Why did you leave your last position?

"I chose to leave my last job for a job with better hours that would allow me to spend more time with my family"

Be honest with the interviewer about why you left your last job ensuring that you focus on yourself instead of the company. Talk about why you made the decision to leave the company to better yourself. You might say, "I chose to leave my last job for a job with better hours that would allow me to spend more time with my family" You may state, "I really liked my last job, and I could tell I was starting to outgrow my responsibilities. I want to find a job that is more challenging." You might mention that you left for a higher paying job at another company, a promotional opportunity, or the opportunity to work for a company that you have had your eye on for a long time. If you were laid off from your last job, simply say you were laid off. What happens if you were terminated from your last job? It can be a bit uncomfortable to talk about, but you need to be honest with the interviewer. Share why you were let go from the company taking complete responsibility for your actions that resulted in your termination. Finally, share what steps you have taken to ensure you are never let go again.

Have there been times when you have been asked to perform duties that were not in your job description? What did you do?

The interviewer wants to hear that you are a team player and will happily help with duties outside of your job description when necessary to ensure the overall organization is successful. If you have been asked to perform duties outside of your job description, go ahead and share! Mention your positive reactions to being asked to help, and be sure to mention that you are definitely willing to help out in other areas when needed. If you have not been asked to perform duties outside of your job description, that is okay too, Simply tell the interviewer that you haven't been asked, but if you are asked, you would be happy to assist the team to ensure everything gets accomplished!

"Oh yes! I was asked several times to do the trash run; this was collecting all trash from each floor of both towers, clearing the dumpster, and changing the dumpster. Another example is I had to help the engineers several times with carpet extraction after floods in the buildings. No problem!"

How would others describe you?

We recommend always sticking with professional relationships when answering this question. If the interviewer has not already asked how your coworkers view you, immediately dive into their perceptions of you! The kudos you have received from your teammates and the handwritten thank you notes you have received following baby showers for co-workers all give you hints about how to answer this question. Think about all of the positive things your co-workers have mentioned to you along the way. Now is the time to share them! Pick 2-3 encouraging things these people have said about you, and share them openly. Maybe that baby shower thank you note mentions your caring attitude. Perhaps your teammate thanked you recently for always working so hard to achieve goals you are working on. Positivity is key! What if you have already talked about your coworkers' perceptions? No problem! Talk about how your past managers have viewed you using the same technique!

Are you a trustworthy person?

Absolutely! To be a Housekeeper, you must be trustworthy. After all, other people are trusting you with their personal possessions. You carry through on your word, build great relationships, and are a respected professional who has already achieved a few promotions or key recognitions in your career!

How energetic a person would you say you are?

"I like to be a positive person and encourage my peers and work. I tend to be a go-with-the-flow person ensuring that I work hard. I typically am not a peppy personality. Instead, I like to have a smile on my face and have meaningful conversations when opportunities arise."

Be candid and share openly how energetic you are. The interviewer is simply trying to learn more about your personality and how you will fit into their existing team. The key is that you have a positive attitude whether or not you are an energetic person. You might say something like this: "I like to be a positive person and encourage my peers and work. I tend to be a go-with-the-flow person ensuring that I work hard. I typically am not a peppy personality. Instead, I like to have a smile on my face and have meaningful conversations when opportunities arise."

"I feel I am very energetic. My last supervisor commented on me being full of positive energy!"

What is your ideal working environment?

"My ideal environment would be working indoors with my hands. I like working independently for the most part, but I like to have some interaction with people throughout the day. I am happy to work in many types of environments, but this is my preferred style!"

If you could dream up the perfect place to go to work each day, what would it be like? What type of building would you be in? Would you be sitting or standing? Would you be interacting with a lot of people, or would you be working independently? Would you be working with your hands or working on a computer? Would you be wearing a uniform? What would the culture be like? Once you have your ideal environment determined, pick the pieces that fit the job that you are applying to and share those! You might say something like this, "My ideal environment would be working indoors with my hands. I like working independently for the most part, but I like to have some interaction with people throughout the day. I am happy to work in many types of environments, but this is my preferred style!"

What has been your greatest accomplishment at work?

What have you been recognized for? What have you received the most compliments for? Or, what made you feel the proudest? Go ahead and share your greatest accomplishment describing what made the accomplishment so rewarding. You might share about receiving a promotion, getting a great performance review, or receiving an award from the corporate office. You may share a positive review you received from a customer or a large project that you led. Be prepared to toot your own horn!

"Well, I effectively increased my company's monthly revenue to its all-time high record, in which I received an award, in my early years.But as far as housekeeping, there is nothing more satisfying as when your customer is so happy with your performance. And you see the joy in their eyes. That makes me feel worthy."

