Hiring a janitor is essential for maintaining a clean and organized workplace. Whether for schools, offices, hospitals, or commercial buildings, janitors play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and sanitary environment. Conducting a structured interview helps employers find the right candidate for the job.
In this topic, we’ll discuss the best questions to ask a janitor during an interview, covering skills, experience, work ethic, and problem-solving abilities.
General Questions
These questions help you understand the candidate’s background and motivation for applying.
1. Can you tell us about yourself and your experience as a janitor?
This question allows the candidate to give an overview of their experience, previous workplaces, and key responsibilities.
2. What made you choose janitorial work?
Understanding why someone chose this profession can provide insight into their dedication and interest in the role.
3. What types of buildings have you cleaned before (e.g., schools, offices, hospitals)?
Different environments require different cleaning techniques and standards. This question helps gauge their relevant experience.
4. Do you have any certifications related to cleaning or sanitation?
Some janitors may have certifications in hazardous material handling, OSHA safety training, or green cleaning practices, which can be valuable.
Work Experience and Skills
These questions assess the candidate’s technical abilities and practical experience in janitorial work.
5. What cleaning equipment and products are you familiar with?
Janitors use various tools such as floor buffers, carpet cleaners, pressure washers, and industrial vacuums. Their knowledge of cleaning agents is also crucial.
6. How do you handle hazardous cleaning materials safely?
Janitors often work with chemical cleaners. Knowing proper handling procedures ensures safety for themselves and others.
7. Can you describe your daily routine in a janitorial role?
This helps understand their organizational skills and how they prioritize cleaning tasks.
8. Have you ever been responsible for minor maintenance or repairs?
Some janitors handle light maintenance tasks, such as changing light bulbs, fixing leaks, or unclogging sinks.
9. What steps do you take to prevent cross-contamination when cleaning different areas?
In environments like hospitals or food service areas, preventing cross-contamination is essential for hygiene and safety.
10. Are you comfortable working with different cleaning schedules (night shifts, weekends, or emergencies)?
Many janitorial positions require flexibility, especially in high-traffic buildings.
Problem-Solving and Emergency Situations
These questions evaluate the candidate’s ability to handle unexpected situations and problem-solving skills.
11. What would you do if you encountered a large spill or biohazardous waste?
A janitor must follow safety protocols to clean spills efficiently and protect themselves and others.
12. Have you ever faced a difficult cleaning challenge? How did you handle it?
This gives insight into their problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to tough cleaning situations.
13. What would you do if you noticed a major facility issue, like a leaking pipe or broken HVAC system?
Janitors should know when to fix minor issues and when to report larger problems to maintenance staff.
14. How do you handle situations where someone complains about cleanliness?
This question tests their customer service skills and ability to handle feedback professionally.
15. What precautions do you take when cleaning during working hours with people around?
Cleaning while people are present requires discretion and consideration to avoid disruptions.
Work Ethic and Reliability
These questions help assess whether the candidate is trustworthy, dependable, and has a strong work ethic.
16. How do you ensure you complete all your cleaning tasks efficiently?
Time management and attention to detail are essential for janitors.
17. Have you ever had to work under pressure or tight deadlines? How did you manage?
Emergencies happen, and janitors need to stay calm and work efficiently in such situations.
18. What would you do if you were running behind schedule on your cleaning duties?
This question tests their ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently.
19. Have you ever worked alone or as part of a team? Which do you prefer?
Some janitors work independently, while others are part of a janitorial team. Understanding their preference helps with job placement.
20. How do you handle repetitive tasks without losing motivation?
Janitorial work can be repetitive, so a good candidate should have strategies to stay motivated.
Physical and Safety Considerations
Janitorial work can be physically demanding, so it’s important to assess a candidate’s physical capabilities and safety awareness.
21. Are you comfortable lifting heavy objects or working long hours on your feet?
Janitors often lift heavy trash bags, furniture, and equipment, so they need to be physically capable.
22. What safety procedures do you follow when working with wet floors or electrical equipment?
Slip-and-fall accidents are common in janitorial work. A good candidate should know safety precautions to prevent injuries.
23. Have you ever been trained in first aid or emergency response?
Some janitors may have basic first aid training, which is a plus in case of workplace accidents.
24. Do you have experience working in extreme conditions (cold storage, outdoor cleaning, etc.)?
Some janitors work in unusual environments that require adaptability.
25. What would you do if you found a hazardous situation, such as exposed electrical wires or broken glass?
Janitors need to report hazards and ensure the safety of everyone in the building.
Questions About Work Expectations
These questions help determine if the candidate’s expectations align with the job responsibilities and company culture.
26. What is your ideal work environment?
Some janitors prefer quiet office buildings, while others enjoy fast-paced environments like hospitals or schools.
27. How do you handle working late-night or early-morning shifts?
Janitorial work often involves odd hours, so flexibility is important.
28. Do you have reliable transportation to and from work?
Punctuality is key in janitorial work, so commute reliability matters.
29. Are you open to taking on additional tasks beyond cleaning duties?
Some employers may expect janitors to handle small maintenance tasks or security checks.
30. What are your long-term career goals in janitorial work?
This question helps understand if the candidate is looking for short-term work or a long-term position.
Interviewing a janitor requires asking the right questions to assess experience, skills, problem-solving abilities, and reliability. A good janitor is not only skilled in cleaning but also adaptable, hardworking, and safety-conscious.
By using these 30 interview questions, employers can make informed hiring decisions and find the best candidate for the job.