Janitors are the unsung heroes of many an establishment. Yes, you are the professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that the wheels of the operation keep turning. From cleaning the place from top to bottom to dealing with minor repairs, you’re the go-to person who knows the ins and outs of the building in question.
It’s fair to say that you have a varied skill-set. But how can you showcase your talents in a 300-400 word cover letter? Luckily, that’s where we come into the picture. Here at Resume.io, we have everything you need to ace your job search including 180+ cover letter examples. In the following cover letter sample and accompanying writing guide, we review:
- How to choose the perfect cover letter format
- What key paragraphs your janitor cover letter should include
- How to boost the effect of each cover letter paragraph
- What tone and style to use when writing your cover letter
- The main mistakes to avoid when writing your next cover letter
Looking for some more inspiration? If you’re applying for a variety of roles, we have a selection of expert-backed cover letter samples below:
Best format for a janitor cover letter
Let’s say that you’ve seen a vacancy that has caught your eye. Once you’ve prepped your resume, the next step is dealing with the cover letter. Your resume will include all of the basics. We’re talking any previous roles you’ve had plus your education.
However, when you write your cover letter, you get to show the hiring manager why you’re the right person for the job. You need a proper format that they can follow easily. As such, your janitor cover letter should contain the following elements:
- The cover letter header
- The greeting / salutation
- The cover letter intro
- The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
- The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)
Following this structure means two things. First of all, your janitor cover letter will have a good flow. It will be easy for the hiring manager to read and digest. That’s great. Secondly, it means that you won’t go off topic. If you have a load of things that you want to share with your prospective employer, it’s easy to lose your point when you’re writing. Sticking to the dedicated format that we have laid out here helps you to avoid that problem entirely.
Searching for some more writing advice? Head over to our comprehensive cover letter guide where we cover everything you need to know about writing this letter from start to finish. You can use the advice there as a good basis and return to this guide for more specific tips.
Take a quick look at our janitor cover letter example below:
Dear Mr. Williams,
When I discovered the open janitor position listed on your website, I was compelled to submit my application. With over 5 years of experience thoroughly cleaning commercial buildings and ensuring spaces meet safety and sanitation standards, I am well-prepared to excel in this role at your company.
As demonstrated on projects spanning my career, I am adept at performing essential janitorial tasks such as:
- Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming floors
- Cleaning restrooms and replenishing supplies
- Collecting trash and recycling to maintain clean facilities
- Dusting furniture, clearing cobwebs, wiping surfaces
- Spot cleaning walls, doors, carpets to remove smudges
- Polishing fixtures, cleaning windows for a going-the-extra mile touch
In previous custodial roles, I have become skilled at operating cleaning equipment including commercial-grade buffers, carpet shampooers, etc. I am knowledgeable of environmentally-friendly and safe chemical cleaning agents and take training courses regularly to remain up-to-date on the latest protocols.
When carrying out my cleaning responsibilities, I pay sharp attention to detail and am very thorough in maintaining exceptional levels of cleanliness. My previous supervisors and clients have consistently praised my diligence, work ethic, and reliable standard of facility care.
As a custodian, it is a great source of pride for me to make a tangible difference for tenants and guests by upholding welcoming, sanitary spaces. I would welcome the opportunity to meet in person to discuss my background as it aligns to your janitor needs. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Eddy Watson
Cover letter header
Before you start writing the main part of this letter, you need to deal with the admin. The cover letter header is often overlooked by candidates. However, it plays a vital role in your application. This section includes your contact details, location, and name. If your cover letter wins over the hiring manager, they will need this information. Ensure that it is clear and easy for them to read. You want to make their job as simple as it can be.
Cover letter greeting
Now, it’s time to say “hello” to the hiring manager. Except, you don’t want to use such casual language. Avoid coming across as too blasé by not following a standardized form here. This is a formal application and the greeting that you use needs to match that tone. So, if you happen to know the name of the hiring manager, you can use the tried and tested “Dear Mr or Mrs. _____” approach. That option shows that you respect the reader’s position.
Of course, you won’t always be privy to the hiring manager’s name. In that case, you should still use a standard greeting. You can go for something like “Dear hiring team,” for example.
