RESUME MISTAKES
Clean Up Your Janitor Resume
Spot the biggest resume mistakes and fix them fast to get noticed by hiring managers.
How This Page Helps
Help janitors create error‑free resumes that pass ATS filters and impress employers.
Identify hidden errors that cost interviews
Learn ATS‑friendly wording for cleaning roles
Apply proven formatting rules for clarity
Get ready-to-use before‑and‑after examples
Access a quick‑fix workshop and checklist
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using vague job titlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t tell what you actually did
- ATS may not match industry keywords
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific ones like 'Custodial Technician' or 'Facility Maintenance Janitor'
- Include the level of responsibility (e.g., 'Lead Janitor')
❌ Before
Job Title: Janitor
✓ After
Job Title: Custodial Technician – Facility Maintenance
ATS Tip
Match the title to the keywords in the job posting.
Detection Rules
title contains only 'Janitor' without qualifiers
no industry‑specific terms
Resumly Tip
Add a descriptor to your title to highlight expertise.
Listing duties instead of achievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Doesn’t show impact
- ATS looks for quantifiable results
How to fix
- Turn tasks into results (e.g., 'Reduced restroom supply costs by 15%')
- Use numbers, percentages, and time frames
❌ Before
• Swept floors daily
✓ After
• Swept and polished 2000+ sq ft of floor daily, improving cleanliness rating from 3.5 to 4.8/5
ATS Tip
Include action verbs and metrics.
Detection Rules
bullet points start with simple verbs like 'Swept' without outcome
no numbers present
Resumly Tip
Show the value you added, not just the work you performed.
Missing relevant certificationsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Employers often require OSHA or HAZMAT training
- ATS may filter out candidates lacking keywords
How to fix
- Add a 'Certifications' section with OSHA 10‑hour, HAZMAT, or Floor Care Specialist
- Include expiration dates if applicable
❌ Before
Skills: Cleaning, Mopping
✓ After
Certifications: OSHA 10‑Hour General Industry (2024), Floor Care Specialist – Certified (2023)
ATS Tip
List certifications exactly as they appear in the job ad.
Detection Rules
no certifications section
keywords 'OSHA' or 'certified' missing
Resumly Tip
Highlight safety and specialized training to stand out.
Incorrect date format causing confusionLOW
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge tenure
- ATS may misread dates
How to fix
- Use consistent month‑year format (MM/YYYY) for all entries
- Align dates to the right side of the page
❌ Before
Employment: 2019 – 2022
✓ After
Employment: 01/2019 – 06/2022
ATS Tip
Standardize dates to MM/YYYY.
Detection Rules
date ranges use only years or mixed formats
inconsistent spacing
Resumly Tip
Uniform dates improve readability and ATS parsing.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Certifications, Skills, Education
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Janitor_Resume
Consistency
Length: One page for entry‑level janitor roles; two pages only if you have 10+ years of experience
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a specific job title
- Show measurable results
- Include relevant certifications
- Standardize date format
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Save as PDF with proper file name
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo
Keyword Strategy: Use terms like 'custodial', 'facility maintenance', 'floor care', 'OSHA', 'HAZMAT', 'inventory management'
Heading Format: Use clear headings such as 'Professional Summary', 'Work Experience', 'Certifications', 'Skills'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current janitor resume text
- Convert generic titles to specific ones
- Add quantifiable achievements
- Insert certifications section
- Standardize dates to MM/YYYY
- Apply ATS‑friendly keywords
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