On the hunt for reliable janitorial staff? 

Start with the right questions.

Sure, checking their resumes and qualifications is great, but it doesn’t always give you the necessary answers to make a hiring decision. 

If you need employees who can meet technical demands, solve problems on the go, and communicate effectively, the key is to ask targeted questions. This will help reveal how candidates think and act in different scenarios. 

Below you’ll find a list of interview questions and their ideal responses so you can objectively assess and compare candidate performance. 

Technical janitorial interview questions

Technical questions will give you a sense of the candidate’s experience with common cleaning equipment, safety protocols, and cleaning methods.

Consider how your training can complement the candidate’s existing knowledge.

1. What cleaning equipment and products are you most familiar with?

Why you should ask this question: It helps gauge the candidate’s experience with essential cleaning tools and products. 

Since it’s often an entry-level job, you may not need someone with years of experience, but candidates with prior experience will be faster to train.

Example of a good answer: “I’m familiar with general cleaning products, such as all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, degreasers, and floor finishers. I’ve also used floor buffers and various vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, and pressure washers.”

2. How do you ensure the safe handling and disposal of hazardous cleaning materials?

Why you should ask this question: Safe disposal of cleaning products often gets overlooked since it’s time-consuming. However, its impact is significant because it can:

• Prevent long-term health risks

• Safeguard water quality

• Protect ecosystems

• Prevent damage to infrastructure

Cleaning technicians who understand these risks will follow high standards for proper disposal.

Example of a good answer: “I always follow facility and OSHA guidelines when handling cleaning chemicals, using proper PPE to protect myself. I never pour them down regular drains, and always use designated disposal areas instead.”

3. Can you describe your process for stripping and waxing floors?

Why you should ask this question: Floor care is one of the most visible aspects of janitorial work, and it’s one of the most expensive things to fix when it’s done improperly.

Example of a good answer: “I always put down ‘wet floor’ signs and clear the area. Then, I use a dust mop for debris and apply stripper and scrub to remove old wax before reapplying thin, even layers of new wax.”

4. What steps do you take to prevent cross-contamination while cleaning?

Why you should ask this question: Cleaning methods that prevent cross-contamination are essential for maintaining hygienic and safe spaces, especially in restrooms, food prep areas, and healthcare settings.

Example of a good answer: “I use color-coded cloths, with different colors for bathrooms, general cleaning, and food preparation areas. I also change mop water frequently, and disinfect high-touch areas separately.”

Technical questions help you differentiate between top talent and entry-level candidates who may need extra help initially. Combine these with training and experience questions to understand how smoothly they’ll adjust to your work environment.

Experience and qualifications for janitorial position interview questions

The following questions about experience and training can help you understand your candidate’s baseline expertise and background, including how well their experience aligns with your needs.

5. How much experience do you have in janitorial work?

Why you should ask this question: Generally, the amount of experience a candidate has will indicate how much training they’ll need.

Example of a good answer: “I have five years of experience in office and industrial cleaning, including floor care, restroom sanitation, and maintenance.”

6. Have you worked in environments that require specialized cleaning, such as medical or industrial facilities?

Why you should ask this question: Specialized environments often need additional skills and certifications, especially concerning health hazards and dangerous spills.

Example of a good answer: “Yes. I worked at a hospital for three years, where I was responsible for cleaning patient rooms, operating areas, and public spaces following infection-control protocols. I also have experience cleaning warehouses, ensuring OSHA compliance.”

7. What certifications or training have you completed related to janitorial work?

Why you should ask this question: Certifications show commitment to industry standards and professional development.

Example of a good answer: “I’m OSHA 10 and OSHA Bloodborne-Pathogens Standard certified. I also have a Green Clean Technician certification from the Green Clean Institute.”

In addition to questions about experience, discuss the candidate’s career goals. This helps you assess whether their career progress expectations match what you can offer.

Problem-solving janitorial job interview questions

Problem-solving questions assess a candidate’s ability to think on their feet in real-life scenarios. A candidate with good problem-solving skills can prioritize tasks effectively on challenging job sites and be resourceful when dealing with problems.

8. How would you handle a cleaning product running out during your shift?

Why you should ask this question: A quick-thinking professional should be able to improvise without sacrificing quality or safety. They should know appropriate alternatives to use, and what jobs can be postponed until cleaning products are resupplied.

Example of a good answer: “I’d check for backup supplies first and find safe substitutes for urgent work. Then, I’d inform my supervisor about stock levels and any tasks that need to wait for the right products.”

9. What would you do if you noticed a safety hazard, such as a wet floor with no sign?

Why you should ask this question: A good cleaner must understand the importance of best safety practices, even on tasks not assigned to them. They should take a proactive approach to safety across any facility they work in.

Example of a good answer: “I’d immediately place wet floor signs around the area, then determine the source. If it’s a spill, I’d clean it up right away. But if it’s a leak, I’d try to contain the water and report it to the appropriate person.”

10. How do you handle urgent cleaning requests when you have a full schedule?

Why you should ask this question: Sometimes, unexpected requests require a janitor to prioritize immediate cleaning tasks over regular work. They’ll need to use their professional judgement to evaluate the urgency of the request and balance unexpected tasks with scheduled work.

Example of a good answer: “If the request is a safety hazard or sanitation issue, I’d handle that task first. I’d prioritize any other tasks based on urgency, and communicate with my supervisor if I need to adjust timelines for other tasks.”

Client interaction and communication questions

Fifty-six percent of cleaning businesses struggle with customer retention, often due to poor communication and a lack of consistency. It’s critical to have competent janitorial staff with strong communication skills who can engage well with clients, colleagues, and other building occupants.

