companies that employ their own cleaners or for outsourcing companies that provide cleaning services to industrial clients. Industrial cleaners may perform tasks such as sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, wiping, polishing, degreasing, sanitizing, disinfecting, or sterilizing floors, walls, ceilings, machinery, equipment, tools, or materials. Industrial cleaners may also be responsible for handling hazardous waste or chemicals, following safety procedures and regulations, and wearing protective gear such as gloves, masks, goggles, or suits.
How to Find Cleaning Jobs in Canada
There are different ways to find cleaning jobs in Canada. Some of the most common ways are:
- Online: There are many online platforms that advertise cleaning jobs in Canada. Some of these platforms are general job boards that list various types of jobs in different sectors and locations. Some examples are Indeed, Monster, Workopolis, or Job Bank. Other platforms are specialized job boards that focus on specific types of cleaning jobs or locations. Some examples are Housekeeper.com, NannyServices.ca, CanadianNanny.ca, CleaningJobs.ca, or CleanersCanada.ca. Online platforms allow you to search for cleaning jobs by keywords, location, salary range, experience level, or other criteria. You can also create a profile, upload your resume, and apply for jobs directly on these platforms. Some platforms also allow you to receive email alerts when new cleaning jobs are posted that match your preferences.
- Networking: Networking is another effective way to find cleaning jobs in Canada. Networking involves building relationships with people who can help you with your job search or refer you to potential employers or clients. Networking can be done online or offline. Online networking involves using social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram to connect with people who work in the cleaning industry or who may need cleaning services. You can also join online groups, forums, or communities that are related to cleaning jobs or your target location. Offline networking involves attending events, workshops, seminars, or courses that are related to cleaning jobs or your target location. You can also ask your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, or former employers if they know anyone who is hiring or looking for cleaners. Networking can help you learn more about the cleaning industry, the job market, the hiring process, and the expectations and requirements of employers or clients. Networking can also help you showcase your skills, personality, and professionalism, and increase your chances of getting referrals or recommendations.
- Cold Calling: Cold calling is another way to find cleaning jobs in Canada. Cold calling involves contacting potential employers or clients directly by phone, email, or in person, and offering your cleaning services. Cold calling can be done by using online directories, yellow pages, newspapers, magazines, flyers, or business cards to find potential employers or clients who may need cleaning services. Cold calling can be done by targeting specific types of cleaning jobs or locations that you are interested in or qualified for. Cold calling can help you reach out to employers or clients who may not advertise their cleaning needs online or through other channels. Cold calling can also help you demonstrate your initiative, enthusiasm, and confidence, and persuade employers or clients to hire you or give you a chance to prove yourself.
How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs in Canada
Once you find a cleaning job that you are interested in, you need to apply for it by sending your resume and cover letter to the employer or client. Your resume and cover letter should highlight your skills, experience, and achievements related to the cleaning job. Your resume and cover letter should also be tailored to the specific cleaning job and the employer or client’s needs and expectations. Here are some tips on how to write a resume and cover letter for cleaning jobs in Canada:
- Resume: Your resume should be concise, clear, and professional. It should include your contact information, your objective or summary, your work history, your education, and your references. Your objective or summary should state what type of cleaning job you are looking for, why you are qualified for it, and what value you can bring to the employer or client. Your work history should list your previous cleaning jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent one. For each cleaning job, you should include the name and location of the employer or client, the dates of employment, and the main duties and responsibilities you performed. You should also mention any achievements or awards you received for your cleaning work, such as positive feedback, recognition, referrals, or promotions. Your education should list any relevant formal or informal education or training you have completed related to cleaning jobs, such as courses, certificates, diplomas, or licenses. Your references should include the names and contact information of people who can vouch for your cleaning skills and work ethic, such as former employers, clients, co-workers, or instructors. You should ask for their permission before listing them as references.
- Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be brief, polite, and persuasive. It should complement your resume and explain why you are interested in the cleaning job and why you are the best candidate for it. Your cover letter should address the employer or client by name if possible and refer to the specific cleaning job you are applying for. Your cover letter should also highlight your relevant skills, experience, and achievements related to the cleaning job and show how they match the employer or client’s needs and expectations. Your cover letter should also express your enthusiasm, motivation, and availability for the cleaning job and request an interview or a meeting with the employer or client.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Cleaning Jobs in Canada
Cleaning jobs in Canada can offer many benefits and drawbacks for newcomers who want to work and live in Canada. Some of the benefits are:
- Availability: Cleaning jobs are widely available in Canada, especially in urban areas where there are many facilities that need regular cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning jobs can also be flexible in terms of hours, schedules, and locations, allowing you to choose when, where, and how much you want to work. Cleaning jobs can also be easy to find and apply for, as they usually do not require formal qualifications or certifications.
- Income: Cleaning jobs can provide a steady source of income for newcomers who need to support themselves and their families in Canada. Cleaning jobs can also offer tips, bonuses, or commissions, depending on the type of cleaning job and the employer or client’s satisfaction. Cleaning jobs can also allow you to earn extra income by working part-time, casual, or freelance, depending on your availability and preferences.
- Experience: Cleaning jobs can provide valuable experience for newcomers who want to improve their skills, knowledge, and confidence in the Canadian workplace. Cleaning jobs can also help newcomers learn more about Canadian culture, society, and norms, as they interact with different people and settings. Cleaning jobs can also help newcomers improve their language proficiency, as they communicate with employers, clients, co-workers, or customers.
Some of the drawbacks are:
- Physical Work: Cleaning jobs can be physically demanding, as they involve lifting, bending, stretching, reaching, or kneeling for long periods of time. Cleaning jobs can also expose you to chemicals, dirt, dust, germs, or allergens that can affect your health and safety. Cleaning jobs can also cause fatigue, stress, or injury if you do not follow proper procedures and precautions.
- Low Pay: Cleaning jobs can be low-paying compared to other types of jobs in Canada. Cleaning jobs can also have limited benefits such as health insurance, pension plan, or vacation pay. Cleaning jobs can also have unstable income due to seasonal fluctuations, economic downturns, or competition from other cleaners.
- Lack of Respect: Cleaning jobs can be undervalued or disrespected by some employers, clients, co-workers, or customers who may treat you unfairly, rudely, or dishonestly. Cleaning jobs can also have limited opportunities for career advancement or professional development, as they may not be recognized or appreciated by some employers or clients.
Conclusion
Cleaning jobs in Canada can be a good option for newcomers who want to work and live in Canada. Cleaning jobs can offer many benefits, such as availability, income, and experience, but they can also have some drawbacks such as physical work, low pay, and lack of respect. Therefore, it is important to know what to expect from cleaning jobs in Canada, how to find and apply for them, and how to cope with the challenges and opportunities they present.