1. Tell us what do you think is your biggest strength?
For this question remember that you need to mention your strength that is associated with the job role. Say that you're a good problem-solver, motivator, team player, optimist, loyal, patient, and can work under pressure. Also, contribute your answers with examples so that they are effective.
2. Tell me are there any questions you want to ask?
It is always advisable to ask one or two questions as it shows your interest in the company and boosted about the job role. Remember to ask some questions related to the job description, workplace environment, job role growth and more. Remember not to ask about salary, perks, leave etc
3. Can you tell me about yourself?
This is the very first question in any interview and one needs to be prepared with an answer to this question. The answer should be casual and not work related unless asked for. For this question mention the jobs that you have worked till now and how your skills and experience would be perfect for this job. Always start from the farthest and talk about the present.
4. Can you explain what do you like about your present job?
This is a straightforward question. All you have to do is make sure that your 'likes' correspond to the skills required for the job on offer. Be enthusiastic; describe your job as interesting and diverse but do not overdo it - after all, you are looking to leave.
5. What salary do you expect as Cleaner?
This is somewhat a tough question and hence, you need to leave the choice to the employer. Do not ask for any specific salary, you can mention and leave the choice by saying them to mention the range for this job role.
6. Tell us what do you think is rewarding in this job role?
Say that you obtain complete satisfaction in janitor or custodian jobs. You gain a sense of completion when you look at the output of your hard work at the end of the day.
7. Tell us what are the job tasks for a janitor?
The key intention for a janitor position is to sustain a germ-free environment which is always neat and tidy. The main janitorial duties include dusting furniture and equipment's, office cleaning, mopping the floor, sweeping, minor electricity maintenance and plumbing, cleaning toilets, lawn, and clearing up snow off pathways.
8. Explain me something you have done beyond your duty level?
This type of character interview questions are asked to know your efficiency and if you would be ready to do any task at times. You can mention an example where you worked in an organization which had less staff. At that moment, you were asked to do extra shift in order to support your organization.
9. Can you please explain why do you want to leave your current employer?
State how you are looking for a new challenge, more responsibility, experience and a change of environment. Do not be negative in your reasons for leaving. It is rarely appropriate to cite salary as your primary motivator.
10. Tell us how would you handle yourself under pressure and stress?
I would find it good to work under pressure and interested in handling challenging situations. Say that you have the capability to diffuse stress and enjoy work. Mention that you have been working under stressful conditions and have met the strict deadline.
11. Tell us how would you handle a situation where your client uses abusive language?
This question tests your patience and hence answer that you would not react and stay calm at that moment. You would definitely feel bad, but I would do my duty and wind up from that place. You can mention that you know how to control your temper and would not respond to such situations as it makes the condition worse.
12. What are your weak points as Cleaner?
If you're counting on your fingers, stop now. Only ever give one weak point – which you can shed in a good light. Have another up your sleeve in case you're pushed.
13. Explain me are you comfortable in working independently or in a group?
I have previously worked in a group setting for a large organization. I enjoyed that type of arrangement since we could exchange shifts or duties conveniently if someone needed to take leave. Also, I have a verifiable record of working individually with no supervision.
14. Tell me your worst experience that happened in your janitor job?
The employer would like you to know if you have faced any hindrance and how you handled it. Hence, mention a bad experience and the way you handled the situation in a calm and patient manner.
15. Explain me would you be able to lift heavy things and stand for a long time?
You can say that you have been working in this field and have been used to it. If not, you can mention that you are dedicated and passionate about making a place clean and hence I can lift heavy things and also stand for a long time without hassles.
16. Tell us how do you react when somebody criticizes you?
I always work with dedication and am willing to improve my work quality, so I usually take instructions and criticism very positively and make adaptations in my service quality accordingly.
17. Explain me what have you learned from your mistakes as Cleaner?
Everyone has made mistakes. If you're honest about one or two mistakes you'll come across as more believable and trustworthy than someone who denies all. Focus on the take outs from these mistakes.
18. Can you tell us do you possess any professional janitor experience?
The fact about the janitor posting is that the individual should possess a good understanding of the procedures and cleaning equipments. If you possess any previous experience in the same janitorial work, do mention it to the employer. You can say that I have been a janitor for the past four years and possess experience in cleaning and its procedures. I also have experience handling cleaner chemicals.
19. Tell me how do you know that you were successful in your janitorial job?
There are many ways to answer this question, you can mention that you had challenges and you met them. You can say that by monitoring your job, your boss appreciated you and hence you are successful. In another way, you can mention that you are successful as you dreamt of working for this company and nowhere. You are ready to do anything to be successful.
20. Tell us what was the reason for applying for this job?
You can say that you like the responsibilities mentioned in the job role and also mention that you're a perfect match for the job role and hence applied for the job. Say that you have the skillset and expertise for the job. Another reason for applying is that the organization itself which is prestigious and you had a dream of working here.
21. How much do you think this position pays as Cleaner?
The interviewers are trying to find out if you are affordable and how little they can get away with paying.
22. Explain me have you ever taken out the trash and cleared snow? What methods do use for these?
I am trained in taking out and safely disposing of trash in an environmentally friendly manner. I am skilled in clearing snow off pavements using snow cleaners, vacuum pumps, and nitrogen-based chemicals.
23. Can you please tell me what do you know about our company?
Remember to research the company before you walk in for an interview. Run through their web pages especially the about us and careers section. Also glimpse through the LinkedIn profile of the company, google search and find out the latest news and get updated. All these would help you know about the organization and move forward.
24. Explain me what is the assurance that you would perform well in this job?
You can mention that there are a number of reasons which can be added such as skills, experience and dedication to the job role. You can say that you're a quick learner and possess the capability to perform well under pressure. You can also add that you're a great team player and hence other workers would be motivated and add to the organization's success.
Mention that since you already have experience in the same field, you would use the same in this job too. You are dedicated to the job and also, would like to learn new aspects of this job role. Since you have the passion and determination, you would perform the best and succeed in the job role.
25. Explain me how would you keep yourself boosted by performing repeated cleaning tasks?
By posting this question the interviewer would like to know if your quality of work would be constant. You can mention that you are motivated in performing the job though there is no great difference each day, and you're faster each day in performing janitor job as you are well-versed in the chore. You can say that you also find new ways so that you're more efficient and achieve work in short timings.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
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.
30. 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.
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.
32. 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?
33. 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?
34. 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?
35. 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.