The questions below will help you evaluate how well a candidate communicates and maintains positive working relationships.

11. Can you describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or coworker?

Why you should ask this question: Conflict resolution skills are essential for maintaining a positive work environment. Candidates should be able to communicate professionally in challenging situations.

Example of a good answer: “At my last job, a department manager complained about my work. I remained calm and listened to their concerns, which were cleaning tasks that weren't in our regular cleaning scope. I explained our standard procedures and worked with my supervisor to add special cleaning services.”

12. How do you handle feedback or criticism about your cleaning work?

Why you should ask this question: Janitors with a good work ethic will be adaptable and willing to improve rather than getting defensive.

Example of a good answer: “I see feedback as a chance to improve my skills. If a client or supervisor is concerned about my work, I ask for more clarity, make the necessary improvements, and follow up later to ensure my work is satisfactory.”

13. How do you handle a request from a client that is outside your job scope?

Why you should ask this question: Good communication in janitorial work sometimes involves setting boundaries to manage time more effectively and stay safe on the job.

Example of a good answer: “I always try to be helpful, but I also understand that some requests may fall outside my job's scope for safety and liability reasons. For example, suppose a client requested minor repairs to an electrical outlet. I’d politely inform them that the request is beyond my duties and offer to escalate it to the appropriate person.”

14. What would you do if a client complained about the cleanliness of an area you recently cleaned?

Why you should ask this question: 80% of customers say the client experience is as important as the service offered. Unresolved complaints can lead to negative reviews and customer churn.

Example of a good answer: “I’d first apologize to the client for not meeting their expectations, then immediately inspect the area myself. If necessary, I’d clean it again or explain further if the area needs repairs beyond the scope of janitorial services.”

15. How do you communicate with your team or supervisor about cleaning needs and issues?

Why you should ask this question: Good communication helps ensure smooth operations across the board. 

Example of a good answer: “I provide regular updates and report any issues like maintenance problems, special cleaning needs, or supply shortages to my supervisor. I’m proactive about reporting problems when I notice them so they don’t become bigger issues.”

What are some examples of janitorial supervisor interview questions?

When interviewing janitorial supervisor candidates, assess their expertise and management capabilities. Since they’ll be heading teams, they should demonstrate leadership skills that align with your work environment.

Below are questions to help you evaluate a janitorial supervisor’s ability:

• How do you train and manage new janitorial staff? Supervisors must undergo intense training and onboarding to lay the groundwork for the team’s success.

• How do you ensure consistent quality across different team members? Clear quality standards and ongoing oversight are essential for delivering a consistent service that keeps customers satisfied.

• What steps do you take to ensure safety standards are met? They need to understand proper cleaning safety protocols to ensure the whole team understands and upholds safety standards.

• How do you handle scheduling and task assignments? Supervisors need organizational and communication skills and the right management software.

• How do you handle employee issues or tardiness? Dealing with issues on the team and terminating employees if necessary is a core responsibility that janitorial supervisors need to handle with diplomacy.

What should you do before the janitorial interview?

Whether you’re the hiring manager or the interview candidate, you need time to prepare.

For interviewers: Work with your hiring managers (or a recruiter) to review the job description, exit interviews, and any other information that helps you decide on your top questions.

• Prepare structured interview questions and sample answers.

• Review resumes and short-list candidates.

• Set expectations for the role and responsibilities.

For interviewees: Review the job description again and consider how your strengths align with the role. If you’re nervous about the interview, practice answering questions with a friend.

• Research the company and role.

• Prepare answers for common interview questions.

• Dress appropriately and bring a copy of your resume.

Thorough preparation helps both interviewers and candidates have productive conversations, and it also maintains a smooth hiring process.

What to do after the janitorial interview

For interviewers: Evaluate candidates thoroughly based on how well their responses compare with your sample answers.

• Review interview notes and compare candidates.

• Conduct background and reference checks.

• Make a decision and send an offer or rejection.

For interviewees: After following up, it’s a good idea to continue your job search rather than wait for a single opportunity.

• Follow up with a thank-you email 24 hours after the interview.

• Be prepared to provide additional references or documents.

• Wait for feedback and consider other opportunities if needed.

Proper follow-up demonstrates a commitment to professionalism on both sides and helps ensure the right match.

How long should the janitorial interview last?

Typically, interviews last 15 to 30 minutes for entry-level positions. However, the length of time may vary depending on several factors, such as:

• How many questions you have

• The candidate’s communication style

• How many questions the candidate has

• Any follow-up questions you need to ask

Specialized roles, such as janitorial supervisors, might take longer, as the required skills are more complex. While you can assess a cleaning technician’s fit in 30 minutes, interviews for supervisory roles are often between 30 and 60 minutes in duration.

Ensure you allow extra time for practical skill assessments, if needed. These brief tests can cover cleaning services and safety protocols, providing an objective metric to consider when selecting a candidate.

A thorough interview ensures you have all the information you need to make a competitive offer.

Grow your janitorial business

When you ask the right interview questions, you’ll gain a better understanding of the skills, experience, and unique abilities each candidate could bring to their new role. This will help you make a hiring decision much faster.

With your new team ready to take on cleaning projects, leverage Aspire’s cleaning business software to help you do your best work and streamline your operation. Nathan McAllister, owner of Crystal Clean, did that with Aspire’s all-in-one management tools for scheduling, invoicing, and customer service, which reduced administrative costs by over $20,000 per month.

Take a closer look at how Aspire unlocks new efficiencies for your cleaning business. Schedule a free demo today.