In this article, we will be sharing some of the questions with answers that you might be asked in your interview as a Cleaner.
CLEANER Interview Questions & Answers!
In-depth questions
Many hiring managers also want to know whether a candidate possesses hard skills and industry knowledge before hiring them. Here are some in-depth questions you may be asked while interviewing for a cleaning job:
If a colleague continually spills products that are hard to clean, how would you approach the situation?
This is a behavioral question, meaning it tests your response to common situations that might occur while completing tasks. A successful answer to this question might outline a time when you handled a similar situation with ease.
Example: “Its always my priority to clean spills effectively so first I would try to use it as a learning opportunity by searching for a solution. If a spill takes so long to clean that its affecting my productivity, Id speak to my supervisor about it.
I used to clean a school and the students often spilled glue on the carpet. I discovered that warm water and dish soap loosened the dried glue but we couldnt shampoo the carpets until we removed all the glue, slowing our process significantly. My colleague and I told our manager and together we decided teachers should line the floors with plastic tarps before the students used glue.”
Tell me about your approach to cleaning wood, metal and granite. How is each material different?
This question presents you with an opportunity to prove your cleaning expertise. Consider discussing which products and tools you use on particular surfaces. You could also share an example of a time when you worked with a particular material.
Example: “Its important to treat each material differently because they have different sensitivity levels. I clean wood by mixing distilled vinegar with warm water and gently wiping it clean with a soft, damp cloth. I make my own wood polish using olive oil and white vinegar.
To clean granite, I always use dish soap and warm water because strong chemicals such as bleach or acids, including lemon, can damage granite. My approach to metal depends on the type. I worked as a cleaner in a restaurant that had stainless steel fridges and I found the best approach to clean them was to soak a towel in hot water, wring it out and wipe it gently along the grain.”
6 Cleaner Interview Questions and Answers
Our cleaners often work as a team. Are you comfortable working with other cleaners?
You’re looking for someone who values teamwork and is willing to have tasks delegated to them. Cleaning often requires a team effort so that the work is completed to a high standard, especially if the job needs to be done by a certain time. Someone who works well with others will be ideal for this role. What to look for in an answer:
- A positive approach to being delegated a specific task
- The ability to resolve conflict constructively
- An understanding that getting the job done is most important
How often do you think that cleaning tools should be cleaned?
Many of the implements that cleaners use for their job also need regular cleaning themselves. In a response to this question, look for someone who recognizes the value of having clean tools and who knows the proper procedure for sanitizing them. Ideally, a response should indicate that they would clean the tools at least once a day or right before their shift is done. What to look for in an answer:
- An understanding of the importance of sanitation
- A willingness to clean tools at least once a day
- Knowledge of proper cleaning procedures
What is your approach to cleaning while customers are around?
Though a lot of cleaning jobs happen during off-hours, some occur during the day when the building is still open to the public. Look for responses that indicate that the candidate does not mind working in front of other people. Mentions of previous customer-service roles could indicate someone who knows how to deal with the presence of potential clients. What to look for in an answer:
- Knowledge of how to be friendly with customers
- Ability to focus on the job and not be distracted by people
- Positive attitude toward the idea of working in public
What strategies do you use to plan out tasks for completing a large cleaning project by yourself on a tight timeline?
One of the primary skills cleaners need to use when approaching a job is time management and planning. When cleaning a large area or completing a range of cleaning tasks. the cleaner must be able to estimate how long each activity will take and determine the most efficient order for accomplishing each goal. This question allows the interviewer to assess a candidate’s foresight and their experience with different cleaning responsibilities that they might encounter on the job. An excellent answer should feature:
- Example cleaning schedule
- Preparation
- Focus and dedication
Are you willing to take a night shift if need be?
Most cleaning jobs need to happen during off-hours when employees are away and the office building is mostly empty. This means that the cleaner will have to be prepared to work at an unusual time — often in the night or very early morning. If this is the case for your company, look for flexibility and reassurance that your employee won’t be falling asleep on the job. What to look for in an answer:
- The candidate has flexible hours
- A reassurance that they won’t be tired
- Whether candidate is naturally a night owl
What kind of cleaning products and tools are you familiar with?
You want to find someone who is familiar with a broad range of products and tools for various purposes. This will reduce the amount of time you’ll need to spend training them and will ensure that they won’t fail to clean the place properly. This question is a great way to get an idea of your candidate’s experience with the job. What to look for in an answer:
- Familiarity with a range of cleaning tools
- Experience performing many different cleaning tasks
- Knowledge of the best products for different cleaning jobs
Besides testing your candidates’ knowledge of and experience with cleaning tasks, it’s equally important to discover their work ethic, as they usually work in areas where employees’ belongings and company assets are kept. Don’t forget to ask about your candidates’ availability, in case their work hours involve weekends and early morning or late night shifts.
This is a sample of Cleaner interview questions to help you identify skilled candidates to meet your company cleaning needs.
To successfully complete your hiring process for this position, you should identify experienced candidates who are organized and can perform quickly. This is a job that can be unpleasant or tiring at times, so you should focus on candidates with a ‘can do’ attitude who maintain a positive approach to their work.
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Why Are You Interested In This Role?
I completed my diploma last year and have been working in a small motel downtown. I believe that this opportunity would provide me with exposure and more skills. I have served as a cleaner in my previous role as well but with good soft skills regarding customer service, I was also fulfilling the duties of a room attendant. I did my research before applying to your organization to understand the role and requirements. I do understand that I have limited exposure till now but I am a quick learner and can grow in this role.
What Are The Roles Of A Cleaner?
The duties are a mixture of different responsibilities like:
FAQ
What questions do they ask in a cleaning interview?
- What cleaning products do you normally use?
- How do you clean computer screens?
- How much time do you need to clean a working space of 10 offices?
- Have you ever used green cleaning products? …
- What are the most important duties when cleaning a bathroom?
Why do u want to be a cleaner?
- What kind of cleaning products and tools are you familiar with? …
- Our cleaners often work as a team. …
- Are you willing to take a night shift if need be? …
- How often do you think that cleaning tools should be cleaned? …
- What is your approach to cleaning while customers are around?
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers?
