17 Facility Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers

Facility supervisors are responsible for the overall cleanliness, appearance, and functionality of the facilities they manage. This may include schools, hospitals, office buildings, or other types of commercial or institutional facilities.

Before you can interview for this position, you’ll need to have some specific qualifications. These may vary depending on the type of facility you’re hoping to manage, but common requirements include experience in janitorial work, knowledge of cleaning and maintenance procedures, and a valid driver’s license.

Once you’ve met the basic qualifications, the next step is to ace the interview. This will involve answering questions about your experience, your ability to lead a team, and your knowledge of safety procedures. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of the most common questions asked in a facility supervisor interview, along with sample answers.

Are you comfortable working with a team of people to oversee the day-to-day operations of a facility?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you interact with others. Your answer should include examples of how you collaborate with a team to solve problems, make decisions or complete tasks.

Example: “I have worked in facilities where I was the only employee on site, so I am comfortable working alone as well as with a team. In my current role, I work alongside two other facility supervisors who oversee different areas of the property. We meet once per week to discuss any issues that arise during the week and develop solutions together. For example, when we first started meeting, we noticed our cleaning staff were taking longer breaks than usual. After discussing it, we determined they needed new equipment for their jobs. By collaborating, we found a solution quickly.”

What are some of the most important qualities that a facility supervisor should have?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you possess the skills and abilities necessary for this role. You can answer this question by listing several qualities, such as leadership, communication, organization and problem-solving skills.

Example: “A facility supervisor should be a strong leader who can motivate their team members and inspire them to do their best work. They should also have excellent communication skills so they can clearly explain tasks to their employees and resolve any issues with their staff or other departments. Facility supervisors should also be organized and detail-oriented because it helps them manage projects effectively. Finally, facility supervisors should have strong problem-solving skills so they can find solutions to unexpected challenges.”

How would you handle a situation where a vendor or contractor was not meeting your standards?

As a facility supervisor, you may be responsible for managing vendors and contractors. An interviewer may ask this question to understand how you would handle such situations. In your answer, try to show that you can hold others accountable while also maintaining positive relationships with them.

Example: “I have had to manage several vendors and contractors in the past, and I find it’s important to set clear expectations from the beginning of a project. If a vendor or contractor is not meeting my standards, I will first meet with them to discuss what they need to do differently. If they are unable to improve their performance, I will let them go from the project. This ensures that we maintain high-quality work while also protecting our organization.”

What is your process for hiring and training new staff members?

Hiring and training new staff members is an important part of being a facility supervisor. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary to hire qualified candidates and train them on their processes. In your answer, explain how you would go about finding new employees and ensuring they are ready for their job.

Example: “I find that it’s best to start with a job posting. I look for people who have experience in the industry and can meet our requirements. Then, I schedule interviews with the top three applicants and conduct phone interviews before inviting them in for an in-person interview. After making my decision, I give them a tour of the facility and introduce them to everyone they will be working with.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to manage a budget for a facility.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your financial management skills. They want to know how you would handle a budget for their facility and whether or not you have experience with managing budgets in the past. In your answer, explain what steps you took to manage the budget and highlight any specific skills that helped you do so.

Example: “In my current role as facilities manager, I am responsible for creating the annual budget for our company. I start by researching the costs of all of our supplies and equipment. Then, I meet with my team to discuss which projects we can complete within the budget. After finalizing the budget, I submit it to upper management for approval.”

If you were in charge of a sports facility, how would you handle a situation where a parent was being aggressive or disrespectful towards one of your staff members?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your leadership skills and how you would handle a challenging situation. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm in stressful situations and encourage others to do the same.

Example: “I would first make sure that my staff member was safe and not in any danger. Then, I would calmly approach the parent and explain that we have a zero-tolerance policy for aggressive behavior. If they continued their aggression or disrespect, I would call security to remove them from the facility.”

What would you do if you noticed that a significant number of your employees were taking frequent sick days?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a situation that could affect your team’s productivity. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to take action and hold employees accountable for their attendance record.

Example: “If I noticed that many of my employees were taking sick days, I would first meet with each employee individually to discuss their absences. If they had legitimate reasons for missing work, I would accept those excuses. However, if an employee was frequently missing work without good reason, I would have a conversation with them about the importance of maintaining a healthy attendance record. If they continued to miss work after our meeting, I would likely terminate their employment.”

How well do you understand the safety regulations and standards for your industry?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the industry’s safety regulations and standards. This can help them determine whether you are qualified for the position, as facility supervisors must ensure their employees follow these guidelines. In your answer, try to show that you have a strong understanding of the industry’s safety regulations and how you would enforce them in your role.

Example: “I am very familiar with the safety regulations and standards for my industry. I’ve worked in facilities where we had to meet certain OSHA requirements, so I know what it takes to maintain a safe work environment. As a facility supervisor, I would make sure all employees followed these guidelines. If they didn’t, I would first give them feedback on their performance and then take disciplinary action if needed.”

