You’ve just sent the same cover letter to 60 different job roles, all beginning with “Dear Sir or Madam” and ending with 'Yours sincerely.'
Bad news: you may have just missed your chance to stand out, as generic cover letters are a very common pitfall in job applications.
Did you know recruiters typically shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the job criteria? Failing to address the key requirements can cost you the role.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your cover letter to align with the job advert or company, ensuring you showcase your value as a candidate.
Cover letter examples for cleaner
By Experience
Entry-Level Cleaner
- The cover letter effectively highlights Arthur's extensive experience in facilities management, emphasising achievements like improving client satisfaction and enhancing team efficiency.
- It showcases relevant certifications such as the "Advanced Cleaning Techniques Certification" and "Safety in Laboratory Environments," aligning with the role's focus on cleaning and safety protocols.
- Arthur's accomplishments in introducing eco-friendly cleaning products and reducing chemical usage are prominently featured, highlighting their commitment to sustainability, which is an asset in modern facilities management roles.
- Linguistic proficiency in English and basic knowledge of Spanish are noted, adding value in diverse working environments or with Spanish-speaking clients.
Experienced Cleaner
- Highlighting team leadership experience by supervising a team of 10 cleaners and improving cleanliness ratings, which is crucial for management roles in cleaning services.
- Mentioning eco-friendly initiatives, like reducing chemical costs and footprint, aligns well with current trends and expectations in the cleaning industry.
- Emphasising academic qualifications in Environmental Management and Facilities Management can strengthen credibility and showcase expertise in implementing sustainable and effective cleaning practices.
- Discussing achievements such as the 'Excellence in Cleanliness Award' and client retention improvements demonstrates proven success and effectiveness in maintaining high standards.
Senior Cleaner
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases over 10 years of industry-specific experience, which is crucial for establishing credibility and expertise in facilities operations.
- Emphasise Key Achievements: It includes quantifiable achievements such as improving efficiency by 20% and increasing recycling rates by 40%, illustrating the candidate's capability to deliver impactful results.
- Focus on Specialised Skills: By listing skills like motor-driven cleaning equipment and safety audits, the cover letter aligns directly with the job's technical requirements, highlighting the candidate's suitability.
- Incorporate Educational Background: Mentioning the Master of Science in Facilities Management supports the candidate's theoretical knowledge, enhancing their professional profile.
Lead Cleaner
- Emphasise Leadership Experience: Highlight the candidate's experience in managing and training teams as a Cleaning Lead and Supervisor, showcasing their ability to enhance efficiency and reduce turnover rates.
- Specialised Certifications: Mention pertinent courses such as "Introduction to Advanced Cleaning Systems" and "Environmental Health and Safety" that demonstrate specialised knowledge essential for the role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Use statistics and percentages to quantify the candidate's success in improving cleaning efficiency, reducing supply costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction rates, providing measurable evidence of their impact.
- Focus on Environmental Initiatives: Highlight achievements in leading green initiatives and sustainable cleaning practices, reflecting industry trends and the candidate's commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Cleaning Supervisor
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively outlines Edward’s extensive experience in cleaning supervision, noting significant achievements such as a 25% increase in team productivity and improved customer satisfaction, which are critical for a Cleaning Supervisor role.
- Emphasising Skills and Achievements: Emphasising skills like Team Leadership, Inventory Management, and Attention to Detail along with achievements like developing an efficient inventory system and being awarded 'Team of the Year' directly connect to the responsibilities of a Cleaning Supervisor.
- Incorporating Certifications and Courses: Mentioning the 'Advanced Cleaning Technology' course and 'Facilities Management Certification' establishes Edward's effort in continuous learning and expertise in cutting-edge cleaning technologies.
- Demonstrating Passion and Community Involvement: Expressing enthusiasm for Facilities Management and involvement in community service highlights a well-rounded character and dedication to clean environments, aligning with the role's objectives.
By Role
Commercial Building Cleaner
- Highlighting leadership and team efficiency: By emphasising their experience as a Senior Janitorial Supervisor and the ability to lead a team effectively, Freddie shows potential employers their capability in managing and enhancing team performance.
- Showcasing problem-solving skills and client satisfaction: Mentioning achievements like reducing client complaints and increasing satisfaction scores demonstrates Freddie's focus on quality and their success in addressing and resolving issues.
- Emphasising relevant certifications: The inclusion of certifications, such as Occupational Health and Safety, underscores Freddie's commitment to maintaining high standards of workplace safety, which is crucial in the janitorial and maintenance field.
- Demonstrating industry knowledge and education: Highlighting degrees in Facilities Management and Environmental Science shows Freddie's dedication to continuous learning and expertise in sustainable practices within the industry.
