How to hire a custodian

A skilled custodian plays a pivotal part in maintaining the cleanliness, order, and overall functionality of a workspace. The process of hiring a proficient custodian involves more than just identifying someone to handle janitorial tasks; it requires a thoughtful approach to ensure the smooth operation of the organization.

This blog will delve into the essentials of hiring a custodian with precision, focusing on both the hard and soft skills that make a custodian truly exceptional. We’ll explore strategies to test and assess their skills effectively, provide insights into crafting a compelling job description, and even delve into the cost considerations associated with hiring custodial services. As we journey through this guide, the role of a custodian as a linchpin for a company’s growth becomes apparent, highlighting how their on-the-job skills are not only tangible but vital for sustaining a thriving work environment.

What is the role of a custodian

A custodian, often overlooked but essential, plays a crucial role in maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of a workspace. Beyond mere cleaning tasks, custodians are entrusted with creating a safe and pleasant environment that directly impacts employee productivity and client impressions. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, from routine cleaning to minor maintenance and safety checks. A custodian ensures that every corner of the premises is sanitized, organized, and well-maintained, fostering an atmosphere conducive to work.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Cleaning: Regularly cleaning and sanitizing floors, surfaces, restrooms, and common areas to uphold hygiene standards.
• Maintenance: Addressing minor repairs, ensuring proper lighting, and reporting any larger issues to the maintenance team.
• Inventory Management: Monitoring and restocking cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other essential items.
• Waste Management: Properly disposing of trash and recyclables in accordance with regulations.
• Safety Checks: Identifying potential hazards, such as wet floors or faulty equipment, and promptly addressing them.
• Set-up and Events: Assisting in setting up spaces for meetings or events, and promptly restoring them to order afterward.

Contribution to Company’s Growth: A custodian’s role might seem routine, but their efforts play a pivotal part in shaping the company’s growth. A clean and organized workspace enhances employee morale, fosters a positive company culture, and leaves lasting impressions on clients and visitors. By maintaining a well-kept environment, custodians indirectly contribute to heightened productivity, employee satisfaction, and even potential business partnerships. In essence, their role is indispensable, making the company’s journey towards growth a smoother and more prosperous one.

Hard skills to assess in a custodian

When hiring a custodian, it’s essential to evaluate their hard skills – the tangible abilities that are directly related to performing the tasks required for the role. These skills ensure that the custodian can efficiently carry out their responsibilities and maintain the workspace at a high standard. Here are some key hard skills to look for when assessing candidates for the custodian position:

1. Cleaning Proficiency: Assess the candidate’s proficiency in various cleaning techniques, such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and disinfecting. Inquire about their experience with different cleaning agents and their understanding of proper sanitation practices.

2. Equipment Operation: Evaluate the candidate’s ability to operate cleaning equipment like vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, and pressure washers. A custodian should be familiar with equipment maintenance and safety protocols.

3. Maintenance Skills: Consider their knowledge of basic maintenance tasks, such as fixing minor plumbing issues, replacing light bulbs, and repairing simple fixtures. This demonstrates their ability to address immediate concerns.

4. Time Management: Inquire about their organizational skills and how they manage their time to complete tasks efficiently without compromising quality.

5. Safety Awareness: Assess their understanding of safety regulations, especially when handling cleaning chemicals and operating equipment. A custodian should prioritize safety to prevent accidents.

6. Communication Skills: While primarily a soft skill, effective communication is crucial for understanding specific cleaning needs, reporting maintenance issues, and collaborating with colleagues.

Assessment methods:

Hands-On Tasks: Provide candidates with a practical cleaning task, such as cleaning a specific area or handling a simulated maintenance issue, to observe their skills in action.

Technical Questions: Ask questions related to cleaning techniques, equipment usage, and safety procedures to gauge their knowledge and expertise.

Scenario-Based Questions: Present hypothetical scenarios where they need to prioritize tasks or address urgent cleaning/maintenance needs, evaluating their problem-solving abilities.

