17 Cleaner Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers

The job of a cleaner supervisor is to oversee the work of a team of cleaners. This team may be responsible for cleaning a office building, a hospital, or another type of facility. As a supervisor, you would be responsible for ensuring that the cleaners are doing their job properly and that the facility is clean.

If you are interested in becoming a cleaner supervisor, you will need to be able to answer a few key questions. These questions will help the interviewer to determine if you are the right fit for the job. In this guide, we will provide you with a few sample questions and answers that you can use to prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable working long hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re willing to work overtime when necessary. They also want to know if you can handle working in a fast-paced environment and how well you perform under pressure. When answering, be honest about your availability and willingness to work long hours. Explain that you are committed to the job and will do whatever is needed to get it done.

Example: “I am comfortable with working long hours as needed. I understand that sometimes there’s no other option but to stay late or come in early. In my last position, I was often required to work overtime. I always made sure to communicate any changes to my schedule so my coworkers knew what to expect.”

What are some of the most important skills for a cleaner supervisor to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to the job.

Example: “I believe that communication is one of the most important skills for a cleaner supervisor to have. I am always sure to communicate with my team members about any changes or updates to our cleaning schedule so everyone knows what’s expected of them. Another skill I think is essential is organization. Cleaning requires a lot of supplies, and keeping track of everything we need helps us complete tasks more efficiently.”

How would you handle a situation in which one of your employees was not meeting company standards?

As a supervisor, you may need to address employee performance issues. Employers ask this question to learn how you would handle such a situation and ensure that the company’s standards are met. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to help the employee improve their performance or meet the standards.

Example: “If I noticed one of my employees was not meeting company standards, I would first have a private conversation with them to understand why they were performing poorly. If it was due to an illness or other personal issue, I would give them time to recover before addressing their performance again. If there was no valid reason for their poor performance, I would discuss the issue with them and outline the expectations for their job. I would also provide additional training if needed.”

What is your experience supervising cleaners?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with managing a team of cleaners. If you have previous experience supervising cleaners, describe what your responsibilities were and how you helped your team succeed. If you do not have any experience as a supervisor, you can talk about other leadership roles you’ve had in the past.

Example: “In my last role as a cleaner, I was promoted to lead a team of three cleaners. My first priority was making sure that everyone on my team understood their job duties and knew how to perform them well. I also made sure that they felt comfortable asking me questions if they needed help or guidance. In addition to helping my team members, I also regularly checked in with my supervisors to make sure everything was going smoothly.”

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

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle conflict and challenging situations. They want to know that you can remain calm, professional and focused when faced with a difficult client or customer. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the situation and highlight any interpersonal skills you used to help diffuse the situation.

Example: “In my previous role as a cleaner supervisor, I had a client who was very demanding. She would call me several times per day asking for updates on our progress and requesting changes to her cleaning schedule. At first, I found it hard to manage all of her requests, but I learned to set boundaries with her by explaining that we were working as quickly as possible and that she could not change her scheduled cleaning time without 24 hours notice. This helped reduce the number of calls she made each day.”

If hired, what qualities would you look for in potential cleaners to add to your team?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you would choose employees. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few qualities that are important for the job and explain why they’re beneficial.

Example: “I think it’s important to hire people who are hardworking, honest and dependable. These traits are crucial in ensuring our team is productive and able to meet deadlines. I also look for people who have a positive attitude because it helps them stay motivated and happy at work.”

What would you do if you noticed one of your employees engaging in questionable behavior while on the job?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your leadership skills and how you would handle a situation like this. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to confront employees about their behavior and hold them accountable for their actions.

Example: “If I noticed one of my employees engaging in questionable behavior while on the job, I would first approach them privately to discuss what they were doing and why it was inappropriate. If they continued to engage in this behavior after our private conversation, I would then address the entire team during a meeting to let everyone know that this type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

How well do you handle stress and pressure?

Cleaning supervisor positions often involve a lot of responsibility. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the stress that comes with the job. Use your answer to show them that you are capable of handling pressure and making good decisions when under stress. Explain how you plan ahead to avoid stressful situations. Share an example of a time you were able to overcome a stressful situation in the past.

Example: “I am very organized, so I always have a plan for what needs to get done. This helps me stay calm and focused on my tasks. In my last position as a cleaner, I was responsible for cleaning up after a large party. There was quite a bit of mess to clean up, but I knew exactly where everything needed to go. I planned out my work before starting it and managed to finish all of my tasks well before the deadline.”