Industrial Cleaner
- Emphasise your role in implementing safety training initiatives that resulted in a 25% decrease in workplace incidents, underscoring your expertise in safety protocols which is vital for an industrial cleaning position.
- Highlight your experience in enhancing operational efficiency, demonstrated by your implementation of new cleaning protocols and optimisation of machinery maintenance schedules, which resulted in significant time and cost savings.
- Stress your capacity for team leadership by mentioning your experience as an Industrial Cleaning Supervisor, where your strategies increased team productivity and morale by 30%.
- Include your educational background in Environmental Science and Management to reinforce your commitment to environmental responsibility, which aligns with sustainable practices in industrial cleaning roles.
Hospital Cleaner
- Emphasise relevant experience in hospital and healthcare cleaning, highlighting achievements in infection control to demonstrate suitability for maintaining high hygiene standards in clinical settings.
- Highlight leadership skills, such as training and managing teams, especially focusing on protocols like infection control, to showcase ability to lead in improving hygiene standards.
- Include certifications, such as Advanced Infection Control Techniques, to underscore specialised knowledge valuable for hospital environments.
- Showcase achievements and awards received in the field, such as the Healthcare Cleaning Award 2021, to establish credibility and a proven track record in hospital cleaning excellence.
Office Cleaner
- Highlighting relevant experience, such as improving cleaning efficiency by 30% in a previous role, which directly relates to the office cleaning position.
- Emphasising certifications, like the Advanced Cleaning Technician Certification, which demonstrates specialised skills in the cleaning industry.
- Showcasing leadership and team collaboration capabilities by noting the training of new team members and serving as a Cleaning Supervisor.
- Demonstrating problem-solving and customer service skills by maintaining a 100% resolution rate for guest queries related to cleaning issues.
School Cleaner
- Highlight relevant certifications: Emphasise certifications such as "Professional Cleaning: Maintenance Strategies" from the British Institute of Cleaning Science, which demonstrates advanced knowledge and competence in maintenance strategies crucial for the cleaning role.
- Emphasise eco-friendly initiatives: Showcase your commitment to sustainability through achievements like the Eco-Friendly Initiative, which highlights effective implementation of green cleaning solutions.
- Demonstrate leadership and efficiency improvements: Highlight experience such as implementing a new cleaning schedule system that improved efficiency and spearheading team training initiatives that enhanced standards compliance by 20%.
- Illustrate ability to handle diverse tasks: Mention the achievement of successful project coordination, such as the Standards Optimisation Project and refurbishment projects, demonstrating multifaceted skills in maintaining high standards under varied conditions.
Train Cleaner
- Performance Metrics: Using quantifiable achievements like improving cleaning efficiency by 30% and team efficiency by 25% highlights the candidate's impact-focused mindset, particularly important for a cleaning specialist role.
- Leadership and Collaboration: Emphasising leadership experiences and collaborative initiatives, such as leading a team of 20 cleaners and working on client feedback loops, showcases the candidate’s ability to enhance service quality and manage teams effectively.
- Certifications and Courses: Mentioning specialised courses like the Advanced Chemical Safety certification adds credibility and portrays the candidate as well-qualified for roles that require knowledge of safety and chemical handling.
- Focus on Sustainability: The passion for sustainable cleaning practices aligns with growing industry trends and it presents the candidate as forward-thinking and environmentally aware, appealing to employers with eco-centric values.
Aircraft Cleaner
- Emphasise Relevant Experience: Highlighting extensive experience in aviation operations, especially in high-pressure environments, positions Scarlett as a seasoned professional in aircraft cleaning.
- Showcase Achievements and Metrics: Mentioning specific accomplishments, such as improving cleanliness efficiency by 20% and reducing turnaround times by 10%, demonstrates her impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
- Highlight Industry Certifications: Including certifications like the Aircraft Cabin Safety Procedures Certification from IATA underscores commitment to safety and specialised knowledge, which is crucial in the aviation field.
- Demonstrate Leadership and Team Collaboration: Examples of leading teams, implementing training programmes, and collaborating to streamline processes highlight strong leadership and teamwork skills.
Marine Cleaner
- Highlighting Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases specific achievements, such as receiving a 95% satisfaction rating from guest feedback surveys, which directly aligns with demonstrating capability in maintaining cleanliness standards.
- Certifications and Courses: Mentioning certifications, like "Advanced Cleaning Techniques" and "Health and Safety in the Workplace," is crucial for building credibility and showcasing knowledge of industry standards and practices.
- Proven Team Contribution: Emphasising experience in training and mentoring staff, resulting in a 20% increase in team efficiency, underlines the applicant's capability as a team player and leader in teamwork-oriented roles.