Do you have reliable transportation?

It is essential that housekeepers are able to arrive at work on time each day they are scheduled to work, and the interviewer wants to hear that you are prepared to meet this expectation. Go ahead and share how you plan to get to work each day, and mention what types of backup plans you could utilize if your transportation fell through for the day to still arrive at work on time. You might mention riding your bike, taking a cab, getting a ride from a friend, or walking when feasible.

How well do you work on your own?

Housekeepers work independently for much of their day, and interviewers want to hear that you will thrive in this environment. Begin by telling the interviewer that after proper training you will be comfortable to perform all duties on your own without much direction. Then, mention how much people interaction you require during the day. Are you able to meet the expectation of working independently for most of the day?

"I work very well independently as well as a team player, After just a few months of working I was promoted into the swing lead because management noticed I do not need direct supervision and handle all tasks correctly."

Can you give me some examples of health and safety procedures you have used?

The interviewer wants to learn more about your experience to ensure you receive the proper training if you are hired for the position. Go ahead and share you experience working with health and safety procedures; be sure to mention the importance of complying with these procedures. If you do not have any experience in this area, that is okay! Simply tell the interviewer that you have not had this experience, but you look forwarding to learning about these procedures for your housekeeping career.

"Yes, at my last position, they did not have a corrective action plan to handle bodily fluids. So I instructed them to set up an action plan with step by step instructions and provide the personal protection gear, correct chemicals, and disposal equipment."

What knowledge do you feel is required for a successful housekeeper?

Before arriving for your interview, we recommend reviewing the job description. It will provide you with clues about what knowledge is needed to be a successful housekeeper. Be prepared to list 3-4 things that are necessary for being a successful housekeeper. Possible answers might include: Organization practices. Chemical mixing safety. Time management.

What do you think are the most important skills for a housekeeper?

Important housekeeper skills include: Attention to detail. Time management. Ability to adapt to change. Initiative. Ability to stand for long periods of time. Willingness to help out where necessary. When asked this question, simply list 3-4 skills that you feel are essential for the housekeeper role.

"I think all housekeepers need to be aware there are proper steps to cleaning everything. You must receive professional training and learn chemical knowledge. If you use the wrong cleaner on something, you can damage it, and that is not good! 1- correct cleaning techniques 2 -chemical safety and 3- detail with time management."

What do you dislike about housekeeping?

"I like almost all parts of being a housekeeper. If I had to pick one area that I dislike, I would probably say that I dislike when guests are disrespectful and leave rooms in a complete state of disarray. It comes along with the territory, and I always clean these rooms back to their original state keeping a positive attitude while doing so. I just wish guests would be more respectful."

Most of us have aspects of our job that we dislike, and it is okay to share yours! The key is ensuring you keep a positive attitude and are always willing to handle the disliked component of the job. Go ahead and share your dislike mentioning that you know it is an important part of the role and will always complete this part of the job with a positive attitude to help the whole housekeeping team. You might say something like this, "I like almost all parts of being a housekeeper. If I had to pick one area that I dislike, I would probably say that I dislike when guests are disrespectful and leave rooms in a complete state of disarray. It comes along with the territory, and I always clean these rooms back to their original state keeping a positive attitude while doing so. I just wish guests would be more respectful."

"I dislike it when others aren't as excited to clean something to make it look beautiful. I always try to motivate my team members!"

How long have you been a Housekeeper?

The interviewer wants to hear how many total years of experience you have. Begin by sharing how many total years you have held the title of Housekeeper. Next, share how many years of cleaning experience you have in addition to this. You may have janitorial experience, residential experience, or commercial experience to add.

"I have been in the cleaning industry, both commercial and residential, for the last 15 years."

How would you handle a client who was angry or upset about something?

Begin by telling the interviewer that most clients are typically a pleasure to work with, and thankfully, the challenging ones are few and far between. Next, mention that customers are typically upset or angry with a situation and not a person, and be sure to mention that it is important to always remember that they are not upset with you. Share that your goal is to offer a positive attitude while promptly helping to address the situation. Share that you will remain calm and represent the organization in a positive manner to ensure the best possible outcome for the client.

"First off, I would ask the customer to come with me to have a more personal confidential discussion. Listen to the customer and then act on our company policy on how to handle the problem. Make sure the person is satisfied before leaving them."

Are you good at multitasking?

