Log InSign Up

18 Custodian Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various custodian interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Custodian Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Custodian Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in custodial work?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They might be trying to gauge your interest in the job, or they might be trying to see if you have any experience in the field. Either way, it is important to be honest and give a thoughtful answer.

One reason why someone might pursue a career in custodial work is because they enjoy helping to keep things clean and organized. They might take pride in their work and feel satisfaction in knowing that they are playing a role in keeping a space tidy. Another reason might be that they have previous experience working in the field, and they enjoy the challenge of keeping a large space clean. Whatever the reason, it is important to be honest and thoughtful in your response.

Example: “I was inspired to pursue a career in custodial work after seeing how much of a difference it made in my own life. After growing up in a household where cleanliness was not always a priority, I realized how important it is to have a clean and orderly environment. I also saw how much satisfaction my parents got from keeping our home clean and tidy. This inspired me to pursue a career in custodial work so that I could help others create a clean and comfortable living space.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful custodian?

The most important qualities for a successful custodian are:

-The ability to follow instructions and complete tasks in a timely manner

-The ability to work independently with little supervision

-Physical stamina and strength to perform the duties of the job

-The ability to lift and move heavy equipment and furniture

-The ability to work in a variety of environments, including indoors and outdoors

-The ability to work shifts, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends

It is important for the interviewer to ask this question in order to gauge the candidate's understanding of the job requirements and whether they possess the necessary skills and qualities to perform the job successfully.

Example: “The most important qualities for a successful custodian are:

-Reliability: A custodian must be someone who can be relied on to show up on time and do their job properly.

-Attention to detail: A custodian must be able to pay attention to details in order to clean properly and spot any potential problems.

-Physical stamina: A custodian must be physically fit in order to perform the tasks of the job, which can be demanding at times.

-Interpersonal skills: A custodian must be able to interact well with others, as they will often be working in close proximity to others and will need to be able to communicate effectively.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges you face in your role?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your self-awareness, see how you handle stress, or get a sense of your work ethic. Custodians have a lot of responsibility and the interviewer wants to make sure you are up for the challenge. This question is important because it shows that the interviewer is taking the time to get to know you and your capabilities.

Example: “There are a few challenges that come to mind when thinking about my role as a custodian. One of the biggest challenges is keeping the facilities clean and organized. This can be difficult at times because there is a lot of foot traffic and things can get messy quickly. Another challenge is dealing with unexpected situations, such as spills or messes that need to be cleaned up right away. This can be difficult to manage because it can disrupt my normal routine and throw off my schedule for the day. Lastly, I think one of the biggest challenges is dealing with people who are not respectful of the facilities or who do not follow the rules. This can be frustrating at times, but I try to remain professional and polite.”

What do you like most about your job?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a custodian what they like most about their job. For one, it helps the interviewer get to know the custodian better and understand what motivates them. Additionally, understanding what the custodian likes about their job can help the interviewer identify areas where the custodian may be particularly skilled or enthusiastic, which can be helpful in assigning tasks or projects. Finally, this question can also help the interviewer gauge the custodian's satisfaction with their current position, which can be important in determining whether the custodian is likely to stay with the organization in the long-term.

Example: “I like the fact that I can help keep a space clean and tidy. It feels good to know that I am playing a role in making sure a space is presentable and inviting. I also appreciate the physical nature of the job, as it keeps me active and moving around throughout the day.”

What do you think are the best methods for cleaning various types of surfaces?

There are many different types of surfaces that a custodian may have to clean, and each type of surface requires a different cleaning method. The interviewer wants to know what the custodian thinks are the best methods for cleaning various types of surfaces so that they can ensure that the custodian is able to properly care for the property.

Example: “There are a few different methods that can be used for cleaning various types of surfaces. For example, using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment is a good option for cleaning carpets and upholstery. For hard floors, such as tile or linoleum, you can use a mop and bucket or a steam cleaner. And for glass or mirrors, you can use a squeegee or a cloth dampened with vinegar or window cleaner.”

What do you think are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria?

The interviewer is asking this question to find out if the custodian understands the importance of cleanliness and preventing the spread of germs and bacteria. This is important because it shows that the custodian is knowledgeable about how to keep the premises clean and safe for everyone.

