17 Facilities Maintenance Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Facilities maintenance technicians are responsible for the upkeep and repair of buildings and grounds. They may work in a variety of settings, such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, or manufacturing plants.

When interviewing for a facilities maintenance technician job, you will be asked questions about your technical skills, work experience, and ability to handle various tasks. The interviewer will also want to know if you have experience with specific types of equipment or tools.

To help you prepare for your interview, we have compiled a list of common facilities maintenance technician interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working with a team of technicians and contractors to complete maintenance tasks?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your ability to collaborate with others in a team setting. Your answer should show that you are able to work well with others and communicate effectively.

Example: “I have worked on several projects with other technicians and contractors, and I find it helpful to bounce ideas off of them when I’m working on a problem or project. Having multiple perspectives can help me come up with solutions more quickly. In my last role, I was the lead technician for a large-scale construction project at an office building. My team included two other facilities maintenance technicians and three contractors who specialized in plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems. We all communicated regularly about our progress and any issues we encountered.”

What are some of the safety protocols you follow when working with hazardous materials or equipment?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of safety protocols and procedures. Use examples from previous experience that show how important it is to follow these protocols and procedures, especially when working with hazardous materials or equipment.

Example: “I always make sure to wear the proper protective gear when handling hazardous materials or equipment because it’s crucial for my own safety. I also ensure that anyone else who enters the work area has the same protective gear on so they can safely assist me in completing tasks. In my last role, I had to dispose of some old fluorescent light bulbs that were still active. I made sure to use the disposal unit according to company protocol and wore all necessary protective gear while doing so.”

How would you handle a situation where you need to perform a repair or upgrade, but the parts you need are not available?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you adapt to challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to improvise and creativity.

Example: “If I needed a part that was unavailable, I would first try to find an alternative part or piece of equipment that could do the same job as the original. If this wasn’t possible, I would look for other ways to complete the task. For example, if I needed a specific tool but it was out of stock, I would use my knowledge of the repair process to improvise with what I had available.”

What is your process for inspecting and maintaining heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems?

This question can help interviewers understand your process for completing tasks and how you prioritize them. Use examples from previous experience to explain the steps you take when inspecting HVAC systems, maintaining them or repairing them.

Example: “I first inspect the entire system for any signs of damage or wear. If I find a problem with one component, such as a broken fan belt, I’ll replace it before moving on to other components. After that, I’ll check all the wiring and connections to ensure they’re secure. Finally, I’ll test the system to make sure it’s working properly.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified a problem and fixed it quickly to improve the functionality of a building.

This question can help the interviewer determine your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. Use examples from previous experience that highlight your critical thinking, communication and organizational skills.

Example: “In my last role as a facilities maintenance technician, I noticed that one of our elevators was taking longer than usual to arrive at each floor. After investigating the issue, I found out that the elevator’s motor needed replacing. I ordered the part and scheduled it for replacement during an off-peak time so there would be minimal disruption to building operations. The elevator was back in service within two days.”

If you were in charge of maintaining a building that was open to the public, how would you handle an unhappy customer?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and customer service. Use examples from your experience to show that you’re willing to go the extra mile for customers.

Example: “I’ve worked in facilities maintenance for over 10 years, so I have plenty of experience dealing with unhappy customers. In my last position, a customer called me because they were having trouble getting their printer to work. After troubleshooting it on the phone, I realized that the problem was more complicated than just a simple fix. So, I drove to the building myself to fix the issue. The customer was very grateful when I arrived.”

What would you do if you noticed a safety hazard that you were not authorized to fix yourself?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety in your work environment. They want to know that you will report any hazards and not try to fix them yourself. In your answer, explain that you would immediately report the hazard to your supervisor or manager so they can take care of it.

Example: “If I noticed a safety hazard, I would first document it with photos and notes. Then, I would tell my supervisor about the issue as soon as possible. If there was an immediate threat to anyone’s health or well-being, I would inform someone higher up right away. After informing someone, I would wait for instructions on how to proceed.”

How well do you understand the technical aspects of the buildings and equipment you maintain?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of expertise in facilities maintenance. Use examples from past experiences to show that you have a strong understanding of technical aspects and how they relate to maintaining buildings and equipment.

Example: “I understand the technical aspects of the buildings and equipment I maintain very well because it’s important for me to know what each piece does and how it works together with other pieces. For example, when I was working at my previous job, there was an issue with one of the air conditioning units. The problem turned out to be a loose wire connection, but if I hadn’t understood the technical side of things, I may not have been able to fix the issue as quickly.”