Never use “To whom it may concern”
While you may have been taught to use the above greeting in formal scenarios, it is now considered old hat. You may end up putting the hiring manager off by using this greeting.
Cover letter introduction
The first few lines of your janitor cover letter need to be impactful. If you bore the socks off the reader, they are hardly going to want to continue reviewing your application. With that in mind, consider how you can grab the attention of the hiring manager at this point.
Finding a “hook” could help you do this. That means using an interesting fact or intriguing bit of information that will keep the reader wanting more. Consider what elements of your career are the most valuable and captivating. You may want to lean on them in your introduction.
Dear Mr. Williams,
When I discovered the open janitor position listed on your website, I was compelled to submit my application. With over 5 years of experience thoroughly cleaning commercial buildings and ensuring spaces meet safety and sanitation standards, I am well-prepared to excel in this role at your company.
Cover letter middle part (body)
The middle paragraphs of cover letters are where you unpack your experiences, skills, and values. As we have mentioned, you will have outlined all of the above in your resume. However, you can add more color and detail to these areas in your cover letter. Rather than merely regurgitating what you have listed on your resume, consider how to expand on it. Your cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to the hiring manager. Don’t waste it.
Not sure where to start? Focus the letter on two or three experiences in which you excelled in previous roles. You might want to use the STAR method to detail tims when you solved problems for employers. Start with the Situation and the Task, and then explain the Action you took and the Result. Try to add as much value as possible to each story.
As demonstrated on projects spanning my career, I am adept at performing essential janitorial tasks such as:
- Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming floors
- Cleaning restrooms and replenishing supplies
- Collecting trash and recycling to maintain clean facilities
- Dusting furniture, clearing cobwebs, wiping surfaces
- Spot cleaning walls, doors, carpets to remove smudges
- Polishing fixtures, cleaning windows for a going-the-extra mile touch
In previous custodial roles, I have become skilled at operating cleaning equipment including commercial-grade buffers, carpet shampooers, etc. I am knowledgeable of environmentally-friendly and safe chemical cleaning agents and take training courses regularly to remain up-to-date on the latest protocols.
When carrying out my cleaning responsibilities, I pay sharp attention to detail and am very thorough in maintaining exceptional levels of cleanliness. My previous supervisors and clients have consistently praised my diligence, work ethic, and reliable standard of facility care.
How to close a janitor cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)
Once you’ve done all of the above, there’s just one thing left to do: sign off. Concluding your janitor cover letter doesn’t have to be hard. However, don’t make the mistake of offering a weak ending. Your goal is to leave the reader wanting more. You can do this by using a call to action encouraging the hiring manager to interview you.
As a custodian, it is a great source of pride for me to make a tangible difference for tenants and guests by upholding welcoming, sanitary spaces. I would welcome the opportunity to meet in person to discuss my background as it aligns to your janitor needs. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Eddy Watson
Janitor cover letter with no experience
If you have zero experience, don’t worry. Landing that all-important janitor job won’t require you to have years and years of work experience. However, you do need the right attitude.
Show the hiring manager that you have what it takes to exceed their expectations by writing a winning cover letter. You can include details of the skills that you have and any voluntary experience, so long as it is relevant. Make sure the tone is both positive and professional.
Basic mistakes in a janitor application letter (and how to avoid them)
By this point, you should be feeling pretty confident about writing a janitor cover letter. However, you don’t want to fall at the final hurdle. Here are some basic mistakes to avoid:
- Spelling errors. If your cover letter is packed full of spelling mistakes, it will hold you back. Always proofread your application letter before you submit it to an employer.
- Vague statements. When candidates aren’t sure how to fill their cover letter word count, they sometimes make vague statements. These sentences don’t add anything to the application and sound like waffle. Make sure every statement adds value.
- Long cover letters. As a general rule, your cover letter should be no longer than 300-400 words. If you are creeping over that limit, you need to edit your letter.
Key takeaways
- Your resume will do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to landing that interview. However, your cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to the reader.
- Start with a strong statement. Grab the hiring manager’s attention early on.
- If in doubt, use the STAR method to illustrate times in which you have excelled.
- Take all of the hassle out of creating this document by using one of our numerous tried and tested cover letter templates!