Certifications and Training: Consider candidates with relevant certifications in custodial services or maintenance, as these indicate a certain level of expertise.

References and Past Experience: Contact their previous employers to gather insights into their proficiency in performing custodial tasks.

Assessing these hard skills ensures that the custodian you hire is capable of maintaining a clean, safe, and well-functioning workspace, contributing to a positive work environment and the overall growth of your company.

Soft skills to assess in a custodian

While hard skills are vital for executing tasks, soft skills play an equally crucial role in determining a custodian’s effectiveness in maintaining a harmonious work environment. These interpersonal and behavioral attributes are instrumental in fostering positive interactions and contributing to the overall atmosphere of the workspace. Here are key soft skills to evaluate when assessing candidates for the custodian position:

1. Attention to Detail: A meticulous custodian notices even the smallest imperfections and addresses them promptly, ensuring that every corner of the workspace is clean and orderly.

2. Reliability and Dependability: Assess their track record for punctuality and consistency. A reliable custodian is crucial for maintaining a consistent level of cleanliness and functionality.

3. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to varying cleaning demands, unexpected situations, and changing priorities is vital for a custodian who needs to ensure a seamless environment.

4. Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for understanding specific cleaning needs, coordinating with colleagues, and conveying any maintenance concerns to the appropriate personnel.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration: Custodians often work alongside other staff members. Their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively within a team environment is vital for maintaining a cohesive workplace.

6. Problem-Solving: Custodians encounter diverse challenges, from sudden spills to equipment malfunctions. Candidates who exhibit strong problem-solving skills can navigate these situations effectively.

Assessment methods:

Behavioral Interviews: Pose scenario-based questions that require candidates to describe how they handled challenging situations or collaborated with others in their previous roles.

Reference Checks: Contact previous employers to gain insights into the candidate’s interpersonal skills, reliability, and teamwork abilities.

Role-Play: Create a role-play scenario where the candidate needs to interact with a colleague or address a simulated cleaning or maintenance issue, assessing their communication and problem-solving skills.

Attitude and Enthusiasm: Observe their demeanor during the interview – a positive attitude and enthusiasm for maintaining a clean and organized environment can indicate a strong fit for the role.

Cultural Fit: Consider how well the candidate’s soft skills align with your company’s values and culture, ensuring a seamless integration into the team.

Evaluating these soft skills ensures that the custodian you hire not only excels in their technical tasks but also contributes positively to the workplace dynamics, supporting the company’s growth and fostering a pleasant work atmosphere.

How to test a custodian’s skills

Evaluating a custodian’s skills through practical tests is a pivotal step in ensuring their capability to maintain a well-organized and hygienic workspace. Such tests offer firsthand insights into a candidate’s proficiency and help you make an informed hiring decision. Here are effective methods to assess a custodian’s skills:

1. Cleaning Simulation: Present a designated area for the candidate to clean within a specified time frame. Assess their cleaning techniques, attention to detail, and efficiency in completing the task. This test replicates real-world scenarios they would encounter daily.

2. Equipment Operation Test: Have candidates demonstrate their ability to use common cleaning equipment, such as vacuum cleaners, floor buffers, or carpet cleaners. This test assesses their familiarity with machinery and ensures their competence in equipment handling.

3. Maintenance Challenge: Provide a basic maintenance task, such as replacing a light bulb or fixing a leaky faucet. This test gauges their practical maintenance skills and their capacity to address immediate concerns.

4. Problem-Solving Scenario: Present a hypothetical situation, like a sudden spill or a broken fixture, and observe how candidates respond. Their ability to assess the situation and take appropriate action showcases their problem-solving aptitude.

Why these tests are important:

Accurate Skill Assessment: Practical tests provide a tangible demonstration of a candidate’s abilities, allowing you to accurately gauge their competence in carrying out custodial tasks.

