Custodian Resume Guide

Introduction

A well-structured resume for a custodian role in 2025 should clearly showcase your cleaning, maintenance, and safety skills to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). As technology and facility standards evolve, emphasizing relevant keywords and a clean format is essential. This guide helps you craft a resume that highlights your qualifications and increases your chances of landing an interview.

Who Is This For?

This guide is tailored for entry-level to mid-career custodians applying in regions like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or similar markets. Whether you're switching careers, returning to work after a break, or applying for a new position, understanding what ATS systems scan for will boost your visibility. It applies to those working in schools, hospitals, office buildings, or industrial facilities, and is suitable for applicants with a variety of experience levels.

Resume Format for Custodian (2025)

Use a clear, logical structure to optimize ATS parsing. Generally, the recommended order is:

• Summary: Brief overview emphasizing custodial skills and experience.
• Skills: A dedicated section listing relevant keywords.
• Experience: Detailed, metric-driven bullet points showing your responsibilities and achievements.
• Certifications & Training: Include any relevant safety or technical courses.
• Education: Basic educational background, if applicable.
• For most custodians, a one-page resume suffices, but if you have extensive experience or certifications, a two-page format is acceptable. Including a portfolio or references is optional but can be valuable if relevant.

Ensure your layout is simple: avoid tables, text boxes, or decorative fonts that hinder ATS readability. Use standard headers and consistent formatting throughout.

Role-Specific Skills & Keywords

• Building maintenance and cleaning procedures
• Floor care (stripping, waxing, buffing)
• Waste management and recycling protocols
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and safety data sheets (SDS)
• Equipment operation (floor buffers, vacuums, pressure washers)
• Safety compliance and hazard prevention
• Time management and prioritization skills
• Basic plumbing, electrical, or HVAC knowledge (if applicable)
• Attention to detail and thoroughness
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Experience with scheduling and record-keeping software (e.g., CMMS, work order systems)
• Knowledge of OSHA or local safety regulations
• Adaptability to different shift schedules
• Ability to follow detailed cleaning protocols

Using these keywords ensures your resume matches common ATS filters used by facilities management or maintenance hiring teams.

Experience Bullets That Stand Out

• Cleaned and maintained over 50,000 sq ft of commercial space daily, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Reduced cleaning time by 15% through process improvements and efficient equipment use.
• Managed waste disposal and recycling for a 200-person office, achieving a 20% increase in recycling rates.
• Operated and maintained cleaning machinery, including floor buffers and pressure washers, with minimal downtime.
• Trained 3 new staff members on safety procedures and cleaning protocols, improving team efficiency.
• Conducted routine inspections and identified safety hazards, leading to prompt corrective action.
• Maintained detailed logs of cleaning schedules, chemical inventories, and equipment maintenance.

Tailor these bullets with your own achievements, emphasizing results and efficiency gains.

Related Resume Guides

• Head Custodian Resume Guide
• Lead Custodian Resume Guide
• Bus Person Resume Guide
• Senior Level Environmental Scientist in Telecom Australia Resume Guide
• Fundraiser Resume Guide

Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Vague summaries: Instead, specify your experience level and core skills upfront.
• Dense paragraphs: Break information into bullet points for easy scanning.
• Overuse of generic skills: Use specific keywords like “floor buffing” or “safety inspection” to match ATS filters.
• Decorative formatting: Stick to standard fonts and avoid text boxes or graphics that ATS cannot parse.
• Missing keywords: Review job postings and incorporate relevant terms naturally into your experience and skills sections.

ATS Tips You Shouldn't Skip

• Save your resume as a Word document (.docx) or plain PDF, depending on the employer’s preference.
• Use clear section headings like “Experience,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.”
• Incorporate synonyms and related terms (e.g., “cleaning technician,” “maintenance staff”) to improve keyword matching.
• Keep file names simple and professional, such as “John_Doe_Custodian_2025.docx.”
• Maintain consistent tense—use past tense for previous roles and present tense for current duties.
• Avoid complex formatting, tables, or graphics that can confuse ATS parsers.
• Use bullet points for listing skills and achievements to enhance readability.

Following these tips ensures your resume is ATS-friendly and effectively showcases your suitability for custodial roles in 2025.