Hiring a Maid
A maid maintains the cleanliness, hygiene, and upkeep of an interior, whether it is a residential home or a commercial establishment. Maids can operate independently or as part of a small cleaning team of other maids or housekeepers. Maids work in private homes and estates and organizations across the world like businesses and hotels. A maid typically works daytime hours in a fixed schedule, but the job role can extend beyond usual hours, depending on the nature of employment. In commercial establishments, most positions are shift-based and part-time. Cleaning rates are set by the hour by employers, where maids are responsible for completing a set number of tasks in a pre-decided time frame. They earn an average salary of around $24,800 annually and rely on tips to boost their income. Maids with extensive experience, or those who work in commercial units or areas with a higher cost of living, can make up to $45,000 per year. The career opportunities vary based on the industry. Many work for small cleaning companies and franchises. These establishments have vacancies for the position of a team lead or a supervisor, as well as office positions. Self-employed maids have the potential to expand their business or entrepreneurship venture.
Essential job functions
A maid has many duties that depend on the organization or the work environment. Maids hired in private homes perform domestic chores such as cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, and also take care of household pets. For hotels and commercial establishments, the range of duties includes dishwashing, vacuuming, laundering, cleaning upholstery, dusting surfaces, operating light machinery, cleaning toilets, and replacing bed linens. They are also in charge of stocking supplies, maintaining inventory, maintaining equipment, and requesting services. They must follow a detailed work list, as directed by the supervisor or homeowner, and perform other activities designated by the employer. In commercial units, they must coordinate the work with other maids and communicate any work issues to the supervisory staff. The maids are also required to maintain a professional appearance, thereby contributing to a pleasant, positive experience.
Desired candidate profile
In order to get hired as a maid, candidates usually do not require any formal education, but prior experience is always advantageous. This position generally requires the applicant to be physically fit, as the tasks are quite laborious and involve lifting, crouching, kneeling, bending, and standing for long periods of time. Applicants must be able to understand simple instructions and learn simple but essential procedures and techniques. They should be familiar with cleaning chemicals and equipment. The ideal hire must have good interpersonal skills, be customer service oriented, have a passion for cleanliness, and take pride in their work. Most importantly, the candidate must be dependable, committed, and hardworking.