Housekeepers need to multi-task to ensure they have every space cleaned prior to guests arriving for a stay, and the interviewer wants to hear that you can meet this expectation. Think about a way that you are really good at multi-tasking. Are you able to cook dinner, watch the kids, and plan your weekend activities at the same time? Are you able to do laundry, chat with a friend, and pick out a new outfit online all at the same time? These personal examples are great for answering this question! When asked, mention that you can multi-task well, and share your example!

"Yes, I always have multiple tasks going at the same time. Such as doing the laundry and cleaning the kitchen at the same time."

Are you a detail-oriented person?

Absolutely! Housekeepers must be detail-oriented to ensure rooms are properly cleaned. If you have previous housekeeping experience, share a time when you caught a cleaning detail in a room that others may have missed. Discuss if you found socks or jewelry left in a dresser or under the bed. Mention if you found someone's personal belongings behind the TV. Or, share if you found valuables left in the safe. Your example will help the interviewer see your detailed nature. If you do not have previous housekeeping experience, share an example of something you have done that required great detail. Think about projects you have done around your home, errors you have caught at work, or events you have planned down to the finest of details.

"Yes, I am detailed-oriented and sometimes too much! I clean each area top to bottom; therefor, you do not miss any detail. I dust first, vacuum last- If you vacuum first when you dust, you might have to vacuum twice! As well as starting at the top of a room - air vents, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Most others seem to miss these areas."

Do you have previous experience as a Housekeeper?

This one should be easy! Go ahead and share any experience that you have listing the company name, your job title, how long you worked there, and your day-to-day duties. As an added bonus, share your favorite part of each role. It will allow the interviewer to see that you truly enjoy housekeeping work. If you do not have any experience, it is no problem! Simply share that you do not have experience as a housekeeper, but you look forward to learning the ropes!

What house chore do you dislike doing?

"My least favorite house chore is washing the windows each spring. Our windows do not easily pop out, and it takes a long time to get out the ladder and clean them from the outside of the house. I really like when the project is done because I enjoy having the clean windows. Cleaning them is just a necessity!"

We all have one, and it is okay to share yours! The key is remaining positive while explaining your dislike and mentioning that you understand it comes along with the territory, so you must complete the task. You might say something like this: "My least favorite house chore is washing the windows each spring. Our windows do not easily pop out, and it takes a long time to get out the ladder and clean them from the outside of the house. I really like when the project is done because I enjoy having the clean windows. Cleaning them is just a necessity!"

"I sometimes dislike cleaning stainless steel or glass! Only because no matter what, as soon as you are finished, someone has to put their fingerprints all over it! I just smile and tell myself if it wasn't for customers like that, they would not need me here."

What do you enjoy most about housekeeping?

The interviewer wants to hear that you are passionate about some aspect of the housekeeping role. Your passion will help the interviewer understand that you will be employed for an extended period of time and keep you interested in the position. What is your favorite part? Do you enjoy knowing that you are being hospitable to travelers? Do you enjoy knowing that you are responsible for creating a positive environment for people who are passing through? Perhaps you enjoy that you get to work fairly independently throughout the day. Or, maybe you enjoy working in the industry for a specific reason. You may even share a specific task that you enjoy most about the job. Sharing an honest candid answer will allow your passion to automatically come through for the interviewer.

"I enjoy making people happy. And that starts with having a clean area regardless of where it is"”an office, a home, a hotel room, gym, lobby, etc."

What do you know about our company?

With any job interview, it is crucial to understand the organization you are applying to. We recommend visiting the company website to learn key information and even fun facts. When asked this question, be prepared to list 3-5 facts that you learned from the website. Consider providing the mission statement, number of company locations, or when the company started.

How reliable are you?

Housekeepers must be relied upon to arrive to work punctually each day for their scheduled shift to ensure the next round of guests have a cleanly and prepared room upon arrival. And, interviewers want to hear that you understand this and can rise up to meet this expectation! Begin by sharing that you understand a housekeeper must be reliable, and share what steps you have put into place to ensure you are reliable. Explain if you have your own vehicle and how early you try to arrive at work for each shift. Next, share that you will carry through on arriving to work for each scheduled shift, and you will only miss work in the event of an emergency.

"I am completely reliable. I have worked overtime several times when others have called out. I will always volunteer to cover additional shifts. I usually arrive to work at least 15 minutes early, sometimes even 30 minutes."

How many times were you late for work at your last job?

Hopefully none! If you were never late, that is great! Simply share that you were always punctual. If you were late due to circumstances beyond your control, that is okay too! Simply share that you always try to leave a few extra minutes early to ensure you have enough time to get to work, but there was a day when something out of the ordinary happened (flat tire, traffic was at a standstill on the interstate, etc...). Then, share what steps you took to ensure you got to work as quickly as possible! Finally, if you were frequently late to work, it is essential to share this as it may come up in a reference check. Be sure to explain why you were late as well as what steps you have taken to ensure you can commit to being on time every day in a new position.

