I am curious if anyone has a preference when hiring window cleaners concerning the height of the applicant. Also is this considered discrimination? I ask this because, I have heard other window cleaners say that taller window cleaners with long arms are ideal. I have an applicant who’s job history and back ground is excellent and he seems eager to learn this trade, however he is 5’4. It seems to me he would have to either become wicked with a pole or he would have to carry around a step stool everywhere he went, even for ground level windows. I am a residential window cleaner. What are your thoughts?
I’m 5’ 5 1/2".
I’m wicked with a pole.
I carry a step stool around with me even when I’m not cleaning windows.
What’s the problem? 
I am 6’4". I have trained a couple of guys who are shorter then me, and Ive had to train them to clean some glass with a pole that I can reach without one. It has made [I]me[/I] a better window cleaner to do this. I don’t think it’s a big deal. If they want to learn, they will.
How tall are you Eric?
when my former employer brought me on, he said it was cause i was 6’2. he runs like 80% storefront, so tall guys who could be trained well would be ideal.
Imo, ive seen guys much shorter then me who are much better at cleaning windows. I really dont think it matters. i mean hey, thats what ladders/poles are for, right?
Taller does make it easier for the above reasons but if they can pick it up quick shouldn’t be a problem but as Randy Newman sang
"short people have no reason to live"
I’m 6’ with 6’4 wing span. I often hear jokes about my knuckles dragging the ground. I really didnt think height would be that big of an issue. I just wanted to hear some thoughts on it. I guess I was a little concerned about speed, but if your motivated enough you will find a way.
Im 5’ 6" thats why they make poles and ladders i can work as fast as 6’ dude. Good workers are hard to find good job history eager to learn good back round send him to me.
I will hire him
I would worry about how eager they are to work over how tall they are. A good attitude will over come height challenges. I would hire him. There might be tight places he could get into that taller guys couldn’t.
Ouch!
I am 6’ 3" with long arms and it does make things a lot easier until I have to crouch down low to get a window or pick up the squeegee or huck towel that I dropped.
All else being equal a taller person will be a better window cleaner
Ooooooooooooouch!
I’m 5’10" and my helper is 6’1". He can definately get higher windows than I can. I carry the short pole or step stool more often than he does.
I didn’t mention he has a cross tattoo on his forearm. It’s a nice tattoo, and I don’t mind so much, I just worry about first impressions with some of the higher end conservative clients. But man, I like this guy. I know a lot of people who say a visible tattoo is a deal breaker. Have any of you had negative reaction to inked up employees?
Long sleeve shirts?
I thought about long sleeve shirts. Then I thought about 115 degree (heat index) with 90% humidity. Has anyone tried those dri fit long sleeves? That might work.
Maybe cuz I’m older of the generation, but tattoos do give me a negative impression. My son and his wife are very tatted up. Se even works in a tattoo parlor, but I still have image issues. I hate to be a prude, but I might have an issue hiring. But that’s just me. I worry about what my older clients will think.
I am also a respiratory therapist and have never had a patient or family member look at me or act funny because of my ink; however, going into someone’s home is different. Under armour makes clothing that is perfect to wear under a polo shirt and keeps a professional image for me.
Clean windows are not cheap,
And cheap windows are not clean…
Tommy
C-Clear Window Cleaning
(C) 903.261.3806
I don’t think it’s an issue as long as its not anything offensive. One of my employees has tats and I hear nothing but positive feedback on him from the clients