- Sustainability Practices: The focus on introducing eco-friendly practices that enhance operational efficiency aligns with modern sustainability goals and appeal to businesses looking to reduce environmental impact.
Hotel Cleaner
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights over 5 years of experience in hospitality, directly applicable to the role of Hotel Night Cleaner.
- Key Achievements: It specifies quantifiable achievements such as reducing turnaround time by 30% and improving guest satisfaction by 15%, demonstrating a results-oriented approach.
- Specialised Certifications: The inclusion of certifications like "Advanced Cleaning Procedures" and "Fire Safety and Evacuation Protocols" underscores expertise in crucial areas of the cleaning role.
- Relevant Education and Skills: The cover letter not only lists pertinent educational qualifications but also aligns them with relevant skills like safety protocols and inventory management to enhance role suitability.
Restaurant Cleaner
- Highlighting certifications, such as the "Advanced Sanitation Practices Certification," demonstrates specialised expertise in high-traffic cleaning, reinforcing the candidate's qualifications for sanitation and cleaning roles.
- Emphasising achievements, like receiving the "Excellence in Cleanliness Award," provides concrete evidence of the candidate's successful track record in improving cleanliness efficiency, making them a more attractive candidate for potential employers.
- Including specific metrics and improvements, such as a "20% reduction in cleaning supply costs" or a "30% improvement in overall cleanliness standards," quantifies the candidate's impact and showcases their ability to make data-driven decisions that benefit the business.
- Mentioning eco-friendly initiatives, like reducing environmental impact by 15% annually, aligns with current trends and shows a forward-thinking, sustainable approach, which is highly valued in the industry.
Carpet Cleaner
- Lucas’s cover letter effectively highlights his role in driving tangible improvements, such as increasing customer satisfaction by 30% and operational efficiency by 20%, which is crucial for a Customer Service Specialist position.
- The inclusion of a Certified Carpet Cleaning Technician certification underscores his specialised knowledge and enhances credibility, which is particularly relevant in the cleaning services industry.
- The cover letter demonstrates key skills such as Equipment Setup and Product Knowledge, both vital for ensuring smooth operational processes and effective customer consultations.
- Lucas highlights his passion for Customer Interaction and Team Development, reinforcing his commitment to both personal and professional growth, which are beneficial soft skills for fostering positive client relationships and team dynamics.
Window Cleaner
- Clearly highlighting specialised skills such as "Window cleaning" and "Customer service", relevant to the job role of a Window Cleaner.
- Emphasising leadership and team collaboration skills through roles like "Senior Window Cleaner", showcasing experience in managing and improving team productivity.
- Including specific certifications such as "Professional Window Cleaning Techniques" and "Health and Safety for Cleaning Professionals" to demonstrate commitment to skill enhancement and safety compliance.
- Showcasing achievements, like receiving the "Top Performer Award" and increasing client retention by 30%, to provide evidence of exceptional performance and client satisfaction in the role.
Dry Cleaner
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Olivia effectively outlines her experience in the laundry and customer service industries, detailing her role in improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. This is crucial as it aligns with the job role and demonstrates her capability.
- Emphasise Achievements: The cover letter successfully showcases Olivia's achievements, such as receiving the Customer Service Excellence Award and leading an eco-friendly initiative. Such accomplishments underline her competence and dedication to enhancing operations and customer experience.
- Mention Certifications: Including her certification in Customer Relationship Management illuminates her specialised knowledge, setting her apart in roles requiring excellent customer service skills.
- Showcase Passion and Skills: A focus on her passion for quality garment care and environmental sustainability, combined with skills in team management and safety, underscores her suitability for roles focusing on sustainable practices and high-quality service delivery.
Pool Cleaner
- Emphasis on Specialised Certifications: The cover letter effectively highlights the "Advanced Chemical Handling Certification" which is critical for roles involving pool maintenance, showcasing specialised expertise in chemical safety and handling.
- Specific Achievements in Efficiency: Demonstrating success in improving service efficiency by 30% shows not only a capacity for leadership and innovation but also closely aligns with the role's core responsibilities of maintenance and operational improvement.
- Highlighted Technical Skills: The mention of proficiency with "Field Service Software" and the IOS devices competency highlight the candidate's technical adaptability, which is crucial for modern maintenance roles that require digital record-keeping and client management.
- Commitment to Safety Standards: The cover letter effectively communicates a strong track record of safety, with the "Zero Accidents Record" over three years underscoring a commitment to upholding and enhancing safety standards, an essential facet of this role.
Solar Panel Cleaner
- Highlighting Industry Experience: Emphasise your specific experience in the window cleaning industry, as demonstrated by the roles at Clear View Windows and High-Skies Cleaners, showcasing your accomplishments and responsibility handling high-value contracts.