Realistic Evaluation: By simulating tasks that custodians encounter daily, these tests mirror the challenges and responsibilities of the role, ensuring candidates can handle the demands of the position.

Efficiency and Quality: Evaluating their cleaning techniques and equipment operation ensures that the custodian can efficiently and effectively maintain the workspace to a high standard.

Adaptability Check: Problem-solving scenarios test their adaptability and ability to handle unexpected situations, which is crucial for maintaining a functional and presentable environment.

Confidence in Hiring: Successful completion of these tests gives you confidence in your hiring decision, knowing that the selected custodian possesses the necessary skills to contribute positively to the workspace.

Incorporating these practical tests in your custodian hiring process assists in selecting candidates who possess the hands-on expertise to create and sustain a clean, organized, and productive work environment, contributing significantly to your company’s growth and success.

Where to find the best custodians

Finding the right custodians for your team requires a strategic approach that leverages various platforms and resources to identify the best-suited candidates. Here’s how you can navigate the search to discover custodial professionals who are a perfect fit for your company:

1. Job Posting Websites: Utilize reputable job posting websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to advertise your custodian job openings. Craft a compelling job description that outlines the role’s responsibilities, qualifications, and company culture to attract candidates who align with your needs.

2. Local Job Fairs: Participate in local job fairs and career events in your community. These events provide opportunities to connect directly with potential custodians and assess their demeanor and communication skills in person.

3. Referrals and Networking: Tap into your professional network and ask for referrals from colleagues, friends, and acquaintances. Employee referrals often lead to candidates who already possess a basic understanding of your company’s culture and expectations.

4. Online Professional Groups: Join custodial or facilities management online groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. Engaging in discussions and posting job openings can attract experienced custodians who are actively seeking new opportunities.

5. Staffing Agencies: Collaborate with staffing agencies specializing in facilities management roles. They can help you identify pre-screened candidates who match your requirements, saving you time and effort in the selection process.

6. Community Centers and Local Newspapers: Post job advertisements in community centers, local newspapers, and neighborhood bulletin boards. This approach can attract candidates who prefer working close to home and are more likely to be familiar with your area.

Leveraging platforms:

Tailored Job Descriptions: Craft job descriptions that outline the specific skills and qualities you’re seeking in a custodian. Be transparent about expectations and offer insights into your company’s work culture.

Clear Communication: Respond promptly to inquiries and provide detailed information about the job role, application process, and potential career growth within your organization.

Engaging Content: Use visuals, videos, and employee testimonials to showcase your company’s commitment to maintaining a positive and inclusive work environment.

Screening and Assessment: Use application forms or preliminary assessments to filter out candidates who don’t meet your essential criteria before conducting interviews.

Interview Process: Structure your interview process to include scenarios or questions that test both hard and soft skills, ensuring that you’re selecting custodians who align with your company’s needs.

By leveraging these platforms and approaches, you can cast a wide net to identify the best custodians who possess the right combination of skills, experience, and values to contribute to your company’s growth and success.

Custodian Job Description

About us:

At [Company Name], we believe in creating environments that inspire productivity and well-being. As a leading [industry or sector] company, we are committed to maintaining clean, organized, and safe workspaces for our team and clients. Join our dedicated custodial team and contribute to fostering a positive and efficient workplace.

Responsibilities:

• Perform routine cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting.
• Maintain and sanitize restrooms, ensuring a hygienic environment at all times.
• Empty trash receptacles and handle waste disposal in accordance with regulations.
• Address minor maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs and fixing leaks.
• Operate and maintain cleaning equipment, ensuring proper usage and storage.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure the workspace remains organized and functional.
• Report maintenance issues and safety concerns promptly to the appropriate personnel.
• Assist in setting up spaces for meetings, events, and functions as needed.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven experience in custodial or janitorial services is preferred.
• Familiarity with cleaning equipment and chemicals.
• Strong attention to detail and dedication to maintaining cleanliness standards.
• Good communication skills and ability to work well within a team.
• Basic maintenance skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and regulations related to cleaning and maintenance.
• Physical ability to perform cleaning tasks, including lifting and moving objects.

