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Housekeeper Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Housekeeper interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you keep yourself organized while on the job? See answer
  2. What recordkeeping do you maintain for each client? See answer
  3. What experience do you have with maintaining and cleaning different surfaces and appliances? See answer
  4. How familiar are you with industrial laundry processing within a hotel environment? See answer
  5. What unique skills or abilities do you have that make you stand out from other housekeepers? See answer
  6. What experience do you have with disinfectant procedures? See answer
  7. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a colleague. See answer
  8. What was your most memorable cleaning experience? See answer
  9. What is your least favourite cleaning task? See answer
  10. What experience do you have training less experienced housekeepers? See answer
  11. How do you ensure client satisfaction with your quality of work? See answer
  12. What is it about our facility that made you apply for the position of Housekeeper? See answer
  13. Describe a situation where a customer wasn’t happy with the cleaning you completed.
  14. How do you manage your time and make sure you aren’t late for appointments?
  15. How do you keep track of a customer’s special requests?
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Hire your next Housekeeper today.

Post a job

Hire your next Housekeeper today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Housekeeper Interview Questions and Answers

How do you keep yourself organized while on the job?

A Housekeeper has multiple tasks to complete while on the job. The goal of the question is to evaluate how the candidate stays organized to complete all tasks. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to multitask effectively to minimize workload
  • Time management skills to stay within the timeframe for the job
  • Organizational skills to manage tasks and work with other colleagues efficiently

Example:

"When I am on the job, I will start with any tasks that need time to process. For example, I will add the toilet bowl cleaner in the bathroom while I clean the sinks. I also have a checklist of rooms and tasks to do within each area so that I forget nothing."

What recordkeeping do you maintain for each client?

A Housekeeper typically keeps records of their clients and special requests or schedules. The goal of the question is to determine what paperwork or records the candidate keeps for each customer. What to look for in an answer:

  • Organizational skills to keep track of client schedules and appointments
  • Communication skills to record important information such as client preferences
  • Attention to detail and willingness to provide excellent service to each customer

Example:

"I maintain a customer file for each client I work with. It contains a list of preferences, such as natural, non-toxic cleaners or no bleach in the laundry. It also contains a checklist and schedule so that I know what needs to be completed at each visit."

What experience do you have with maintaining and cleaning different surfaces and appliances?

A Housekeeper needs to have experience working with a variety of surfaces, cleaners, and products. The question's goal is to determine what experience the candidate has with various textures and appliances, such as stainless steel or ceramic. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of appropriate cleaning methods for various surfaces
  • Experience working with a variety of cleaning products that provide results
  • Flexibility to adapt to the client's needs and preferences

Example:

"I've been a Housekeeper for several years and have worked with most surfaces, such as porcelain, ceramic, wood, stainless steel, marble, and fabrics. I am familiar with most household appliances and offer seasonal cleaning for items such as refrigerators, washing machines and coffee pots."

How familiar are you with industrial laundry processing within a hotel environment?

A Housekeeper working within a hotel or resort facility needs to have experience with industrial cleaning practices. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's familiarity with large-scale cleaning and housekeeping. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to adapt experiences to the current situation
  • Experience working within a hotel or large-scale facility
  • Willingness to continue professional development

Example:

"Although I haven't worked in a hotel in several years, I remember the process for industrial laundry and housekeeping. It takes a slightly different approach to organization and time management than working in private homes, but I am familiar with the processes."

What unique skills or abilities do you have that make you stand out from other housekeepers?

The goal of the question is to allow the candidate to describe their special abilities or talents that would make them a great fit for your team. What to look for in an answer:

  • Positive and enthusiastic attitude and willingness to perform high-quality work
  • Communication skills to express their thoughts and ideas effectively
  • Knowledgeable background in housekeeping duties and responsibilities

Example:

"I have owned a housekeeping company for the past several years, so I have a unique perspective on maintaining customer satisfaction. I know how important quality work is to a happy customer and repeat business. Having consistent and open communication is also critical."

What experience do you have with disinfectant procedures?

With the emergence of COVID-19, Housekeepers must understand proper disinfectant and sanitization procedures. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's knowledge of effective disinfectant protocol. What to look for in an answer:

  • Industry knowledge about disinfecting products, procedures, and safety protocols
  • Ability to follow specific directions from vendors and manufacturers
  • Communication skills to read and share vital information with coworkers

Example:

"I worked for several years at a local hospital as a Housekeeper. Part of my duties included sanitization and disinfection of patient rooms. There was a high level of biohazard risk, so I am comfortable with the procedures to follow and to complete the process safely."

Tell me about a time you disagreed with a colleague.