Do you have experience using maintenance software to log your work hours and update maintenance records?

This question can help the interviewer determine your comfort level with using technology in your work. If you have experience using maintenance software, describe how it helped you complete your tasks more efficiently and accurately. If you don’t have experience using maintenance software, explain what other methods you use to keep track of your time and record your progress on projects.

Example: “I’ve used several different types of maintenance software throughout my career. I find that these programs are helpful for keeping track of all of my daily activities and recording important information about each project I’m working on. In my last role, I found that using maintenance software was especially beneficial because it allowed me to communicate directly with my supervisor through the program’s messaging system. This made it easy to ask questions or report any issues I encountered while completing a task.”

When performing routine maintenance, what is the ideal frequency for performing each task?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and expertise. When answering, it can be helpful to include a specific frequency for each task you perform in your current role or any other relevant information that helps demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

Example: “In my current position as facilities maintenance technician, I perform routine inspections every two weeks. I also conduct monthly checks on all emergency lighting systems and fire extinguishers. I check the condition of exit routes once per month, and I inspect the entire facility for safety hazards once per quarter. I change filters in HVAC units twice per year.”

We want to be able to respond quickly to maintenance requests. How would you adjust your work schedule to accommodate urgent repairs?

This question can help the interviewer determine how flexible you are and whether your schedule would interfere with responding to urgent repairs. Show that you’re willing to adjust your work hours or take on additional responsibilities if needed.

Example: “I understand that emergencies happen, so I’m always available to respond to urgent maintenance requests. If my supervisor needs me to stay late or come in early for an urgent repair, I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. In fact, I’ve been known to volunteer for extra shifts when a colleague is out sick or on vacation.”

Describe your process for documenting the work you do and the supplies you use.

This question can help interviewers understand how you keep track of your work and the supplies you use. They may want to know that you’re organized, detail-oriented and able to follow company procedures for documenting your work.

Example: “I have a system where I take photos of each step of my work so I can reference it later if needed. I also document the date, time and location of when I completed the task as well as any materials or tools I used. This helps me stay organized and ensures I’m following company procedure.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for a facilities maintenance technician position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel about the position. They want someone who is passionate about their work, so it’s important to highlight any unique skills or experiences that make you a good fit for the role.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate because I have several years of experience in facilities maintenance. In my previous job, I was responsible for maintaining all aspects of our office building, including repairs, cleaning and organizing. I also worked with other technicians to ensure we were completing projects on time. These skills are what led me to pursue a career as a facilities maintenance technician.”

Which types of buildings have you worked with in the past?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and determine if you have any specialized training. If you’ve worked with a specific type of building in the past, explain what types of projects you completed. If you haven’t worked with many different types of buildings, highlight the ones you have worked with to show that you’re willing to learn new things.

Example: “In my previous role as facilities maintenance technician, I worked on both commercial and residential buildings. In my current position, I’m responsible for maintaining all types of buildings, including office spaces, retail stores and apartment complexes.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a facilities maintenance technician to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine what you value in a job and how your skills match those values. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about which skills have helped you succeed in previous roles.

Example: “I believe that communication is one of the most important skills for facilities maintenance technicians to have. In my last role as an HVAC technician, I was responsible for diagnosing problems with heating and cooling systems. Being able to communicate clearly with clients and other technicians was essential because it allowed me to explain exactly what I was doing and why. It also helped ensure that everyone understood the steps I took to repair the system.”

How often do you perform routine maintenance on HVAC systems?

HVAC systems are a major part of facilities maintenance, and the interviewer wants to know how much experience you have with this type of system. Your answer should include details about your specific HVAC maintenance procedures and any certifications or training you’ve received in this area.

Example: “I perform routine maintenance on HVAC systems at least once per month. I check for leaks, make sure all filters are clean and replace them if necessary, inspect the condenser coils and evaporator coils for damage and ensure that there is no debris clogging the system. I also test the thermostat to make sure it’s functioning properly.”

There is a leak in a water pipe that you cannot reach. What would you do?

This question is a test of your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer that you are willing to get dirty and work hard for the job. Your answer should show that you can think creatively, use tools and solve problems on your own.

Example: “I would first try to find something long enough to reach the leak. If I could not find anything, I would call my supervisor or another technician for help. If they were unavailable, I would go to the nearest supply closet and look for any extension pipes that might be able to reach the pipe. If none of those options worked, I would ask other technicians if they had any ideas.”