Question Overview: The ideal candidate should be confident in their abilities and be able to explain why they are the best candidate for the job. The applicant should be able to list specific skills that make them a good housekeeper. Does the applicant have excellent time management skills? Are they a quick learner? Are they willing to learn new skills?
Sample Answer: I am the best candidate for the job because I have excellent time management skills and I am a quick learner. I am willing to learn new skills and will always do my best to complete my tasks in a timely manner.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a system for cleaning a room. Does the applicant clean the room from top to bottom, or do they clean one area at a time? Does the applicant clean the room in a specific order, or does the applicant clean the room based on what needs to be done?
Sample Answer: I always start by cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. I then move on to cleaning the bedrooms and finally the living room. I like to clean each room from top to bottom, but I also like to clean each room based on what needs to be done.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate should be able to explain what they would pay attention to while cleaning. Focus on the applicant's ability to focus on the task at hand and why they would pay attention to a specific area. Does the applicant pay attention to the condition of the floor? Does the applicant pay attention to the condition of the walls?
Sample Answer: I would pay attention to the condition of the floor and walls. I would also pay attention to any dirt or stains on the furniture.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to give a specific time frame for cleaning a normal size apartment. The applicant should also be able to explain why they selected that time frame. Does the applicant clean multiple homes per day? Is the applicant working with a team? Is the applicant cleaning a home by themselves?
Sample Answer: I would say that it takes me approximately two hours to clean a normal size apartment. I clean multiple homes per day, so I am used to working quickly. I also have a team of two other housekeepers who help me complete my tasks.
Question Overview: Housekeepers are often required to travel abroad to clean homes of clients who are away for extended periods of time. The ideal candidate will be willing to travel abroad at any time. Does the applicant have any concerns about traveling abroad? Is the applicant aware of the risks involved with traveling abroad?
Sample Answer: I am willing to travel abroad at any time. I have never been abroad, but I am excited about the opportunity to travel and see new places.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate is looking for a job that will challenge them. Focus on why the applicant is interested in this particular position. Does the applicant want to work for a company that offers training? Does the applicant want to work for a company that offers advancement opportunities?
Sample Answer: I am looking for a position that will challenge me. I have been a housekeeper for five years and I am ready to take on new responsibilities. I am interested in learning new skills and I want to advance my career.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to discuss their strengths and weaknesses in a professional manner. Focus on the applicant's ability to describe their weaknesses and how they are working to improve them. Does the applicant have a positive attitude towards their weaknesses?
Sample Answer: My biggest weakness is that I am a perfectionist. I am always striving to do my best and sometimes this can be a weakness because I may spend too much time on a task. However, I am working on improving this by delegating tasks to others when I am unable to complete them myself.
Question Overview: Housekeepers often clean hotel rooms. The ideal candidate should be able to explain their experience in a hotel room. Focus on the applicant's ability to clean a hotel room and their level of expertise. Does the applicant have experience cleaning a hotel room with a large number of guests? Does the applicant have experience cleaning a hotel room with a large number of guests and multiple rooms?
Sample Answer: I have cleaned several hotel rooms in my previous housekeeper position. I am comfortable cleaning rooms with a large number of guests and multiple rooms.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic about the position. The applicant should be able to describe the company's mission statement and how they can contribute to the company's success. Focus on the applicant's ability to communicate their interest in the company and why they want to work for the company.
Sample Answer: I am interested in working with your company because I have heard great things about your mission statement and your commitment to excellence. I am very detail-oriented and I am confident that I can contribute to your success.
Question Overview: Housekeepers are often required to interact with clients. The ideal candidate should be able to handle any situation with a positive attitude and a smile. Does the applicant have experience interacting with clients? Does the applicant have experience dealing with difficult situations?
Sample Answer: I would always try to make the client feel comfortable. I would ask them if they would like me to call them a cab or if they would like me to wait for them. If they asked me to wait, I would offer them a bottle of water and some magazines while they were away.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate should be available to start immediately. If the applicant is not available to start immediately, they should be able to provide a specific date when they will be available. Does the applicant have a flexible schedule? Is the applicant willing to work weekends?
Sample Answer: I am available to start immediately. I am also willing to work weekends if needed.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate should be ready to start immediately. Housekeepers are in high demand and often have multiple clients. The applicant should be able to start on a moment's notice.
Sample Answer: I am available to start immediately.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate should be able to provide an overview of their responsibilities at their last job. Focus on the applicant's ability to multitask and their ability to work independently. Does the applicant have a good understanding of the importance of cleaning different areas of a home?
Sample Answer: I was responsible for cleaning a three-story home as well as a one-story home. I was also responsible for cleaning the exterior of both homes. I was able to complete all of my tasks in the scheduled amount of time.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about the company they are interviewing for. Focus on why the applicant is interested in the company. Does the applicant have experience with the company? Does the applicant know someone who works for the company? Does the applicant have a connection to the company?
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in working for this company because I have heard great things about it. I am also very interested in working for a company that is environmentally conscious.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate how they have learned from their mistakes. Focus on the applicant's ability to learn from their mistakes and how they have used that knowledge to improve their performance. Does the applicant have a positive attitude about the mistake?
Sample Answer: I once had a client who was very particular about how she wanted her home cleaned. I was not aware of this until after I had cleaned her home. I was able to go back and clean the areas that she was unhappy with, and I learned from my mistake.
Question Overview: Housekeepers are often in contact with clients on a daily basis. The ideal candidate should be able to explain what customer service is and why it is important. Does the applicant know how to provide excellent customer service? What does the applicant do to make their clients happy?
Sample Answer: Customer service is providing a client with the best possible experience. I always make sure that my clients are happy with my work. I do this by being friendly and making sure that I clean all of their requests.
Question Overview: Housekeepers are required to know the pH of different cleaning products. The ideal candidate should be able to explain what the pH of Green Clean is and why it is important.
Sample Answer: Green Clean has a pH level of 10.5. This is important because it allows the product to clean without damaging surfaces.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate should be able to provide a detailed definition of housekeeping. Does the applicant have a broad definition of housekeeping, or does the applicant only focus on cleaning? Does the applicant know what tasks are included in housekeeping?
Sample Answer: Housekeeping is the process of cleaning and maintaining a home. I clean and maintain my home every week.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate should be able to think of a specific example of a time when they were criticized. Focus on the reason for the criticism. Was it related to the cleaning process or was it related to the applicant's personality? Did the applicant take the criticism in stride and make an effort to improve?
Sample Answer: I have been told that I am too quiet. I am working on improving this aspect of my personality.
Question Overview: Housekeepers often drive to different homes throughout the day. The ideal candidate should have a car for their job. Does the applicant have a car that is in good condition? Does the applicant have a car that is large enough to transport cleaning supplies?
Sample Answer: I have a car that is in excellent condition. I take care of my car by making sure it is washed and vacuumed regularly.