Why Join Us:

• Contribute to maintaining a positive and organized work environment.
• Opportunity for growth and development within our organization.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Collaborative and inclusive company culture.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Supportive and inclusive work environment.

Application process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and qualifications to [Email Address]. Please include “Custodian Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line.

Important information:

• Deadline for applications: [Application Deadline Date]
• We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Feel free to customize this job description template to align with your company’s specific needs, values, and culture.

How much does a custodian cost

Cost of custodians in the US:

Custodial salaries in the US vary based on experience and skill levels. On average, entry-level custodians earn around $25,000 to $30,000 annually. With 3-5 years of experience, custodians can earn between $30,000 and $40,000. Skilled custodians with over 5 years of experience and expertise in maintenance and equipment operation can command salaries ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 or more per year. These figures can be influenced by factors such as geographic location, company size, and specific industry demands.

Custodian interview questions

When hiring for the custodian role, asking the right questions is crucial to assess candidates’ suitability for maintaining a clean and functional workspace. Categorizing questions into soft skills, hard skills, and general skills helps you gauge their overall fit for the position.

Why Asking These Questions is Important: Effective questioning allows you to uncover both technical expertise and interpersonal qualities essential for a custodian’s success. By categorizing questions, you can comprehensively evaluate candidates’ abilities to handle various aspects of the role.

Soft skills:

1. Can you describe a situation where you had to collaborate with colleagues to complete a task? How did you ensure effective communication and teamwork?
2. Tell me about a time when you faced an unexpected challenge while cleaning. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
3. How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple cleaning assignments with varying deadlines?
4. Describe an instance where you had to adapt your cleaning routine due to changing circumstances. How did you approach the situation?
5. Can you share an example of how you’ve demonstrated exceptional attention to detail in your cleaning duties?

Hard skills:

6. What cleaning equipment are you proficient in using? Can you provide examples of how you’ve maintained and operated such equipment effectively?
7. Explain the proper procedure for sanitizing and cleaning restrooms, including the cleaning agents you’d use.
8. How would you approach addressing a minor plumbing issue, like a clogged drain, in a timely manner?
9. Can you outline the steps you’d take to remove different types of stains from carpets or upholstery?
10. What safety precautions do you consider when working with cleaning chemicals and operating equipment?

General skills:

11. What motivated you to pursue a career as a custodian, and how do you envision contributing to our team?
12. Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to follow specific cleaning protocols to meet health and safety standards?
13. How do you keep up with new cleaning techniques and industry trends to enhance your skills?
14. Describe your experience with managing inventory and restocking cleaning supplies efficiently.
15. What do you believe sets apart an exceptional custodian from an average one?

By incorporating these categorized interview questions, you’ll gain valuable insights into candidates’ abilities, experience, and demeanor, helping you select the custodians who are not only technically competent but also possess the right attitude and skills to contribute positively to your company’s growth.

Assess for custodian skills to avoid mis-hires

In the pursuit of hiring top-notch custodians, leveraging comprehensive skill assessments can significantly reduce the risk of mis-hires and ensure the right fit for your organization. A custodian assessment can streamline the evaluation process by providing objective insights into candidates’ technical competencies, soft skills, and suitability for the role.

By utilizing tailored assessments, you not only gain a deeper understanding of candidates’ capabilities but also reduce the time to hire, making the selection process more efficient and effective. Assessments enable you to identify potential misalignments early on and select candidates who are more likely to thrive in the custodial role.

Looking to enhance your custodian hiring process? Consider Testlify, our advanced talent assessment tool designed to help you make informed decisions. Schedule a demo call to witness firsthand how Testlify can transform your recruitment approach, ensuring you bring aboard custodians who contribute positively to your company’s growth and success.

Schedule a free 30-minute live demo with Testlify.