Example: “There are a few key ways to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria:

-Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
-Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
-Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your bare hands)
-Stay home when you are sick
-Disinfect surfaces that are commonly touched, such as door handles, countertops, and phones”

What do you think are the best ways to deal with challenging messes and spills?

The interviewer is asking this question to assess the custodian's cleaning methods and to see if they are in line with the company's cleaning procedures. It is important to know the best ways to deal with challenging messes and spills because it can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Example: “There are a few different ways that custodians can deal with challenging messes and spills. One way is to use a wet vac to suck up the liquid. Another way is to use absorbent materials like rags or paper towels to soak up the mess. Once the majority of the liquid has been removed, custodians can then use cleaners and disinfectants to clean and sanitize the area.”

What do you think are the most important safety precautions to take when working with cleaning products and chemicals?

Custodians typically work with cleaning products and chemicals on a daily basis, so it is important for them to be aware of the proper safety precautions to take when handling these substances. By understanding the potential hazards of cleaning products and chemicals and taking the necessary precautions, custodians can help prevent injuries and accidents in the workplace.

Example: “There are a few important safety precautions to take when working with cleaning products and chemicals:

1. Always read the label before using any cleaning product or chemical. This will ensure that you are using the product correctly and safely.

2. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when using cleaning products and chemicals. This may include gloves, goggles, and a face mask.

3. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from the cleaning products and chemicals.

4. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage and disposal of unused cleaning products and chemicals.”

What do you think are the best ways to stay organized and efficient while working?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a custodian. First, it is important for custodians to be organized and efficient while working in order to complete their tasks in a timely manner. Second, being organized and efficient can help custodians avoid making mistakes while working. Finally, being organized and efficient can help custodians save time and energy while working, which can be important when working in a fast-paced environment.

Example: “There are a few key ways to stay organized and efficient while working as a custodian. First, it is important to develop a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you keep track of what needs to be done and when. Additionally, it is helpful to create a system for organizing your supplies so that you know where everything is and can easily find what you need. Finally, it is important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid getting overwhelmed or burned out.”

What do you think are the best methods for dealing with difficult customers or situations?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a custodian. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in how the custodian would handle a difficult customer or situation. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is looking for someone who is able to handle difficult customers or situations. Second, it allows the interviewer to see how the custodian thinks about difficult customers or situations. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is looking for someone who is able to think about difficult customers or situations in a constructive way.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best methods for dealing with difficult customers or situations will vary depending on the specific customer or situation in question. However, some general tips that may be useful include remaining calm and professional, being patient and understanding, and actively listening to the customer in order to understand their needs and concerns. Additionally, it can be helpful to offer solutions or alternatives when possible, and to thank the customer for their business even if they are unhappy.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful custodian?

An interviewer would ask "What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful custodian?" to a/an Custodian in order to gain insight into what qualities the custodian believes are necessary for success in the role. This information can be used to help assess whether the custodian is a good fit for the position and to identify areas where the custodian may need additional training or support.

Example: “The most important qualities for a successful custodian are:

1. Reliability: A custodian must be reliable and able to perform their duties in a consistent and timely manner.

2. Attention to detail: A custodian must be able to pay close attention to detail in order to ensure that all areas are clean and free of debris.

3. Physical stamina: A custodian must be physically fit as the job requires a lot of standing, walking, and lifting.

4. Customer service skills: A custodian must be friendly and professional when interacting with customers or clients.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges you face in your role?

There are a few potential reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a custodian. First, the interviewer may be trying to gauge the custodian's self-awareness and ability to identify challenges in their role. This is important because it shows whether the custodian is able to reflect on their work and identify areas for improvement. Second, the interviewer may be trying to assess the custodian's problem-solving skills. This is important because it shows whether the custodian is able to identify and address challenges in their role effectively. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of the custodian's motivation. This is important because it shows whether the custodian is likely to be proactive in addressing challenges in their role and finding ways to improve their work.

Example: “The three biggest challenges I face in my role as a custodian are time management, dealing with difficult people, and maintaining a high level of cleanliness.

