1. Explain me do you have experience working with chemical cleaners?
Since I have previous experience as a janitor, I have experience working with a number of chemicals. I have also worked with chemicals that would melt snow. I also have the attitude to use the chemicals in a safe and sparing manner.
2. Tell us what kind of cleaning equipment are you familiar with?
I am well versed in using vacuum cleaners, dust extractors, floor buffers, utility carts, and automatic floor scrubbers.
3. Can you explain me are you happy with your career-to-date?
This question is really about your self-esteem, confidence and career aspirations. The answer must be 'yes', followed by a brief explanation as to what it is about your career so far that's made you happy. If you have hit a career plateau, or you feel you are moving too slowly, then you must qualify your answer.
4. Tell me what is your greatest accomplishment as Cleaner?
This is just like the what is your greatest strength. question and should be treated similarly. You should pick accomplishments that show that you have the qualities the company is looking for and this adds value to you as a candidate for the position you are interviewing for. You may have achieved a lot over the years but for the sake of the interview, pick only the relevant ones
5. Why do you want to work for us as Cleaner?
Employers want someone who'll be committed, not someone who just needs a job. If you can link your skills to what the company or organisation does, you're on the right track.
6. Please explain do you possess the patience to deal with the public at times of cleaning?
With respect to the janitor or custodial position that is offered to you, you may have to clean places amidst the public during the business operation times. Your answer should be that you are comfortable working in such environment where customers are around. You can say that you started your career by working in customer service and hence you're used to working in places where public and customers are around.
You would find it to be interesting as you get a chance to interact with other people. You can also mention that you always concentrate on the job and the task you handle; you would not be interrupted by people around.
7. Explain me may I know the reason for leaving your last job?
For this question remember to provide a positive reply. Mention reason such as relocation, better opportunity, you were not paid well; the job wasn't challenging and more. Do not mention about issues with the management or talk ill about the workers, as it may turn towards you.
8. Tell us did you ever quit a job? Why?
(Never say anything negative about your previous post)
I did once since my family was moving to another city.
9. Can you tell me what have your achievements been to date?
Select an achievement that is work-related and fairly recent. Identify the skills you used in the achievement and quantify the benefit it had to the company. For example, 'my greatest achievement has been to design and implement a new sales ledger system, bringing it in ahead of time and improving our debtors' position significantly, saving the company £50,000 a month in interest'.
10. What are your strong points as Cleaner?
We know you're perfect. But this could work against you if you brag. Think of three or four good points and give examples of how they have benefited previous employers.
11. Can you tell us will it be ok for you to work for night shifts and how do you manage?
You can say that you are comfortable and agree to work for a night shift. You can say that it is unusual timing, but you are used to be awake at night hours and hence there are no hassles in working for a night shift. You can also assure the employer that you would sleep for eight hours in the daytime and hence you do not find yourself exhausted during work.
12. Tell me what would you do, when you have cleaned a place and some kids or people ruin it again?
I would clean it again as cleaning and keeping the place neat is my duty. In order to avoid people ruining the place once cleaned, I place wet floor board or cleaning in process board.
13. Please explain what are your long-term career goals?
The employer is looking for employees who work for a long time and hence pose this question. They also want to find out if you possess any dream or goal. Try to mention your personal goals and associate that with the organization.
14. Explain me what are some of the qualities that make you a good candidate for this position?
I am a well-experienced cleaner and have a deep understanding of modern cleaning procedures. I have excellent communication skills, and I get along well with others. I'm fully capable of taking and following instructions. Moreover, I am very punctual and possess a track record of maintaining high standards of sanitation and cleanliness at my previous workplaces.
15. Tell us how would your co-workers describe you as Cleaner?
Questions such as this one are asked with the aim of getting you to discuss some of your qualities, perhaps hidden that you would not have mentioned if you were not asked.
Well, my colleagues will tell you they can count on me. They will tell you that I am a team player and someone they enjoy working with.
16. Can you tell us what do you dislike about your present job?
Be cautious with this answer. Do not be too specific as you may draw attention to weaknesses that will leave you open to further problems. One approach is to choose a characteristic of your present company, such as its size or slow decision-making processes etc. Give your answer with the air of someone who takes problems and frustrations in your stride as part of the job.
17. Basic Job Interview Questions as Cleaner:
☛ Why have you chosen housekeeping?
☛ What are the key components of housekeeping?
☛ Are you good at multitasking?
☛ How would you handle a client who was angry or upset about something?
☛ What would you do if one of your colleagues was behaving inappropriately on the job?
☛ What were your responsibilities and tasks in your last position?
☛ Why did you leave your last position?
☛ What do you find rewarding about housekeeping?
☛ What do you dislike about housekeeping?
☛ What skills do you have that you feel help you to be a good housekeeper?
☛ What do you think are the most important skills for a housekeeper?
☛ What knowledge do you feel is required for a successful housekeeper?
☛ How comfortable are you with chemical safety procedures?
☛ Can you give me some examples of health and safety procedures you have used?
☛ What types of procedure tracking systems have you used?
☛ Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
☛ How well do you work on your own?
☛ When can you start working?
☛ Are you available evenings and weekends?
☛ What hours and days are you available?
☛ Is your schedule flexible?
