17 Janitorial Manager Interview Questions and Answers

The janitorial manager is responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of a business, school, government building, or healthcare facility. Before you’re hired for a janitorial manager job, you may need to go to a job interview. One way to prepare for this important meeting is to learn how to answer janitorial manager interview questions before talking with an interviewer.

Employers look for janitorial managers who are trustworthy, reliable, well organized, and able to solve problems. You’ll also need physical strength and stamina, as well as knowledge of the best ways to clean different facilities and types of equipment. A janitorial manager interview is your chance to show that you’ve polished these skills to a shine. To help you get ready, we’ve listed janitorial manager questions and answers that will help you figure out what you want to say during an interview.

Are you comfortable training new employees?

As a janitorial manager, you may be responsible for training new employees. Employers ask this question to make sure that you are comfortable with this responsibility and have experience doing it. If you do not have any experience training new employees, consider talking about your willingness to learn how to do so.

Example: “I am happy to train new employees. I find that the best way to train someone is by giving them small tasks first and then gradually increasing their responsibilities. This allows me to see what they can handle and gives them time to practice each task before moving on to more challenging ones. I also like to give my employees one-on-one feedback after they complete a task or project. This helps me understand where they need help and lets them know that I care about their progress.”

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced while training new employees?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach training new employees and how well you can communicate information to others. Use examples from your experience that show you’re a strong communicator who is able to teach others about janitorial work.

Example: “I find it helpful to start with an overview of the company, including its mission statement and goals. I also like to give a brief history of the organization so new employees know where we came from and what our values are. This helps them feel more connected to the company and motivates them to do their best work.

Another challenge I face when training new employees is making sure they have all the tools they need to complete their tasks. For example, if someone needs a certain type of vacuum or cleaning solution, I make sure they have access to those resources as soon as possible. It’s important for me to be aware of any challenges my team members may encounter so I can address them before they become problems.”

How do you handle employee disputes?

Employers ask this question to make sure you can resolve conflicts between your employees. Use examples from your previous experience to show the employer that you know how to solve problems and keep your team happy.

Example: “In my last role, two of my janitors had a disagreement about who should clean a certain floor. One employee thought they were responsible for it, but the other employee disagreed. I met with both employees separately to hear their sides of the story. After hearing both accounts, I realized one employee was right. I told them they would be cleaning that floor, which made them happy. The other employee understood why they weren’t assigned that task.”

What is your process for evaluating the performance of your employees?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your management style and how you use it to help your employees improve their performance. Your answer should include a specific example of how you evaluated an employee’s performance in the past, along with what steps you took to help them improve or what actions you took if they were underperforming.

Example: “I recently had to evaluate one of my janitors for not following proper procedures when cleaning a bathroom. I asked him why he didn’t follow the procedure, and he told me that he was trying to clean the bathrooms faster so that we could get out of work earlier. I explained to him that while working quickly is important, it’s also important to do our jobs well. I gave him some tips on how to clean the bathrooms more efficiently without sacrificing quality.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with an emergency situation.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills. They want to know that you can handle a variety of situations and make quick decisions when necessary. In your answer, describe the situation in detail and explain how you handled it.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant janitorial manager at my previous job, we had a flood in one of our buildings. It happened overnight, so no one noticed until the next morning. When I arrived for work, I saw water leaking from the ceiling in several places. I immediately called the emergency contact number and notified them of the situation. Then, I gathered all of my employees and explained what happened. We then got to work cleaning up the mess.”

If hired, what would be your top priorities?

This question helps the interviewer determine how you prioritize your work and what you consider important. Your answer should include a list of tasks that show you are organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects at once.

Example: “My top priorities would be keeping my team informed about any changes in our cleaning schedule or procedures. I’d also make sure all employees have the supplies they need to do their job well. Another priority would be ensuring we’re meeting the needs of our clients by providing quality service and maintaining clean facilities.”

What would you do if you noticed an employee not following company policies?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to hold your employees accountable and ensure they’re following company policies. In your answer, explain that you would first try to speak with them about it in private. If they still didn’t comply, you would document their actions and give them a warning.

Example: “If I noticed an employee not following company policy, I would first approach them privately to discuss the issue. If they still didn’t follow the rules after our discussion, I would write up a formal warning for them. This way, they know there are consequences if they continue to break the rules.”

How well do you handle stress?

Employers ask this question to see if you can handle the stress of managing a janitorial team. They want someone who is able to stay calm and focused when things get hectic. Use your answer to show that you are confident in your ability to manage stressful situations. Explain how you plan ahead for these types of scenarios so they don’t become overwhelming.