- Safety Protocol Expertise: Showcase your proficiency in implementing and leading safety protocols, particularly for high-risk jobs, which is essential for the safety-focused nature of window cleaning roles.
- Specialised Certifications: Mention your certifications such as IPAF and PASMA Licenses, which are pertinent to working safely at heights and are likely prerequisites or highly regarded for the position.
- Focus on Customer Satisfaction: Highlight achievements like improving customer satisfaction scores and managing client relationships, showing your commitment to delivering quality service.
Cleaner cover letter example
Oliver Smith
1 High Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 1ZZ
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
- Emphasize relevant experience: Highlight your extensive experience in a similar role, showcasing your ability to manage teams and improve service quality within the cleaning industry.
- Showcase specific achievements: Include quantifiable accomplishments, such as increased client satisfaction and cost savings, to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness in previous positions.
- Align with company values: Reference the potential employer's commitment to sustainability and relate it to your own passion for eco-friendly practices, showing that your values align with those of the organization.
- Include industry standards: Mention adherence to industry standards, such as BICS, to highlight your knowledge and commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly strengthen your job application by emphasising why you’re an ideal fit.
Here are some reasons why it matters:
- Personalisation: Employers expect your cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs and/or values.
- Addresses what is omitted from your CV: If your career path includes gaps or changes, your cover letter is the best place to address these positively and explain their relevance.
- Opportunity to stand out: Many applicants have similar qualifications, so a tailored cover letter can show your unique attributes and experience.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
Want to make an excellent first impression on your UK employers with your cover letter?
Here are three handy tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating yours:
- Take the time to research: Invest in learning about the company and role by exploring their website, social media, and doing a thorough Google search. Focus on the products and services they offer, as well as awards and industry recognitions.
- Focus on the company's values: Refer back to your research and to uncover what the company believes in. Integrate those values into your cover letter by explaining how you embody them. For example, if they value diligence, highlight how you’ve consistently met tight deadlines or successfully managed heavy workloads.
- Align your skills with the job requirements: Read the job advert carefully and identify the most sought-after skills. Select the top three skills that you can substantiate with your most noteworthy achievements, to demonstrate your expertise in those areas.
How to format a cleaner cover letter
Have you ever wondered about the formatting and structure of your cover letter?
Read on to discover some guidance from industry-leading professionals:
- Within the header, include your address and contact details, the employer's name and address, and the date, followed up by a personalised salutation.
- The body should should consist of an opening paragraph, middle paragraphs expanding on your unique experience and skills, and a closing paragraph.
- End with a formal sign-off and your signature.
- Choose modern fonts such as Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter instead of the more traditional Arial or Times New Roman.
- All of ENhancv's templates maintain single-spacing with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides to ensure a neat presentation.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to keep the formatting intact and prevent any edits once submitted.
Your CV and cover letter maintain consistent formatting. Use the same fonts, margins, and style to create a professional and cohesive look for your application.
Finally, remember that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software some companies use to align job keywords to your experience, also known as ATS) do not read cover letters–it's intended solely for recruiters. Make it stand out by highlighting your achievements and relevant skills for the role.
How to write your cleaner cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your cleaner cover letter intro
While your cover letter should remain professional, adding a touch of personality or humour can make you stand out.
Hiring managers sift through countless applications, day in and day out. Anything unique or personable that grabs their attention could give you a competitive edge.
But do your homework first to ensure a dash of creativity would be appropriate and suitable to the company culture.
How to write your cleaner cover letter body
As you reach the body of your cover letter, you might wonder what to write in it.
Our advice? Don’t just copy your CV—choose your greatest achievement and tell its story.
Focus on how you got there using hard and soft skills, describe your involvement, and quantify the results with concrete outcomes.
Remember, recruiters aren’t looking for an epic tale of your career—they want something concise, relevant, and directly addressing their needs.
How to write a closing paragraph
Now we’ve reached the closing paragraph of your cover letter. You might be tempted to end with a simple Yours sincerely, but don’t!
Instead, finish with a promise to enhance the company’s performance metrics (backed by your hard and soft skills), to develop as a professional, or something else that holds significance for the organisation. Whatever you choose, ensure to stand behind your words and be remain sincere.
Don’t forget to include a call to action, encouraging recruiters to suggest the best time to follow up for an interview or update.
Conclusion
A standout cover letter is crucial for making an strong impression in your job search in the UK market. Personalise your letter by addressing it to the hiring manager and aligning your skills with the job description.
Use concrete examples to highlight your greatest achievement and convey your enthusiasm for the position. Finally, ensure that both your cover letter and CV are presented professionally for a consistent application.