☛ Do you have reliable transportation?
☛ What are two words that you would use to describe yourself?
☛ What are two words that your previous supervisor would use to describe you?
☛ What has been your greatest accomplishment at work?
☛ What has been your greatest disappointment at work?
☛ Describe the most productive environment you have worked in.
☛ What would be your ideal working environment?
☛ What characteristics does a great manager possess?
☛ How energetic a person would you say you are?
☛ How energetic would your colleagues say you are?
☛ If you have a problem at work, how do you handle it?
☛ Have there been times when you have been asked to perform duties that were not in your job description? What did you do?
☛ Have there been times when you have not agreed with a company policy? How did you handle the situation?
☛ Have you ever disagreed with your supervisor about a policy or situation? What did you do?
18. Fresh Cleaner Job Interview Questions:
☛ How does your job fit in to your department and company?
☛ What do you enjoy about this industry?
☛ Give an example of when you have worked under pressure.
☛ What kinds of people do you like working with?
☛ Give me an example of when your work was criticised.
☛ Give me an example of when you have felt anger at work. How did you cope and did you still perform a good job?
☛ What kind of people do you find it difficult to work with?
☛ Give me an example of when you have had to face a conflict of interest at work.
☛ Tell me about the last time you disagreed with your boss.
☛ Give me an example of when you haven't got on with others.
☛ Do you prefer to work alone or in a group? Why?
☛ This organisation is very different to your current employer - how do you think you are going to fit in?
☛ What are you looking for in a company?
☛ How do you measure your own performance?
☛ What kind of pressures have you encountered at work?
☛ Are you a self-starter? Give me examples to demonstrate this?
☛ What changes in the workplace have caused you difficulty and why?
☛ How do you feel about working long hours and/or weekends?
☛ Give me an example of when you have been out of your depth.
☛ What have you failed to achieve to date?
☛ What can you bring to this organisation?
19. Professional Job Interview Questions as Cleaner:
☛ Why did you choose to become a housekeeper?
☛ What qualities do you have that make you a good housekeeper?
☛ Do you charge by the hour, or by the square foot?
☛ Do you supply your own cleaning supplies?
☛ You have your own rags, glove, and mop?
☛ What do you enjoy about looking after a home?
☛ Can you tolerate heights?
☛ How many years of experience do you have with house cleaning?
☛ Do you have experience with outdoor cleaning?
☛ Will you wash windows inside and/or out?
☛ Can you and would you be willing to use power washing equipment for windows, etc.
☛ Do you believe in the value of using green products?
☛ Are you knowledgeable about the treatment of different countertops (marble, granite,etc.)
☛ Are there particular cleaning products that you feel are superior and/or cost efficient?
☛ What do you find the most challenging/interesting part of house cleaning?
☛ Do you have any pet allergies?
☛ Are you willing to work in a home with a dog and/or cat?
☛ Are you willing to work in a home with a smoker?
☛ Are you willing to work while the owners are home?
☛ What are your expectations regarding the condition of the house when you arrive?
☛ Can we leave dishes in the sink?
☛ Can we leave toys on the floor?
☛ Have you ever worked with children in the house?
☛ Do you keep records of necessary tasks done daily, weekly, and monthly in each client's house.
☛ How do you prioritize your work?
☛ Are you thorough in your cleaning?
☛ Do you move furniture and objects when vacuuming and dusting?
☛ Do you dust baseboards?
☛ Do you wipe pictures and/or light fixtures?
The purpose of this question is to find out what your definition of difficult is and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving. In order to show yourself in a positive light, select a difficult work situation which was not caused by you and which can be quickly explained in a few sentences. Explain how you defined the problem, what the options were, why you selected the one you did and what the outcome was. Always end on a positive note.
21. Tell us what kind of behavior from others irritates you most and how do you handle it?
In fact, I do not get irritated when somebody uses rude language. Therefore, I usually don't respond to such situations. I stay silent and keep doing my work.
To answer this question try to mention the improvements that has been brought about in this job. Also, mention that activity that brought in self-improvement for you. Show that you're a continuous learner and enhance your self-sufficiency, work towards time management, and motivated often.
23. Tell us how often do you think that cleaning equipments must be cleaned and utilized?
Cleaning the equipments as well as tools is similar to keeping the place neat and tidy. Hence cleaning and sanitizing should be implemented each day so that the place looks neat and clean. If the cleaning brings out bad results then it intends that cleaning process isn't done correctly.
24. Tell us would you describe a typical day in your current job as Cleaner?
As much as you want to sell your self in a good light, do not make the mistake of exaggerating your current position. Add some of your routine tasks to make it realistic and do not neglect things like paperwork. Try to be in the interviewers shoes as you answer this question. A job you have been doing for years should be part of you already and as such; you must know all the tasks you undertake. Try to show them that you plan well before you begin work and after you attain your goals, you review the process to see how you could be more efficient.
25. Explain me why do you think you are suitable and better candidate for this position?
When such a question is asked you just need to highlight your specific skills. You can say that you have an in-depth knowledge of chemicals and cleaning procedures. You can mention that you have experience in this job role and hence you can follow cleaning practices by following few safe procedures. You can mention that you also possess the capability to work under restricted supervision.