Tell me about a time when you were criticized for your work. How did you handle it?

"When I was working at ABC Hotel Group, my supervisor mentioned that I would be more effective if I worked at cleaning multiple rooms at a time instead of cleaning each room from top to bottom individually. I thought her feedback was interesting, and I thanked her for the feedback. That day, I gave it a try! At first, it took me a bit longer, but I watched a few of my co-workers use this method, and I caught on quickly. It made my cleaning process much more effective!"

Interviewers want to hear that you are a coachable person open to constructive feedback. Think about a time you were told to improve on something, and you graciously accepted the feedback and worked on your performance. Share where you were working, what you were told to improve upon, and how you graciously responded. Next, share what steps you took to ensure you improved your performance. You might say something like this, "When I was working at ABC Hotel Group, my supervisor mentioned that I would be more effective if I worked at cleaning multiple rooms at a time instead of cleaning each room from top to bottom individually. I thought her feedback was interesting, and I thanked her for the feedback. That day, I gave it a try! At first, it took me a bit longer, but I watched a few of my co-workers use this method, and I caught on quickly. It made my cleaning process much more effective!"

"I have been criticized for taking too long and being too critical. However, I just explain to whoever that proper cleaning takes proper time."

What makes you the best person for this job?

Talking about ourselves in this way can be challenging. We recommend reaching out to a few colleagues, family members, and friends. Ask them for their opinion. You'll probably be surprised at the consistency in their responses! Their answers will give you insight into how to answer this question. Tell the interviewer what sets you apart, and explain how your co-workers, family members, and friends have encouraged you with your gift in this area.

"I love to provide a clean and safe environment for residents and guests. I feel this is the foundation for keeping customers happy and satisfied."

How long do you see yourself as a Housekeeper?

The interviewer wants to hear that they will be investing in a person who will be a housekeeper for a longer amount of time. Tell the interviewer that you look forward to being a housekeeper, and you plan to work as a housekeeper for the foreseeable future.

"I will always see myself as a professional housekeeper. However, I am striving to become a supervisor or into the management level to help others achieve their best performance in housekeeping."

Housekeeper Interview Questions

Go Back

1. Why did you leave your last position?
2. Have there been times when you have been asked to perform duties that were not in your job description? What did you do?
3. How would others describe you?
4. Are you a trustworthy person?
5. How energetic a person would you say you are?
6. What is your ideal working environment?
7. What has been your greatest accomplishment at work?
8. Do you have reliable transportation?
9. How well do you work on your own?
10. Can you give me some examples of health and safety procedures you have used?
11. What knowledge do you feel is required for a successful housekeeper?
12. What do you think are the most important skills for a housekeeper?
13. What do you dislike about housekeeping?
14. How long have you been a Housekeeper?
15. How would you handle a client who was angry or upset about something?
16. Are you good at multitasking?
17. Are you a detail-oriented person?
18. Do you have previous experience as a Housekeeper?
19. What house chore do you dislike doing?
20. What do you enjoy most about housekeeping?
21. What do you know about our company?
22. How reliable are you?
23. How many times were you late for work at your last job?
24. Tell me about a time when you were criticized for your work. How did you handle it?
25. What makes you the best person for this job?
26. How long do you see yourself as a Housekeeper?

Housekeeper Interview Questions

1. Why did you leave your last position?

2. Have there been times when you have been asked to perform duties that were not in your job description? What did you do?

3. How would others describe you?

4. Are you a trustworthy person?

5. How energetic a person would you say you are?

6. What is your ideal working environment?

7. What has been your greatest accomplishment at work?

8. Do you have reliable transportation?

9. How well do you work on your own?

10. Can you give me some examples of health and safety procedures you have used?

11. What knowledge do you feel is required for a successful housekeeper?

12. What do you think are the most important skills for a housekeeper?

13. What do you dislike about housekeeping?

14. How long have you been a Housekeeper?

15. How would you handle a client who was angry or upset about something?

16. Are you good at multitasking?

17. Are you a detail-oriented person?

18. Do you have previous experience as a Housekeeper?

19. What house chore do you dislike doing?

20. What do you enjoy most about housekeeping?

21. What do you know about our company?

22. How reliable are you?

23. How many times were you late for work at your last job?

24. Tell me about a time when you were criticized for your work. How did you handle it?

25. What makes you the best person for this job?

26. How long do you see yourself as a Housekeeper?