17 Assistant Executive Housekeeper Interview Questions and Answers

An assistant executive housekeeper is responsible for the overall cleanliness of a hotel and its guest rooms. In most cases, the assistant executive housekeeper reports to the executive housekeeper.

The duties of an assistant executive housekeeper include supervising a team of housekeepers, inspecting guest rooms, and ensuring that all areas of the hotel are clean and well-maintained. In some cases, the assistant executive housekeeper may also be responsible for ordering supplies and equipment.

If you’re interested in a career as an assistant executive housekeeper, you will need to have excellent communication and organizational skills. You will also need to be able to work well under pressure and be able to handle a fast-paced environment.

If you’re looking for an assistant executive housekeeper job, you will need to be prepared to answer a variety of interview questions. In this guide, we will provide you with a list of some of the most common assistant executive housekeeper interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working with cleaning chemicals and other potentially hazardous cleaning materials?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your comfort level with potentially dangerous materials and how you would handle working with them. Your answer should show that you are aware of the risks involved in using these chemicals and have experience handling them safely.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with cleaning chemicals, as I’ve been doing so for many years now. In my last role, I was responsible for ordering all supplies, including hazardous materials like bleach and ammonia. I also had training on how to use these products safely and effectively. I feel confident that I can do the same here.”

What are some of the most important qualities an assistant executive housekeeper should have?

An employer may ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of the qualities that are important to you personally and explain why they’re important.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities an assistant executive housekeeper should have is patience. I’ve worked with many different people over my career, and some days everyone has a little bit of trouble getting along. It’s important to me that we all work together as a team, so I try to help others when they need it and give them space if they need that too. Patience also helps me stay calm when things get hectic.”

How would you handle a situation where one of your employees is not following company policies regarding cleaning duties?

An employer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you would handle a conflict between employees. In your answer, try to show that you can be firm with your team members while also encouraging them to improve their work performance.

Example: “If I encountered an employee who was not following company policies, I would first speak with them privately to understand why they were acting in this way. If the employee did not have a good reason for breaking the rules, I would give them a warning and tell them what consequences they could expect if they continued to break the rules. If the employee still did not follow the rules after my warnings, I would consider terminating their employment.”

What is your experience with using cleaning equipment and machinery?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with using specific equipment and machinery that is used in the role. Use your answer to highlight your comfort level with operating these tools and machines, as well as your ability to troubleshoot any issues you might encounter while using them.

Example: “I have a lot of experience using cleaning equipment and machinery because I’ve worked in several different environments where we used various types of machinery and equipment. In my last position, for example, we used commercial-grade vacuums, carpet shampooers and floor buffers. I am comfortable using all of these tools and machines, although I do prefer working with vacuum cleaners and carpet shampooers.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client.

An employer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know that you can handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the situation or diffuse the conflict.

Example: “In my previous role as an assistant executive housekeeper at a luxury hotel, I had a client who was unhappy with their room service experience. The client called me directly to complain about the food they were served and how long it took for them to receive their meal. I apologized for their experience and asked if there was anything else I could do to make up for it. The client said no, but I offered to send them some complimentary desserts to their room. They agreed, and we resolved the issue.”

If hired, what areas of the building would you like to be assigned to?

This question is a way for the employer to learn more about your interests and preferences. They may have multiple areas of the building that need housekeeping services, so they want to make sure you’re comfortable with all of them. In your answer, try to be as honest as possible while also showing enthusiasm for the job.

Example: “I’m very comfortable working in any area of the building. However, I would love to work in the executive wing because it’s where I feel like I can do my best work. I’ve worked in other houses before, and I find that I really enjoy being around high-powered people. I think I could provide excellent service there.”

What would you do if you noticed an area of the building was starting to look messy?

The interviewer may ask you this question to see how you handle responsibilities outside of your normal job duties. Your answer should show that you are willing to pitch in and help out when needed, even if it’s not part of your regular job description.

Example: “If I noticed an area was starting to look messy, I would first try to find the housekeeper who normally cleans that area. If they were busy with another task, I would offer to clean the area myself so they could focus on their other tasks. I believe that everyone needs a little help from time to time, and I am always happy to lend a hand.”

How well do you deal with stress?

Housekeeping is a physically and emotionally demanding job. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the mental strength to handle the challenges of housekeeping. In your answer, explain how you manage stress in your life. Share two or three strategies that help you stay calm and focused when things get hectic.

Example: “I am very good at managing stress. I practice yoga twice a week, which helps me relax and focus on my breathing. When I feel overwhelmed, I take five minutes to meditate and center myself. This helps me regain control over my emotions so I can calmly solve whatever problem I’m facing. Another thing I do is write down all of my thoughts before going to bed each night. This allows me to process everything that happened during the day and clear my mind for sleep.”

