Carpet Cleaner Interview Question and Answer

1. 1. How did you hear about this job as Carpet Cleaner?

I am friends with a fellow employee who worked in a different Housing section. We have been friends for a long time and when she heard about the opening she thought I would be a great fit and recommended me.

2. 2. Tell me what do you like least about being a janitor?

I really don’t mind cleaning. I think it’s therapeutic, a great form of exercise. But if I had to pick something it would be minor like a bad accident in the bathroom.

3. 3. Tell me what previous jobs have you held?

College dorm and church building cleaning, operation manager and president/owner of masonry business with up to 30 employees’.

4. 4. Why are you leaving last job as Carpet Cleaner?

Although this would seem like a simple question, it can easily become tricky. You shouldn’t mention salary being a factor at this point. If you’re currently employed, your response can focus on developing and expanding your career and even yourself. If you’re current employer is downsizing, remain positive and brief. If your employer fired you, prepare a solid reason. Under no circumstance should you discuss any drama or negativity, always remain positive.

5. 5. Tell me what kind of cleaning equipment are you familiar with?

I am well versed in using vacuum cleaners, dust extractors, floor buffers, utility carts and automatic floor scrubbers.

6. 6. Tell me what do you expect out of this position?

Well I hope I will become more experienced with this.

7. 7. What knowledge do you have regarding this company?

You should do your research prior to the interview. Look into background history of the company, this will help you stick out. Learn about main people, have they been in the news lately? The interviewer doesn’t expect you to know dates and certain people, but showing that you have enough interest to research the company is a positive impression.

8. 8. What are your salary expectations as Carpet Cleaner?

This question is like a loaded gun, tricky and dangerous if you’re not sure what you are doing. It’s not uncommon for people to end up talking salary before really selling their skills, but knowledge is power as this is a negotiation after all. Again, this is an area is where doing your research will be helpful as you will have an understanding of average salary.

One approach is asking the interviewer about the salary range, but to avoid the question entirely, you can respond that money isn’t a key factor and you’re goal is to advance in your career. However, if you have a minimum figure in mind and you believe you’re able to get it, you may find it worth trying.

9. 9. Tell me what do you find most rewarding about being a janitor?

I have never had any experience as a janitor previously but I would say that what I find most rewarding is the sense of accomplishment at providing a service to people. Keeping an environment customer friendly and tidy.

10. 10. Tell me how do you react when somebody criticizes you?

I always work with dedication and am willing to improve my work quality, so I usually take instructions and criticism very positively and make adaptations in my service quality accordingly.

11. 11. Explain me what were your past duties as a janitor?

Maintain grounds by using a variety of lawn equipment and tools and inside of the building trained and supervised employees change ballast in light fixtures, changed locks in cabinets and doors, installed carpet and tile, striped and wax floors and installed a variety of fixtures to the building.

12. 12. Tell me why should we hire you over the next guy? What janitor experiences do you have that set you apart?

I really do not know what sets me apart from someone else, but I do know that I will never be late, and I will get the job done no matter what it may be.

13. 13. Explain me how was your experience with your past employment?

Very good. I enjoyed my work, I liked to clean the store so they gave me all of the cleaning duties.

14. 14. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure as Carpet Cleaner?

Pressure is actually a catalyst to my work. When there is an imperative deadline, I refocus my energy into my work which in fact, has helped me to produce some of my best works. (Give examples) I guess you can say I thrive under pressure.

15. 15. Tell me do you have the patience to deal with the general public while cleaning?

I once worked as a cashier for ABC during the holiday season. I learned to handle a heavy plate and keep a leveled head under pressure.

16. 16. Tell me what are some of the qualities that make you a good candidate for this position?

I am a well experienced cleaner and have a deep understanding of modern cleaning procedures. I have good communication skills and I get along well with others. I’m fully capable of taking and following instructions. I am very punctual and possess a track record of maintaining high standards of sanitation and cleanliness at my previous work places.

17. 17. Tell us what can you offer us that will help us make the decision to hire you?

I have an excellent work record as you can see from my resume. I have never had any problems or created any in any of my work places and I have received commendation on my focus on delivering service keeping in mind prudent safety measures.

18. 18. Tell me what do you consider to be your best strength as Carpet Cleaner?

This question allows you to brag on yourself, but keep in mind that the interviewer wants strengths relative to the position. For example, being a problem solver, a motivator, and being able to perform under pressure, positive attitude and loyal. You will also need examples that back your answers up for illustration of the skill.

