6 Sample Custodian Interview Questions and Answers

Custodians and janitors are responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of businesses, schools, government buildings, and healthcare facilities. Before you’re hired for a custodian job, you may need to go to a job interview. One way to prepare for this important meeting is to learn how to answer custodian interview questions before talking with an interviewer.

Employers look for custodians 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 custodial interview is your chance to show that you’ve polished these skills to a shine. To help you get ready, we’ve listed six common custodian questions and answers that will help you figure out what you want to say during an interview.

6 Common Custodian Interview Questions

1. Why Should We Hire You as a Custodian?
2. What Makes You a Good Elementary School Custodian?
3. How Do You Keep Equipment, Machinery, and Tools Clean?
4. What Helps You Stay Motivated?
5. What Are Some Common Problems You Solve as a Custodian?
6. What Credentials Do You Have or Would Like to Pursue?

Question #1: Why Should We Hire You as a Custodian?

A custodial interview sometimes opens with, “Why should we hire you?” The hiring manager wants to find out if you have the skills they need for the job. You’ll want to be specific when responding to this question. Think about the following when answering custodian interview questions such as this:

• What are the employer’s needs and how can you fulfill them?
• Do you have the core skills necessary for a custodian job?
• Why are your skills and experience a good fit for the employer?

How You Could Answer

“If you hire me, I’ll come into this position with a lot of previous experience and the ability to pick up new skills quickly. I got my start working as a custodian at a nursing home, where I worked for the last six years. Keeping the nursing home clean was necessary for the residents’ health and safety, so I understand how important a custodian’s job is. During my time at the nursing home, I learned how to use cleaning agents, including detergents, solvents, and disinfectant sprays, and how to operate a floor buffer. I can help you to keep your facility sanitary and maintain it, so I believe I’m a good fit for this position.”

Question #2: What Makes You a Good Elementary School Custodian?

Elementary schools are one of the biggest employers of custodians. Custodial interview questions for elementary school are meant to gauge your reliability, personability, and skills. You must also show that you know when a situation could be dangerous so you can keep students safe. Ask yourself these questions when devising an answers to skill-related custodian interview questions:

• How quickly can I solve a problem, such as a liquid spill?
• Am I a good communicator?
• Am I friendly and able to help faculty and students?

How You Could Answer

“I feel that I’m a good elementary school custodian because I always put the safety of students, faculty, and visitors first. For example, if a liquid spills and could make a student slip and fall, I’ll drop what I’m doing and take care of it. At my last job, we used walkie-talkies. So, if there was a problem, I was told right away. I also enjoy helping others and can get along with anyone.”

Question #3: How Do You Keep Equipment, Machinery, and Tools Clean?

It’s impossible to clean with unsanitary equipment, machinery, and tools. When employers ask custodian interview questions about your cleanliness, discuss the following in your answer:

• Why you believe it’s important to keep equipment, machinery, and tools clean.
• Which cleaning materials and methods you use.
• Daily practices you have.

How You Could Answer

“If my equipment, machinery, and tools aren’t clean, I can’t do my job well. Some of the machines I use include vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, and burnishers. Cleaning this equipment often involves removing and replacing filters. I also use disinfectant spray when wiping my equipment down at the end of the day. I also sanitize mops, cloths, and toilet brushes with hot water and bleach so they’re ready to use the next day.”

Question #4: What Helps You Stay Motivated?

Let’s face it, completing multiple cleaning tasks throughout the day can seem repetitive. But they are an important part of the job that require daily motivation. Janitor interview questions such as this are asking you to show that you are reliable and consistent. Consider the following when explaining how you stay motivated:

• Do you start your day with rituals or routines that help you stay motivated?
• How do you stay motivated throughout the day?
• Do you get satisfaction out of completing a cleaning task?

How You Could Answer

“I come into work each day with a positive mindset and find ways to make my job eventful. I often listen to music that puts me in a good mood before my day starts. I stay motivated by talking to others and sometimes including a little humor. I see each cleaning task as an accomplishment once it has been completed. I get satisfaction out of knowing that I did my part to keep the people in my facility safe and healthy.”

Question #5: What Are Some Common Problems You Solve as a Custodian?

As a custodian, you’ll encounter problems often, many of which occur when you least expect them. Problem-solving is one of the top skills employers look for in custodians. Custodian interview questions about problem-solving are a great opportunity to pull from your prior experience. Discuss the following details when creating your answer:

• Common problems that arise such as liquid spills and plumbing issues.
• Problems that you have solved in your prior custodian jobs.
• Actions you took to solve the problem and the outcome.

How You Could Answer

“The most common problems I have experienced as a custodian are liquid and chemical spills. Liquid spills put others in danger of slipping and falling. In one incident, the nursing home had a massive leak in the kitchen caused by a broken PVC pipe under the sink. Once I figured out what the problem was, it turned out to be an easy fix. I was able to replace and seal off the pipe without having to ask a plumber. Once the pipe was replaced, the leak stopped.”

Question #6: What Credentials Do You Have or Would Like to Pursue?

Additional credentials—such as certifications and licenses—increase your skillset and make you more hirable. You may have already listed your credentials on your resume. But employers ask custodian interview questions regarding credentials to learn more about what you can bring to the table. Here are a few things to discuss when answering this question:

• Licenses and certificates you already have.
• Non-formal custodian training you have received.
• Any credentials you plan on getting.

How You Could Answer

“I recently received Clean Standard: K–12 training from the International Sanitary Supply Association. But I don’t have any licenses or certificates for custodian work. I would like to eventually get a Registered Building Service Manager certificate from the Building Service Contractors Association International. I enjoy the work that I’m currently doing, but would like to advance in this field.”

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So, now you know what to expect from custodian interview questions. Getting an interview is the next step. Luckily, we can help with that. Simply upload your resume to Monster to get matched with job recruiters and employers. We’ll also help make your search easier by sending free alerts directly to your phone.