Example: “I have always been good at handling stress, but I do find ways to reduce it before it becomes too much. For example, I like to create a schedule for my team well in advance. This way, I know what tasks everyone will be working on each day. It also helps me anticipate any issues that may arise so I can solve them before they become big problems. Another thing I do is make sure all of my employees feel comfortable asking questions or expressing concerns. I encourage open communication so we can work through any challenges together.”

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

Employers ask this question to see if you have done your research on the company and position. They want to know that you are genuinely interested in their organization and what it has to offer. Before your interview, make a list of questions you can ask about the job or company. Try to come up with questions that show you are passionate about janitorial work and eager to learn more about the role.

Example: “I am very excited about this opportunity, and I did some research on your company before my interview. I noticed that you have an excellent benefits package for employees. I also read that you recently won an award for being one of the best places to work in the state. I would love to hear more about how you maintain such a positive culture within the company.”

When was the last time you updated your janitorial knowledge?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are committed to your career and want to continue learning. They also want to know that you have the ability to learn new things, which is an important skill for a janitorial manager. When answering this question, try to show that you are eager to learn more about your industry. You can even mention some specific skills or knowledge you would like to develop.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my cleaning techniques. I recently took a class on how to clean up blood stains. It was very interesting, and I learned a lot of useful information. I think it’s important to stay updated with current methods.”

We want to improve our sustainability efforts. If you were hired, what changes would you make to our current practices?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might approach sustainability efforts in your work. Use examples from previous positions to show that you’re committed to reducing waste and conserving resources.

Example: “I would first assess our current practices for recycling, composting and other sustainable initiatives. I’d then create a plan for improving these processes by implementing new procedures or changing existing ones. For example, at my last job, we implemented a policy where all employees had to separate their trash into three different bins. This helped us reduce the amount of trash we sent to the landfill each week.”

Describe your experience with using cleaning equipment.

This question can help the interviewer determine your comfort level with using janitorial equipment. Use examples from previous jobs to describe how you used cleaning equipment and what types of equipment you’re comfortable using.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for maintaining all of our cleaning supplies. This included ordering new supplies when we were running low on a particular item. I also cleaned the floors in each department by myself, so I had to use many different types of janitorial equipment. For example, I used a floor buffer to remove stains from the carpet and a mop bucket to clean the floors.”

What makes you an effective leader?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you can apply them in their organization. When answering, it can be helpful to think of a specific example from your past where you were able to lead others effectively.

Example: “I believe that an effective leader is someone who can motivate their team members while also being approachable. I am always willing to listen to my employees’ ideas and suggestions for improvement. In the past, I have had several janitors come to me with questions or concerns, and I make sure to give them the time they need to feel comfortable speaking with me. This has helped me build strong relationships with my staff and create a positive work environment.”

Which cleaning methods do you prefer to use?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your cleaning preferences. They want to know which methods you use most often and why. When answering, think of the methods that you have used in previous jobs. Explain how each method benefits a janitorial team.

Example: “I prefer using environmentally friendly products when possible. I find these products are safer for my employees to work with. For example, I would rather use a non-toxic floor cleaner than a traditional one. However, I understand that sometimes we need to use harsher chemicals. In those cases, I make sure my employees wear protective gear while working with them. I also ensure they follow all safety precautions.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a janitorial manager?

This question can help the interviewer understand your priorities as a janitorial manager. It can also show them what you value in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to focus on one or two aspects of being a janitorial manager that are most important to you and explain why they’re important.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of being a janitorial manager is communication. I believe it’s essential for managers to communicate with their team members about any changes or updates to procedures or schedules. This helps ensure everyone understands how their work fits into the larger picture and allows employees to ask questions if something isn’t clear.”

How often do you recommend cleaning each area of a building?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your cleaning schedule. It’s important to consider each area of a building and its purpose when answering this question.

Example: “I recommend cleaning each area of a building based on its use. For example, I would clean common areas more frequently than private offices because they’re used by many people throughout the day. In my last role, I cleaned public restrooms every morning before employees arrived for work and again in the afternoon after lunch. Private bathrooms were cleaned once per week.”

There is a new technology that could improve the efficiency of your team. How would you introduce it to your employees?

Employers ask this question to see if you are open to new ideas and technologies. They want someone who is willing to try out new things that could benefit the company. In your answer, explain how you would introduce a new technology to your team. Explain what steps you would take to ensure everyone understood it.

Example: “I think it’s important to be open to new technologies. I would first find out more about the technology before introducing it to my team. I would then hold a meeting with my employees to discuss the new technology. I would give them time to ask questions and voice their concerns. After they understand the technology, I would train them on how to use it.”