Time management is always a challenge, especially when there are last minute requests or unexpected tasks that come up. Dealing with difficult people can be challenging as well, whether it be customers or co-workers. Maintaining a high level of cleanliness is also important, and sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with everything that needs to be done.”

What do you like most about your job?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a custodian what they like most about their job. For one, it can help the interviewer get a sense of what the custodian finds most fulfilling about their work. This can be important information for the interviewer to know, as it can help them understand what motivates the custodian and what makes them happy in their work. Additionally, this question can also help the interviewer gauge the custodian's level of satisfaction with their current job. If the custodian is unhappy with their job, this may be indicative of larger issues that the interviewer should be aware of. Finally, this question can also simply be a way for the interviewer to get to know the custodian better and to learn more about their work experience.

Example: “I like the fact that I can help keep a space clean and tidy. It feels good to know that my efforts can contribute to making someone's day-to-day life a little bit easier. I also appreciate the physical nature of the work; it's a nice change of pace from sitting at a desk all day.”

What do you think are the best methods for cleaning various types of surfaces?

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the custodian's cleaning methods and to see if they are in line with the company's cleaning methods. It is important to know the best methods for cleaning various types of surfaces in order to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Example: “There are a few different methods that can be used for cleaning various types of surfaces. For example, using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment is great for removing dirt and dust from hard surfaces like floors and countertops. For more delicate surfaces, like windows or mirrors, you might want to use a soft cloth dampened with water or glass cleaner. And for tougher messes, you can always resort to using some elbow grease and scrubbing the surface with a sponge or brush.”

What do you think are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria?

There are many reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a custodian. It is important to know how to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria because it can help keep people healthy and safe. For example, if someone is sick, they may not want to come into contact with others. If a custodian knows how to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, they can help stop the spread of illness. Additionally, preventing the spread of germs and bacteria can also help to keep surfaces clean and free of contaminants. This is important in places like hospitals where patients are susceptible to infection.

Example: “The most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria are to practice good hygiene habits and to clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. Good hygiene habits include washing your hands often with soap and water, avoiding touching your face, and sneezing and coughing into a tissue or your elbow. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly helps to remove any germs or bacteria that may be present.”

What do you think are the best ways to deal with challenging messes and spills?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a custodian. First, they may be trying to gauge the custodian's level of experience and expertise. Second, they may be trying to see if the custodian is familiar with the company's policies and procedures for dealing with messes and spills. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to assess the custodian's ability to handle challenging situations.

Example: “There are a few different ways to deal with challenging messes and spills. The best way depends on the type of mess and spill.

For example, if you are dealing with a wet spill, the best way to clean it up is to first absorb the liquid with a dry towel or paper towel. Once the majority of the liquid has been absorbed, you can then proceed to clean the area with soap and water.

If you are dealing with a dry spill, such as food or dust, the best way to clean it up is to vacuum or sweep it up. Once the majority of the mess has been removed, you can then proceed to wipe down the area with a damp cloth.”

What do you think are the most important safety precautions to take when working with cleaning products and chemicals?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a custodian. Firstly, it is important to know the safety precautions to take when working with cleaning products and chemicals in order to avoid any accidents. Secondly, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the safety of the custodian and is keen to ensure that they are following all the necessary safety procedures. Finally, it allows the interviewer to gauge the level of knowledge and experience that the custodian has in this area.

Example: “The most important safety precautions to take when working with cleaning products and chemicals are to always read the label before using, to use the products as directed, and to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when using them.”

What do you think are the best ways to stay organized and efficient while working?

Custodians are responsible for keeping their work areas clean and organized. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the applicant's ability to keep their work area clean and organized. It is important for custodians to be able to stay organized and efficient while working because it helps them to complete their tasks in a timely manner and prevents potential accidents.

Example: “There are a few key ways to stay organized and efficient while working as a custodian. First, it is important to develop a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you keep track of what needs to be done and when. Secondly, it is helpful to create a system for organizing your supplies and tools. This way you know where everything is and can easily find it when you need it. Finally, it is important to take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid getting overwhelmed or burned out. Taking a few minutes to yourself every couple of hours will help you stay focused and productive.”

Related Interview Questions