read these Cleaner
interview questions

Question: Our cleaning staff often have to work as a team – can you provide me with an example of how you have managed to successfully work as part of a team in one of your previous roles?

Although cleaners often have to work alone, employers will also want reassurance that you can work as part of a team. Showing that you are able to collaborate on bigger cleaning tasks will help set you apart from other candidates by positioning yourself as an all-rounder.

Sample answer: In my previous role, I was required to work as part of a team to clean the school in time for parents evening. There were many cleaning tasks to carry out in a shorter space of time than usual, but we worked together and delegated all the tasks to ensure that the job was carried out on time and to a high standard.

Question: We work with a variety of different cleaning chemicals – what specific cleaning products are you familiar with?

Although you will be provided with on-the-job training, it can be an advantage if you already have some knowledge of the most common cleaning products. If you are unsure about industry-standard cleaning equipment or products, a quick Google search will be able to help you.

Sample answer: I have used a wide variety of cleaning products, both in my own home and in my previous cleaning roles. I regularly use all-purpose surface cleaners, bleach and detergents to carry out my daily cleaning tasks. I have experience using a combination of wet and dry vacuum cleaners, as well as general housekeeping equipment such as mops, brushes, brooms and cloths.

Question: Being a cleaner is not a standard 9-5 job – how flexible are you able to be concerning your working hours? 

Cleaners are often required to work unsociable hours, as many companies want their buildings cleaned in the evening or at weekends when they are not filled with other employees.

Being able to be flexible is seen as a huge positive when it comes to securing a cleaning job. If possible, provide reassurance that you would be able to carry out your job to a high standard whenever you are required to do it.

Sample answer: I am used to working both early in the morning and late at night and can assure you that, if I do have to work a night shift, the quality of my work will remain at a consistently high standard.

Question: You may be required to clean at times when the building is not empty – how would you approach your cleaning duties in the presence of others?

Although most cleaning jobs take place outside of standard working hours, you might be interviewed for a job that requires you to work whilst others are in the building, whether that be employees or customers. If this is the case, your potential employer may ask you about any previous customer service experience you have.

Sample answer: I have experience working with members of the public and am more than capable of carrying out my duties in the presence of others. I am a friendly person and while I would keep my interaction levels minimal, I would always greet people with a smile.

Question: We are dedicated to cleanliness and that extends to cleaning our own equipment – how often do you think cleaning tools should be cleaned?

People are often surprised that the above is one of the most common interview questions for a cleaning job, but employers will ask this for a very good reason.

Not only does it test your knowledge of a key cleaning task, but it also determines your level of commitment to cleanliness and pride in your job.  

Sample answer: I would always wash my cleaning equipment at the end of each shift so that they would be fresh and clean for use the next day. Sanitising my cleaning tools would be one of my top priorities, as I believe it is impossible to clean effectively with dirty equipment.