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Housekeeping Interview Questions Every Cleaning Business Owner Should Ask

Profile picture of Seth Richtsmeier, freelancer writer for Jobber Academy
Seth Richtsmeier
Cleaning Sep 5, 2024 10 min read
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Whether you’re expanding your staff to take on more clients or replacing a key role, asking the right interview questions helps you build a strong, reliable team for your cleaning business.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most important housekeeping interview questions and answers that will help you identify candidates with the right skills and experience.

By understanding what to ask and what to listen for, you’ll be better equipped to hire a housekeeper who meets your standards and helps your business grow.

General interview questions for housekeeping

Start your interview with these general housekeeping interview questions to learn about the candidate’s motivations and general suitability for the role.

Why are you interested in the position?

Asking why a candidate is interested in the position will help you understand their motivations for applying. Their answers can reveal whether they’re genuinely interested or if they’re just looking for a job.

What to look for: A response that shows the candidate has thought about why they want to work as a housekeeper specifically.

A strong answer might include a passion for cleaning or a desire to help others. A candidate who clearly articulates their interest in the position is more likely to be committed.

I look for whether they embrace our company values.

Integrity is something that’s very important in our industry. Our cleaners are in people’s homes alone, so I’m looking for people who have high integrity and accountability. They should take initiative as well.

Raquel Lindsay Sparkle and Shine Cleaning Services

What’s your favorite and least favorite housekeeping task?

Asking this question provides insight into the candidate’s preferences and how they approach different aspects of the job. It can help you understand where they excel and where they might need more support.

What to look for: An honest answer that also shows a positive attitude toward all tasks.

For the candidate’s favorite task, look for a reason why they enjoy it—this can indicate what their strengths are. For their least favorite task, pay attention to how they describe handling it. A good candidate will acknowledge the challenge but also explain how they manage to complete it effectively.

What’s the most important skill a housekeeper should have?

This question helps you understand what the candidate values in their work. It can reveal whether they have a clear understanding of what it takes to be successful.

What to look for: A response that mentions skills like attention to detail, time management, or reliability.

A candidate who can identify and explain the importance of a key skill is likely someone who knows what it takes to do the job well.

What’s the most rewarding part of housekeeping?

This question helps you see what motivates the candidate. Learning what they find rewarding can show you whether they’re likely to stay motivated in the role.

What to look for: An answer that shows pride in making spaces clean and comfortable for others.

A candidate who finds satisfaction in seeing the results of their work, or in making customers happy, is likely to take their job seriously.

Pro tip: Learn hiring tips to find good staff from cleaning business expert Katie Pearse:

Experience and background interview questions for housekeeping

Ask these housekeeping interview questions about the candidate’s previous experience. Learn about their familiarity with relevant protocols and how they adapt to different work environments.

What were the responsibilities in your last housekeeping job?

Understanding the candidate’s past responsibilities gives you an idea of the types of tasks they’re familiar with and if their previous experience aligns with the requirements of your position.

What to look for: A detailed explanation of their previous duties, such as cleaning rooms, managing laundry, or handling special requests.

A candidate who can clearly describe their responsibilities and how they managed them is likely to have the experience needed to perform.

What types of facilities have you cleaned? (e.g., residential, commercial, hospitality)

This question helps you assess the candidate’s versatility and if they have experience in settings similar to the ones you need them to work in.

What to look for: Specific examples of facilities they’ve cleaned, such as homes, offices, hotels, or hospitals.

Look for candidates who can explain how their experience in these environments makes them a good fit for your needs.

What environments do you find easiest to clean? And most difficult?

This question helps you understand the candidate’s preferences when it comes to different cleaning environments.

What to look for: An honest answer that reflects their experience. For example, a candidate might find residential cleaning easier because it’s familiar, while commercial spaces could be more challenging due to their size.

Are you familiar with OSHA regulations?

This question helps you assess whether the candidate knows about OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations.

What to look for: A response that shows the candidate knows the basics of OSHA regulations—particularly those relevant to housekeeping, like the safe use of cleaning chemicals or proper lifting techniques.

A candidate who understands these regulations is likely to contribute to a safer workplace.

How familiar are you with new sanitizing protocols?

With increasing attention to hygiene, housekeepers need to be up to date with current sanitizing protocols. This question helps you evaluate the candidate’s readiness to maintain cleanliness standards.

What to look for: A response that shows they’re aware of modern sanitizing practices.

A candidate who can explain specific protocols they follow or how they keep up with new guidelines can demonstrate they’re committed to maintaining a safe, clean environment.

What experience do you have with specialized cleaning tasks? (e.g., sanitizing, using specific equipment)

This question helps you determine whether the candidate has experience with more advanced cleaning tasks, which may be necessary for certain environments.

What to look for: A response that mentions examples of specialized tasks they’ve performed, like deep-cleaning procedures or handling hazardous materials.

A candidate with this experience is likely to be capable of handling a wider range of responsibilities.

Are you aware of how to ergonomically perform housekeeping duties?

Housekeeping can be physically demanding, so the candidate should know how to perform tasks in a way that minimizes injury.

What to look for: Describing specific ergonomic practices they follow, such as proper lifting techniques or how they avoid repetitive strain.

This shows they’re not only capable of doing the job, but also mindful of maintaining their health and safety.

If you’ve ever been asked to do something outside your job responsibilities, how did you handle it?