Do you have any experience with facility management software?

Facility management software is a common tool used by facility supervisors. It allows them to keep track of the maintenance schedule, budget and other important information about their facilities. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with using such software and how it can benefit their organization. In your answer, explain what kind of software you use and why you prefer it over others.

Example: “I’ve worked in several different organizations that use various types of facility management software. I find that most professionals agree that Facility Manager Pro is one of the best systems out there. It’s easy to use, has all the features I need and offers excellent customer service. I would be happy to help your organization transition from whatever system you’re currently using to Facility Manager Pro.”

When is it appropriate to call a repair person?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your decision-making process. They want to know how you make decisions that affect the facility and its employees. In your answer, explain what factors you consider when deciding whether or not to call a repair person.

Example: “I would only call a repair person if I couldn’t fix the problem myself or if it was an emergency situation. For example, if there is no hot water in the building, I would immediately call someone to fix it. If I could fix the issue myself, but it would take me longer than 30 minutes, then I would also call someone. I always try to do as much work as possible before calling someone else.”

We want to improve employee morale. What would you do to achieve this?

Employers want to know that you can help their team members feel valued and appreciated. Use your answer to highlight how you would use your leadership skills to create a positive work environment for everyone on the team.

Example: “I believe that one of the best ways to improve morale is by showing employees they are valued and appreciated. I would make sure to thank my team members for their hard work, and I would also take time to get to know each person on my team. This way, I could learn what makes them happy and find out more about their lives outside of work.”

Describe your process for conducting facility inspections.

Facility inspections are an important part of a facility supervisor’s job. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and experience necessary for conducting effective facility inspections. In your answer, explain how you would conduct a facility inspection. Share what steps you would take during each phase of the inspection process.

Example: “I start every facility inspection by walking through the entire building with my team. During this initial walk-through, I look for any safety hazards or issues that may need immediate attention. After our initial walk-through, I break off into smaller groups with my team members to inspect specific areas of the facility. For example, one group might inspect the kitchen while another looks at the bathrooms.

After we complete these individual inspections, I meet up with all of my team members again to discuss any concerns they found during their inspections. We then decide on a plan of action for addressing any problems we find. Finally, I write up a report detailing everything we discussed and outlining the actions we will take to address any issues.”

What makes you stand out from other facility supervisors?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and how you can contribute to their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from other facility supervisors. You may also want to mention any certifications you have in the field.

Example: “I am passionate about my work as a facility supervisor because I enjoy helping others. In my previous role, I helped create an employee training program where we taught employees how to properly use equipment and clean up spills. This led to fewer accidents and saved the company money on repairs. Another reason why I stand out is because of my commitment to safety. I always make sure all employees are following proper procedures.”

Which facility management software programs are you familiar with?

Facility management software programs are used to keep track of facility maintenance schedules, employee time sheets and other important information. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using the same or similar software they use in their company. In your answer, explain which software you’re familiar with and why it’s beneficial for you to use that program.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different facility management software programs throughout my career. I find that each one has its own unique benefits, so I like to try out new ones when possible. For example, I recently started working at a company where we used Timely Facility Management Software. This system was great because it allowed me to create detailed reports on our facilities’ energy usage and compare them to previous years.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service?

Customer service is an important part of any facility supervisor’s job. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of customer service and how it relates to your role as a facility supervisor. In your answer, explain what you think makes for good customer service and why it’s so important in facilities management.

Example: “I believe that the most important aspect of customer service is making customers feel welcome and comfortable. When people visit our facilities, they are looking for a pleasant experience. I always try to be friendly and helpful when interacting with customers. This helps them have a positive experience and ensures they’ll want to return. It also shows my team members that we value their work.”

How often should you perform facility maintenance checks?

Facility maintenance checks are an important part of a facility supervisor’s job. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of performing regular maintenance checks and how often they should be done. In your answer, explain that it depends on the type of facility you’re working in. If you have experience with multiple types of facilities, give examples from each one.

Example: “I think it really depends on the type of facility you’re working in. For example, I worked at a warehouse where we did monthly facility maintenance checks. We had to check for any damages or issues with equipment, clean up spills and ensure all safety protocols were being followed. At my current position, we do weekly facility maintenance checks because there is less work to do. However, if something needs to be fixed, we will perform emergency maintenance checks.”

There is a bug infestation in one of your storage rooms. What is your response?

Bugs can be a common problem in facilities, and an interviewer may ask you this question to see how you would respond to such a situation. In your answer, try to show that you have the skills necessary to handle bugs and other pests when they arise.

Example: “I would first make sure that all of my staff members are safe from the infestation. Then I would call in professional exterminators to get rid of the bugs as quickly as possible. After the extermination is complete, I would clean up any messes left behind by the bugs and ensure that there aren’t any lingering issues with the room.”