Do you have any questions for us about the assistant executive housekeeper position?

This question gives you the opportunity to show your interest in the role and learn more about it. Before your interview, think of a few questions that will help you understand what the job entails and whether or not you’re a good fit for it.

Example: “I’m very interested in this position because I love working with people and am eager to advance my career. However, I do have one concern—the housekeeping industry is known for being quite physically demanding. I know you mentioned there are opportunities for advancement within the company, but I was wondering if there were any plans to hire additional assistant executive housekeepers so they could take on some of the physical work.”

When was the last time you took continuing education courses related to cleaning?

Continuing education is an important part of being a housekeeper. Employers ask this question to make sure you are committed to continuing your education and improving your skills as a housekeeper. When answering this question, explain what classes you took and why you chose them. You can also mention any books or online resources that helped you learn more about cleaning.

Example: “I have taken several courses on how to clean different surfaces in the past few years. I find it helpful to take these courses because they give me new ideas for how to clean my current job and help me develop new ways to keep my employer’s home looking its best. In the last year, I took a course on how to clean marble countertops and another one on how to clean wood floors.”

We want to ensure our building is always clean and presentable. What is your strategy for ensuring this?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your cleaning and organizing skills. They want to know how you plan out your work, so they can decide if you are organized enough for the role. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure a clean building.

Example: “I always start by making a list of all the tasks I need to complete each day. This helps me stay on track with my work and ensures that I don’t forget any important duties. I also like to use color-coded labels to keep rooms tidy. For example, I might label trash cans in one color, recycling bins in another and regular waste bins in another. This makes it easy to sort through items as I’m cleaning.”

Describe your cleaning process when cleaning an office space.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your cleaning process and how you prioritize tasks. Use your answer to describe the steps you take when cleaning an office space, including what order you complete each task and which ones you consider most important.

Example: “When I clean an office space, I start by dusting all surfaces with a duster or cloth. Then, I vacuum carpets and floors using a handheld vacuum cleaner. Next, I wipe down desks and other furniture with disinfectant wipes. Finally, I sanitize bathrooms and empty trash cans.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of three things that make you the best candidate for this role. These could be skills or experiences that relate to the job description. Share these with your interviewer so they know what makes you unique.

Example: “I have five years of experience as an assistant executive housekeeper at a luxury hotel. In this position, I learned how to manage my time effectively while working on multiple projects at once. This skill is important in this role because it allows me to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Another thing that makes me stand out from other candidates is my communication skills. Throughout my career, I’ve developed strong verbal and written communication skills that help me collaborate with others.”

Which cleaning methods do you prefer to use?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your cleaning preferences and how you might approach a variety of housekeeping tasks. Your answer should include which methods you enjoy using, as well as any that you’re not comfortable with or don’t have experience with.

Example: “I prefer to use natural cleaning products when possible because they are safer for both me and the residents. I also like to use eco-friendly cleaning tools whenever possible, such as microfiber cloths instead of paper towels. However, I’m willing to use whatever is most effective for each situation.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when performing safety checks on cleaning equipment?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your attention to detail and commitment to safety. Your answer should include specific steps for performing equipment checks, as well as the importance of doing so.

Example: “I think it’s important to remember to check all cleaning equipment before each use. This includes checking that all parts are present, that there is no damage to any part of the equipment and that all electrical components are in working order. I also make sure to read any manufacturer instructions or warnings on how to properly operate the equipment.”

How often do you perform maintenance on cleaning tools and equipment?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your technical skills and how often you perform maintenance on cleaning tools. This can help them understand if you have the necessary knowledge to keep equipment in good condition, which can save time and money for the employer. Use examples from your previous experience to explain what types of tools or equipment you maintain and how often you do it.

Example: “I clean my own tools and equipment after every shift. I make sure to thoroughly wash all surfaces and sanitize any tools that come into contact with clients. I also replace any worn-out parts as soon as possible so they don’t cause problems later.”

There is a new cleaning policy that all employees must follow. How do you make sure everyone follows it?

The interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle new policies and procedures. Your answer should show that you can communicate effectively with your team members, even if they are not always receptive to change.

Example: “When I first started working as an assistant executive housekeeper at my previous job, the hotel implemented a new policy requiring all employees to wear uniforms while on duty. At first, some of the veteran staff were resistant to the idea, but I made sure to explain why it was important for everyone to follow the same rules. I also showed them the new uniform options we had available so they could choose one that suited their style. After seeing how professional our staff looked in their uniforms, many of the veterans decided to start wearing them regularly.”