You'll oversee the smooth, deadline-meeting, cost-effective running of your particular establishment.
Who can I work for?
By working as a housekeeper, you'll mainly work for large houses as well as hotels, as they all need housekeepers.
Where and when can I work?
You'll alternate between the rooms you serve and the office. Generally you'll work shifts, which is normally eight or so hours. Anti-social hours are included, but the higher up the ladder you go, the more you can delegate to other people.
What can I earn?
Experienced housekeepers can earn up to £30,000 a year. The starting salary is far less though, anything in the region of £14,000 to £19,000. Junior housekeepers would earn little more than the minimum wage. It's not uncommon for some housekeepers to have their rent and utility bills deducted from their wage, but a live-in position means you can earn more money by working anti social hours on an ad hoc basis.
What are the benefits?
Job security is a huge plus to working as a housekeeper, which is why many have been in the same job for a long time. It suits both employer and employee to have the continuity of a long stay as you become used to each other's ways.
Are there chances of promotion?
You may go down the road of training other people to work within hospitality management. You might break into running larger concerns, such as potentially lucrative health spas or holiday centres that demand an even more superior service level. Or, you may decide with the right investment to own or run your own hotel.
What will I be responsible for?
By working as a housekeeper you could expect to be responsible for the general management and overseeing of a household or hotel, as well as ensuring staff are carrying out their jobs correctly. Responsibilities will also include recording faults and ensuring repairs are carried out, as well as drawing up workable shift rotas, among other things.
What qualifications do I need?
GCSE Maths and English will open the door to qualifications that are becoming more and more desirable. These include a BTEC HND/HNC in Hospitality Management, Hotel and Catering Management; NVQ in Hospitality, Hospitality Supervision, or Hospitality and Supervision; and BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Hospitality Supervision.
Do I need any experience?
Experience could definitely be more beneficial than any formal qualifications. You will usually have worked your way up the hospitality ladder via the lower rungs of room attendant or chambermaid. Impress and learn in these areas and you'll get a greater understanding of what's needed as a housekeeper. This kind of experience is gold dust within the trade.
What attributes are needed?
Hard work, loyalty and attention to detail are must-haves, as is good communication skills and being a great motivator.