17 Hotel Housekeeper Interview Questions and Answers

A hotel housekeeper is responsible for the cleanliness and order of guest rooms. This position is often entry-level, and no prior experience is necessary. However, being able to answer common hotel housekeeper interview questions will help you land the job.

In this guide, you will find questions and answers related to the position of hotel housekeeper. These questions will help you understand the job duties and what is expected of you if you are hired.

Are you comfortable working with cleaning chemicals?

Housekeepers often use chemicals to clean hotel rooms. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable using these cleaning products and that they won’t cause any health problems for you. Before your interview, read through the job description to see what specific chemicals housekeepers typically use. If you have experience working with those chemicals, share a story about a time when you used them. If you don’t have experience, explain that you are willing to learn how to use them.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with cleaning chemicals. In my last position as a housekeeper, I had to work with many different types of chemicals every day. Some of the chemicals we used were ammonia, bleach and disinfectants. While some people may be uncomfortable around these chemicals, I actually find them quite helpful. They help me get the job done quickly and efficiently.”

What are your favorite cleaning tools to use?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what types of tools you prefer to use when cleaning. It can also show them that you have experience using a variety of tools, which can be beneficial if they need someone who is comfortable with different equipment. When answering this question, try to mention some of your favorite tools while also mentioning any tools you are unfamiliar with but would like to learn more about.

Example: “I really enjoy using microfiber cloths because I find them to be very effective at removing dirt from surfaces. They’re also great for getting into corners and other hard-to-reach places. Another tool I love is my steam mop because it’s so easy to use and makes quick work of floors. However, I am always looking for new ways to clean, so I’m excited to learn more about all of the tools available in this hotel.”

How do you prioritize your cleaning tasks?

Housekeeping is a job that requires you to multitask. Employers ask this question to see if you can prioritize your tasks and get them done in an efficient manner. Use your answer to show the employer that you have strong time management skills. Explain how you plan out your day so you can complete all of your tasks on time.

Example: “I always make sure I start my day with cleaning the most important areas first. For me, these are usually the guest rooms and common areas like the lobby or restaurant. After I clean those spaces, I move onto other areas of the hotel. I try to stay ahead of my work by getting as much done as possible each day. This helps me avoid having to rush at the end of the day.”

What is your experience with deep cleaning?

Housekeeping is a large part of the job, and employers want to know how you will handle this responsibility. When answering this question, explain your experience with deep cleaning and what methods you use. If you have no experience, talk about your willingness to learn new techniques.

Example: “I’ve worked as a housekeeper for five years now, so I’m quite experienced in deep cleaning. In my previous position, we had to clean every room on our floor twice a week, which meant that I was doing deep cleaning at least once per day. I used several different methods depending on the type of mess, including vacuuming, dusting, mopping and sanitizing. I also learned some advanced techniques like using steam cleaners.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult guest.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a situation where a guest was upset or angry and how you would use your communication skills to diffuse the situation. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and resolve conflict with customers.

Example: “In my previous role as a housekeeper at a hotel, I had a difficult experience with one of our guests. The guest was very upset because they found a hair in their food. I went over to speak with them and apologized for the incident. I offered to replace their meal and asked if there was anything else I could do to make up for it. After speaking with the guest, they were satisfied with my response and decided not to file a complaint.”

If you had the opportunity to develop a new cleaning process, what would it involve?

This question can help the interviewer understand your creativity and problem-solving skills. Use examples from previous experiences to explain how you would implement a new cleaning process in this role.

Example: “I have worked with many different types of floors, including tile, wood and carpet. I find that carpet is one of the most challenging surfaces to clean because it’s so delicate. In my last position, we had a lot of guests who tracked in mud or spilled food on their carpets. To solve this issue, I developed a system where housekeepers could quickly spot-clean stains before they became permanent. This allowed us to save time by not having to replace entire carpets.”

What would you do if you noticed an error in your cleaning checklist?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle mistakes and challenges. Use your answer to show that you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions, learn from them and improve as a housekeeper.

Example: “If I noticed an error in my cleaning checklist, I would first make sure the room was cleaned according to the hotel’s standards. Then, I would go back into the room and clean it again. If there were any guests staying in the room when I made the mistake, I would apologize to them and offer them a discount on their stay. Finally, I would write myself up for the infraction and ask my supervisor what steps I could take to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

How well do you deal with repetitive tasks?

Housekeeping can involve a lot of repetitive tasks, such as cleaning rooms and washing linens. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable with these types of duties. In your answer, explain that you enjoy housekeeping because it allows you to be creative in how you complete each task. You can also mention that you are willing to learn new methods for completing the same tasks over and over again.

Example: “I actually really enjoy housekeeping because I get to be creative while performing repetitive tasks. For example, when I clean a bathroom, I like to try different ways to organize the items on the countertop or shelves. I am always open to learning new techniques for doing things, so if there is a better way to do something, I’m happy to learn.”

