1. Tell me why do you feel that you are a better candidate for this position than the next one or the one who appeared before you did?

While I do not specifically know about other candidates' custodian skills, I would like to highlight mine. I have deep knowledge of standard cleaning procedures and chemicals. Since I have been working as a custodian for many years, I have good knowledge of handling cleaning activities by following safe practices. I can also work under limited supervision.

2. How was your experience with your past employment?

I was really good, I enjoyed coming to work and completing the assignment.

3. Do you know what are the essential job tasks of a custodian?

The purpose of a custodian position is to maintain a neat, clean and hygienic environment. Specific duties include: sweeping and moping the floor, dusting of furniture and equipment, washing the toilets, clearing snow off pathways, lawn cleaning, minor plumbing and electricity maintenance tasks and the like.

4. You must be working here for 6 months before you get benefits, are you okay with that?

I can't understand that ;Please can you explain this a little clearer.Exactly what benefits come with the job if hired?

5. Tell us what have you done previously that was above and beyond your regular duty?

Last holiday season the hotel I worked at was short of staff. The supervisor requested the staff to do extra shifts and I worked 14-16 hours a day for two weeks in order to support the management during busy season.

6. What previous jobs have you held?

I have worked for the City as a Maintenance worker- dispatcher and a animal control officer.

7. Can you give me a rundown of your current daily routine?

Report at 6 AM. Finish cleaning the busy areas before 8. Clean and refresh the washrooms all day long, dust the furniture, mop the floor, polish handles, clean grounds and walkways. Clean all equipment and place it in proper shelves. Lock everything before leaving.

9. Explain are you comfortable working night shifts? What do you do to make sure that work during the night is not affected by the natural sleeping cycle?

Yes, I am comfortable working the night shift. While night shifts are not easy for most people, I prefer the night shift as I am used to staying awake during the nocturnal hours. I make sure that I get at least eight hours of sleep during the daytime so that I do not feel tired during work hours.

11. Tell me what do you do if you have just cleaned an area and some kids come running in with muddy feet?

I manage my work schedule in an organized and planned manner and usually do not work on busy places. I do the cleaning when chances of someone passing through that area are minimal. Whenever I am at work, I display a sign saying 'wet floor' or 'cleaning in progress'. Still, if somebody does come in and ruins the clean floor, I do it again because cleanliness has to be maintained, it's part of my job.

12. If a person throws up, and you really do not feel like cleaning up a mess, how would you handle the situation?

Well, I have three kids at home and am kind of used to it. I don't think that anyone really likes to clean that up. I would clean in right away. Put some gloves on, maybe put a mask on, wipe it up and disinfect the area. You just need to do it and move on.

13. Why should we hire you as Custodian?

You should hire me because I bring 6+ years of custodial experience and my previous employers will definitely verify that I am a very dependable person. I am able to read, comprehend and follow written instructions and also possess in depth knowledge of the OSHA guidelines applicable to janitorial and custodial tasks.

14. Tell me about your greatest weakness as Custodian?

It is very important to give a strength that compensates for your weakness. Make your weakness into a positive. "I consider myself a 'big picture' person. I sometimes skip the small details. For this reason, I always have someone on my team that is very detail oriented." Another good answer: "Sometimes, I get so excited and caught up in my work that I forget that my family life should be my number one priority."

15. Phone Based School custodian interview questions:

► What are three positive character traits you don't have?
► What are the qualities of a good leader?
► Tell about a time that you had to adapt to a difficult situation.
► Can you describe a time when your work was criticized?
► Who was your favorite manager and why?

16. Operational and Situational Questions for Custodian Interview:

► Describe your relevant experience as a janitor or custodian. What were some of your responsibilities?
► What did you like most about your last job?
► How would you handle being around the general public while you clean?
► How often do you clean and maintain your equipment?
► What types of cleaning machinery do you have experience with?
► What steps would you take if you noticed a problem that required major repairs?
► Cleaning is repetitive work. How do you stay motivated?
► Describe a time you had to solve a problem on your own because your supervisor was not available.
► Describe a time someone criticized your work. How did you handle it?
► Describe a frustrating experience with this kind of job.
► You've noticed one of your co-workers stealing supplies. What would you do?
► What are you looking for in your next supervisor?

17. Video Based School custodian interview questions:

► Give some examples of teamwork.
► Describe a situation in which you had to collect information.
► What was the most difficult period in your life, and how did you deal with it?
► Situation in which you had to arrive at a compromise.
► What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

18. Custodian Job Interview Questions:

► Are you comfortable working night shifts?
► Are you able to lift heavy things and remain on your feet for a large portion of your shift?
► How often do you clean your cleaning implements?
► Do you prefer working alone or on a team? Why?
► How do you stay motivated during repetitive tasks?
► Give me an example of a time when you had to use your own initiative to solve a problem at work because your supervisor was unavailable.
► What was the result?
► What kind of supervisor do you prefer to work with?
► What would you do if you encountered a customer who believed you had done something incorrectly?
► Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult member of the public. What happened? How did you handle the situation?
► What were your duties at your last custodial job?
► How did you fill downtime at your previous job?
► How would you handle it if you were asked to something that wasn't on your list of job responsibilities?

19. Situational School custodian interview questions:

► What relevant experience do you have?
► What have you been doing since your last job?
► What parts of your education do you see as relevant to this position?
► How do you evaluate your ability to handle conflict?
► What attracted you to this company?

The answer you give to this query can make or break your chances of getting the job.
We recommend that you don't immediately respond to the question directly. Focus on positive achievements and views.

20. Communication skills Based School custodian interview questions:

► Who has impacted you most in your career and how?
► What type of work environment do you prefer?
► What do you think this position involves.
► Do you have the qualities and skills necessary to succeed in your career?
► Describe a time you were faced with stresses which tested your skills.

21. Competency Based School custodian interview questions:

► Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job?
► Why did you decide to pursue this career?
► What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized?
► How would you describe the experience of working here?
► How do you react to instruction and criticism?

22. Strengths and Weaknesses Based School custodian interview questions:

► What do you believe are your key strengths?
► Tell me about a time when you successfully handled a situation?
► How do you see your job relating to the overall goals?
► Your greatest weakness in school or at work?
► Time when you made a suggestion to improve the work.

23. Behavioral School custodian interview questions:

► What kind of personality do you work best with and why?
► Has anything ever irritated you about people you've worked with?
► Give examples of ideas you've had or implemented.
► Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure.
► What kinds of situations do you find most stressful?

Be prepared to discuss in detail and with examples your five or six main attributes. Your answer will affect the rest of the interview.
Show that you are willing to take on the necessary job functions.

24. Basic School custodian interview questions:

► Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
► How would you describe your work style?
► Example when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
► Have you done this kind of work before?
► What is more important to you: the money or the work?

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25. Tell me what has been your worst custodial experience?

The interviewer knows that obstacles may arise sometimes. Describe an unpleasant experience or a time something didn't go as planned and how you handled the situation.

"In my previous position, I was assigned a new coworker for the night shift. He was not very helpful because he kept falling asleep on the job. However, there was a job to be done whether or not I had any help. I am very productive when I work so I was able to complete the work of two people individually within a reasonable amount of time."