Do you have any questions for me about the position or company?

This is your chance to show the interviewer that you’re interested in the job and want to learn more about it. It’s also a way for you to find out more about what working at this company would be like. When answering this question, try to think of questions that will help you decide if this position is right for you or if you’d enjoy working here.

Example: “I have one question for you. I noticed on your website that employees get free lunch every day. How often do they get free dinner? I love getting free food.” This answer shows the interviewer that you are lighthearted and fun while still being serious about the position.

When would you be available to start work?

Employers may ask this question to make sure you are available for the job opening. They want someone who can start work as soon as possible, so they might not hire someone who is unavailable for a long time. When answering this question, be honest about your availability and try to give them an exact date when you could start working.

Example: “I am currently unemployed, but I would like to start work on May 1st. This gives me enough time to find childcare for my children and get ready for work.”

We want to ensure that all of our employees feel comfortable approaching higher-level staff with questions or concerns. How would you go about addressing a concern with one of your employees?

As a supervisor, you may be the first person an employee approaches with questions or concerns. The interviewer wants to know that you can handle these situations professionally and fairly.

Example: “I would make sure I had time available during my workday so employees could approach me if they needed help or guidance. If someone came to me with a concern, I would listen carefully and ask clarifying questions as necessary. I would then address the issue in private, making sure to give both sides of the story before coming to a decision.”

Describe your management style.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills. They want to know how you would manage a team of cleaners and what kind of strategies you use to motivate them. When answering this question, describe the management style you have used in previous roles. Explain how it helped you achieve success with your team.

Example: “In my last role as a cleaner supervisor, I had two teams of cleaners working under me. My management style was very hands-on, so I spent most of my time cleaning alongside my employees. This allowed me to get to know each employee on my team and understand their strengths and weaknesses. It also gave me the opportunity to give praise when they did something well or provide constructive criticism when needed.

I also held weekly meetings where I discussed our goals for the week and provided updates on any changes we might need to make. I believe that having regular communication with my team is an important part of being a good leader.”

What makes you qualified for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the role. They want to know what experience you have that makes you a good fit for their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences you have that relate to this position. Think about which ones are most important for this job. Share these with the interviewer so they can see how you’re qualified for the role.

Example: “I’ve been working as a cleaner for five years now, and I’m ready to take on a new challenge. In my previous roles, I’ve learned how to work well in a team environment. I also understand the importance of following safety procedures when cleaning. These skills make me an excellent candidate for this role.”

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 specific job. Your answer should include which methods you enjoy using, why you prefer them and any experience you have with each method.

Example: “I really like to use steam cleaners because they’re so versatile. I’ve used them in many different situations, including when there’s a lot of dust or dirt on floors and walls and when I need to sanitize an area. They’re also great for disinfecting surfaces, which is helpful when working in hospitals or other medical facilities.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of cleaning?

This question can help the interviewer understand your cleaning philosophy. Your answer can also tell them how you prioritize tasks and manage a team of cleaners.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of cleaning is safety. I always make sure my team members are wearing proper protective equipment when they’re working with chemicals or handling dangerous objects. I also emphasize communication, so that everyone knows what to expect from each other. For example, if someone needs more supplies, they should let me know right away so we can avoid running out in the middle of a job.”

How often do you perform routine checks of cleaning equipment and tools?

The interviewer may ask this question to understand how you ensure the tools and equipment used by your team are in good condition. Your answer should show that you take responsibility for ensuring your team has the right supplies and equipment to do their job well.

Example: “I perform routine checks of all cleaning equipment and tools at least once a week, usually on Fridays before my team starts its weekend shift. I also encourage my team members to check their own equipment regularly so they can report any issues or concerns to me as soon as possible. This helps us avoid interrupting our workday with unexpected repairs or replacements.”

There is a noticeable issue with pests in one of our buildings. What is your strategy for addressing the problem?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to handle a challenging situation. Your answer should include steps you would take to identify the problem, communicate with other employees and implement solutions.

Example: “I would first inspect the building for pests and their nests. If I found evidence of an infestation, I would immediately inform my supervisor so we could work together to address the issue. I would also notify all employees working in that building about the pest problem and encourage them to report any sightings. Then, I would organize a team of cleaners to treat the affected areas.”