A Housekeeper may work independently or with a group of colleagues. The goal of the question is to evaluate how the candidate interacts with others and handles conflict. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to resolve conflict without the need for mediation
  • Communication skills to ask questions respectfully and listen to other's thoughts and ideas
  • Ability to remain calm and self-regulate emotions within the workplace

Example:

"Once, I disagreed with a coworker because they wanted to skip steps in a cleaning process. I wanted to complete it correctly and completely. After calmly expressing my concerns about how the customer may react, I ended up completing the task on my own without the help of my coworker."

What was your most memorable cleaning experience?

The goal of the question is to determine what the candidate enjoys about their job and how they impact the lives of those they serve. What to look for in an answer:

  • Positive and enthusiastic attitude about their job and duties
  • Ability to provide high-quality service to all customers
  • Communication skills to express their thoughts and ideas effectively

Example:

"The most memorable experience for me was cleaning an elderly lady's house. She had been in the hospital, and her family contacted me to give her house a deep cleaning before she came home. I was completing the finishing touches when she arrived, and she was so grateful that she started to cry."

Describe a situation where a customer wasn't happy with the cleaning you completed.

There may be times when a customer is dissatisfied with the quality of work completed. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate handles negative feedback. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to accept constructive criticism as an opportunity for improvement
  • Ability to maintain a high standard of quality
  • Customer service skills to make amends for poor service or quality

Example:

"I once had an upset client who was dissatisfied with how we cleaned her bathroom. I went to speak with her in person to rectify the situation and make sure she was happy with the quality of work we completed. After discussing the event with her, it became clear that there was a disconnect between her expectations and what we normally offered. Once we knew what she wanted to be done, we..."

What is your least favourite cleaning task?

A Housekeeper may have specific tasks that are less desirable than others. The goal of the question is to evaluate how the candidate handles less pleasant tasks during their workday. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to maintain a high level of quality regardless of the assigned tasks
  • Positive and respectful attitude to all customers
  • Flexibility to complete various tasks and willingness to adapt

Example:

"My least favourite cleaning task is usually making beds. However, I make a game out of it to see how quickly I can get the bed completed perfectly. It makes the task less tedious and motivates me to perform my duties with care and quality."

What experience do you have training less experienced housekeepers?

A Housekeeper may work with other colleagues who are less experienced and train them on the job. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's comfort level in training less experienced coworkers. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication skills to train and guide others effectively
  • Ability to lead by example and provide direction
  • Interpersonal skills to work within a team environment

Example:

"During the last several years, I have been an unofficial trainer for my employer. They often tasked me with taking less experienced employees with me on jobs to show them proper procedures and the expected work quality. I enjoy introducing new employees to the position and sharing my knowledge."

How do you manage your time and make sure you aren't late for appointments?

A Housekeeper may have several appointments throughout the day that they need to be on time for. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate maintains a timely schedule. What to look for in an answer:

  • Time management skills and awareness of how long specific tasks take to complete
  • Organizational skills to multitask and stay focused on current jobs
  • Communication skills to let clients know if they are running late

Example:

"When I am booking my day, I always leave enough time for travelling to the next appointment. I also build in a small buffer of time so that if I run a bit late at the current house, I won't be late for the next customer."

How do you ensure client satisfaction with your quality of work?

A Housekeeper needs to ensure high-quality standards on the cleaning they perform to maintain customer happiness. The goal of the question is to evaluate how the candidate determines customer satisfaction. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to speak with the customer to ensure satisfaction
  • Communication skills to express ideas and thoughts respectfully and effectively
  • Interpersonal skills to build rapport and professional relationships

Example:

"In my previous position, I would leave a business card at every visit with my name, phone number, and email so that the customer could contact me directly with any concerns. As well, I conducted a customer survey every three months to improve my services and quality continuously."

How do you keep track of a customer's special requests?

Housekeeping customers may have special requests or tasks they want to be completed at different intervals. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate organizes and tracks special requests from clients. What to look for in an answer:

  • Organizational skills to keep track of specific customer requests
  • Time management skills to account for extra time spent on special cleaning services
  • Communication skills to ask clarifying questions, to understand the customer's expectations

Example:

"I keep a file for each customer I service. I have a list of their preferences, such as scent-free cleaners, and their regular scheduled intervals. This is also where I keep any special requests. I review each file when booking so that I account for any extra time I need."

What is it about our facility that made you apply for the position of Housekeeper?

The question's goal is to evaluate what research the candidate completed on your company before the interview. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication skills to express thoughts and ideas effectively
  • Positive and enthusiastic attitude about the position and company
  • Ability to conduct research and adapt experiences to the current situation

Example:

"The primary reason I applied to your company is because of your outstanding reputation of employee standards and benefits. Your organization has a reputation for taking care of its employees by providing quality training, product knowledge, and professional development opportunities. I want to work for a company that cares about their staff."

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