This question reveals the candidate’s willingness to go above and beyond their basic duties. It’s important to know how they respond to unexpected tasks, which are bound to happen in housekeeping.

What to look for: Describing a situation where they took on additional responsibilities and handled them successfully.

A strong candidate shows a positive attitude, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to help.

Technical interview questions for housekeeping

Ask these technical questions to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of cleaning techniques, chemicals, and safety practices.

How do you ensure that cleaning tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard?

This question helps you see if the candidate has a plan for managing their time and maintaining high standards.

What to look for: Describing a methodical approach to cleaning, such as following a checklist or prioritizing tasks.

The candidate should explain how they balance speed with thoroughness. They should mention any techniques they use to ensure every job is done well.

Are you comfortable learning to use new cleaning technologies or equipment?

Asking this question helps you determine if the candidate can adapt and is open to learning new skills.

What to look for: Expressing the willingness to learn new tools and equipment. They might mention previous experiences where they quickly adapted to new tech.

We often prefer to hire people who are green and bring them in and teach them.

Danielle Rossi The Tree Lady Company

How do you handle hazardous materials or cleaning chemicals safely?

Handling hazardous materials and chemicals should be done safely to avoid accidents. This question tests the candidate’s knowledge of safety protocols and their ability to work responsibly.

What to look for: Demonstrating an understanding of safety guidelines, such as using protective gear and properly disposing of hazardous materials.

The candidate should also explain how they stay informed about safety practices to prioritize safety for themselves and others.

Are you familiar with eco-friendly cleaning practices? How do you incorporate them into your work?

Many clients prefer eco-friendly cleaning methods to reduce environmental impact. Asking this question helps you see if the candidate can meet this growing demand.

What to look for: A response that shows they’re familiar with eco-friendly products and techniques, such as using non-toxic cleaners or minimizing waste.

A good candidate will explain how they already use these practices. Or they express a willingness to adopt them to meet the needs of clients who prioritize sustainability.

Behavioral interview questions for housekeeping

Ask these behavioral questions to understand how the candidate handles different situations. Learn about their problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and customer service skills.

Have your cleaning services ever been criticized? How did you react?

Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s how someone responds to criticism that really matters.

What to look for: Acknowledging they’ve faced criticism and explaining how they used the feedback to be better.

A good candidate stays calm, takes responsibility, and sees criticism as a chance to improve.

Have you ever disagreed with your manager? How did you resolve the issue?

This question helps you understand how the candidate handles conflict and whether they can communicate effectively with their supervisors.

What to look for: Describing a situation where they disagreed respectfully and worked towards a solution.

The candidate should focus on how they communicate their perspective and listen to others’ views. They should value teamwork and resolve conflicts without damaging relationships.

How do you motivate yourself when facing a challenging task?

Housekeeping can be tough work. This question can reveal how the candidate stays motivated during challenging times.

What to look for: Talking about the methods they use to stay motivated, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps or keeping a positive mindset.

A good candidate is determined and resilient, even when tasks are difficult.

How do you ensure excellent customer service in your role?

Housekeepers often interact with clients, so delivering great customer service is essential.

What to look for: A response that highlights the candidate’s focus on professionalism, attention to detail, and a positive attitude.

They should be willing to go above and beyond to meet client expectations, whether by being friendly, anticipating needs, or ensuring every space is spotless.

Role-specific interview questions for housekeeping

Depending on what type of role you’re hiring for, you’ll want to ask the right questions to cover relevant skills and experiences. Ask these role-specific housekeeping interview questions if applicable.

Residential housekeeper questions

  • How would you go about fulfilling special requests from guests to ensure they’re happy?
  • Can you manage and complete several housekeeping tasks in a single day?
  • How do you handle privacy and confidentiality in a private home setting?
  • How do you approach cleaning tasks in homes with pets?
  • What cleaning products and tools do you prefer for different surfaces?

Commercial housekeeper questions

  • How would you handle cleaning in a high-traffic commercial environment?
  • What experience do you have with cleaning large office spaces or public areas?
  • How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple areas to clean?
  • How do you ensure safety and compliance with cleaning protocols in a commercial setting?

Hospitality housekeeper questions

  • How long should it take to clean a guest room while following sanitization standards?
  • If a guest is upset, how would you handle their concerns?
  • How do you ensure consistency in guest room cleanliness?
  • What steps do you take to ensure guest amenities are replenished and rooms are ready for new guests?
  • How do you manage your time when cleaning multiple rooms with varying levels of cleanliness?

Compensation and next-step interview questions

End your interview with questions about the candidate’s expectations for compensation and potential start dates. You can even outline the hiring process to ensure both sides understand what happens next.

  • What are your salary expectations?
  • Can you provide a list of references?
  • Are you available to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays?
  • When would you be available to start?
  • What questions do you have about the role?

Good candidates care about more than just money.

They also care about values, they care about a good culture, all these other things that you can convey in the job description.

Adam Sylvester Charlottesville Gutter Pros.

FREE GUIDE: House cleaner salary guide

Manage your growing team with Jobber

Use this list of housekeeping interview questions to help you hire people who are a good fit for your company.

Interviewing candidates isn’t easy, but scheduling work and managing your team can be.

Jobber makes it easy to create a new job and assign it to the closest team member in just a few clicks, then track hours on the job and invoice customers—all in the same place.

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