Do you have experience working with housekeeping software?

This question can help the interviewer determine your comfort level with technology and how you might use it to complete your work. If you have experience using housekeeping software, describe what kind of system you used and how it helped you in your previous role. If you don’t have experience working with housekeeping software, explain that you are comfortable learning new systems and completing tasks within them.

Example: “In my last position as a hotel housekeeper, I worked with an electronic housekeeping management system. This system allowed me to track all of my daily activities, including which rooms I cleaned and when I completed certain tasks. It also enabled me to communicate with other members of the housekeeping team through text messaging or email.”

When is the best time to clean a hotel room?

This question can help the interviewer determine your cleaning schedule and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should show that you know when to clean a room based on factors like time of day, guest preferences or other considerations.

Example: “I find it best to clean hotel rooms in the morning before guests check out. This allows me to make sure all areas are cleaned and ready for the next group of guests. If I have extra time, I will also clean during off-peak hours so I don’t disturb guests who are still in their rooms.”

We want to ensure our guests have a pleasant experience. How would you make a guest feel welcome?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with customers and make them feel comfortable. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you know how to be friendly and helpful when interacting with guests.

Example: “I always try to greet guests as they enter the hotel, even if I’m busy cleaning a room or hallway. It’s important to me that they feel welcome and safe in our establishment. If I see a guest looking for directions or information about the hotel, I’ll stop what I’m doing to assist them. For example, once I saw a family who was lost on their way to their room. I helped them find their way and gave them some tips on where to eat dinner.”

Describe your process for cleaning up after a spill.

Housekeepers are often responsible for cleaning up spills in hotel rooms. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the proper training and experience to handle these types of tasks. In your answer, explain how you would assess the spill and determine what materials you need to clean it up. Share that you would use a variety of tools and chemicals to complete the task.

Example: “When I find a spill, my first priority is to contain it so it doesn’t spread. If there’s food or liquid on the floor, I’ll put down towels to absorb as much as possible. Then, I’ll sweep up any remaining debris with a dustpan. Next, I’ll spray the affected area with an appropriate cleaner and wipe it away with paper towels. Finally, I’ll mop up any remaining moisture with a wet-dry vacuum.”

What makes you the best candidate 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 all the skills you have that relate to housekeeping. Think about what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight these qualities in your answer.

Example: “I am passionate about cleanliness and organization, which is why I love being a housekeeper. In my previous role, I was responsible for keeping the entire hotel floor tidy, including cleaning guest rooms, vacuuming carpets and organizing supplies. I also enjoy working with people, so I always try to be friendly and helpful when guests need something. My communication skills help me resolve issues quickly and efficiently.”

Which cleaning methods do you prefer?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and expertise. If you have a lot of experience, you may be able to provide more detailed answers about how you prefer to clean. If this is your first cleaning job, you can still answer honestly by describing what methods you are most comfortable with.

Example: “I am very experienced in using both traditional and eco-friendly cleaning products. I find that each method has its own benefits, so I like to use them together when possible. For example, I will start by dusting and vacuuming the room before spraying it with an eco-friendly spray. Then, I’ll wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth or damp sponge. Finally, I’ll vacuum again to pick up any remaining dust.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a hotel housekeeper to have?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want someone who is friendly, organized and hardworking. When answering this question, think of a few qualities that are important to you and relate them back to the job description.

Example: “I believe that being organized and detail-oriented are two of the most important qualities for a hotel housekeeper to have. I know that when I am working on cleaning rooms, it’s important to make sure everything is put away properly so guests can enjoy their stay. I also think patience is an important quality because there may be times where I need to wait for other employees or equipment before I can continue my work.”

How often do you perform routine checks of cleaning equipment?

Housekeepers are responsible for keeping their cleaning equipment in good condition. This question helps the interviewer determine how much attention you pay to your work and whether you’re detail-oriented. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you know when it’s time to replace a piece of equipment or clean something before it becomes an issue.

Example: “I perform routine checks on my equipment at least once per shift, usually after I’ve completed one room and before moving onto another. If I notice any issues with my supplies, I report them immediately so they can be replaced. In my last position, I noticed a missing mop head during my first check of the day. I reported this to my supervisor, who was able to order a new one before anyone needed to use it.”

There is a noticeable stain on the carpet. What would you do to clean it?

Housekeepers are responsible for keeping hotel rooms clean and tidy. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to properly clean a variety of messes. In your answer, explain that you would first try to remove the stain with a carpet cleaner. If that doesn’t work, you will call maintenance to have them replace the carpet.

Example: “I would use my carpet cleaning machine to spray the stain. If it’s still there after I’ve cleaned it, I would call housekeeping management to get permission to replace the carpet. Then, I would move all furniture out of the room and put down protective sheets before having the carpet replaced.”