19. 19. Basic Carpet Cleaner Job Interview Questions:

☛ Tell me about your employment background.
☛ See if they have a tendency to stick around where they work, or jump from job to job.
☛ Tell me about your schooling. What was your major in college?
☛ Find out if they’re overqualified or under qualified for the job.
☛ How do you feel about cleaning in general?
☛ Do you enjoy it?
☛ How long do you plan on staying in this area?
☛ See if they want to stay in your service area for a long time.
☛ Are you looking for primary income or secondary income?
☛ Are their expectations in line with what they’ll get paid at your company?
☛ How much do you want to make a week?
☛ This will give you an idea of their salary expectations.
☛ Why did you leave your last job?
☛ Are they going to get along with others? Did they leave their last job disgruntled?
☛ What did you like best about your last job?
☛ Probe into their personality to see what interests them. Are these traits also present in a carpet cleaning career?
☛ If you could have made any improvements on your last job, what would they have been?
☛ This shows if they can think for themselves.
☛ What was your most interesting job or project?
☛ Does this person take initiative or like new projects?
☛ Describe the best person who ever worked for you or with you.
☛ This will tell you what type of people they get along with and help you match the personality of this new person with the personality of other employees with whom they’ll be working.
☛ What types of people annoy you the most?
☛ To the interviewee it seems that you just want to know what people they dislike, but the answer to this question actually will describe what personality traits they don’t have.
☛ Seeing into the future
☛ What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
☛ See if they’ll be the kind of employee with whom you can build your company.
☛ How much do you expect to be earning in five years?
☛ Do they have realistic long-term salary expectations?
☛ Which is more important to you: The money or the type of job?
☛ What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
☛ If an employee is only motivated by money, they may not last that long at your job, as the grass may be greener elsewhere.
☛ What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
☛ Do you know what type of job duties you will be responsible for?
☛ Is their answer in line with what the job duties are going to be?
Do you have any closing comments?

20. 20. General Carpet Cleaner Job Interview Questions:

☛ Why did you choose to become a housekeeper?
☛ What qualities do you have that make you a good housekeeper?
☛ Do you charge by the hour, or by the square foot?
☛ Do you supply your own cleaning supplies?
☛ You have your own rags, glove, and mop?
☛ What do you enjoy about looking after a home?
☛ Can you tolerate heights?
☛ How many years of experience do you have with house cleaning?
☛ Do you have experience with outdoor cleaning?
☛ Will you wash windows inside and/or out?
☛ Can you and would you be willing to use power washing equipment for windows, etc.
☛ Do you believe in the value of using green products?
☛ Are you knowledgeable about the treatment of different countertops (marble, granite,etc.)
☛ Are there particular cleaning products that you feel are superior and/or cost efficient?
☛ What do you find the most challenging/interesting part of house cleaning?
☛ Do you have any pet allergies?
☛ Are you willing to work in a home with a dog and/or cat?
☛ Are you willing to work in a home with a smoker?
☛ Are you willing to work while the owners are home?
☛ What are your expectations regarding the condition of the house when you arrive?
☛ Can we leave dishes in the sink?
☛ Can we leave toys on the floor?
☛ Have you ever worked with children in the house?
☛ Do you keep records of necessary tasks done daily, weekly, and monthly in each client’s house.
☛ How do you prioritize your work?
☛ Are you thorough in your cleaning?
☛ Do you move furniture and objects when vacuuming and dusting?
☛ Do you dust baseboards?
☛ Do you wipe pictures and/or light fixtures?

21. 21. Situational Carpet cleaning interview questions:

☛ How did you handle meeting a tight deadline?
☛ What do you think, would you be willing to travel for work?
☛ What do you think you can bring to this position?
☛ Describe a time you were faced with stresses which tested your skills.
☛ What three character traits would your friends use to describe you?

Find out everything you can about the company, its culture and its goals.
Make sure your eye contact with the interviewers during the interview.
Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills.

22. 22. Behavioral Carpet Cleaner Job Interview Questions:

☛ What’s the most frustrating task you have faced in your previous positions?
☛ Describe a situation where you went the extra mile and performed a task out of the ordinary.
☛ Do you prefer working in a team or independently?
☛ Have you ever seen a co-worker stealing? What did you do?

23. 23. Communication skills Based Carpet cleaning interview questions:

☛ What have you been doing since your last job?
☛ What quality of yours or personal trait matters the most in your career?
☛ What is a typical career path in this job function?
☛ What type of work environment do you prefer?
☛ Who has impacted you most in your career and how?

24. 24. Strengths and Weaknesses Based Carpet cleaning interview questions:

☛ What do you feel is the best educational preparation for this career?
☛ What are three positive character traits you don’t have?
☛ How do you see your job relating to the overall goals?
☛ Tell us about the last time you had to negotiate with someone.
☛ What would be your ideal working environment?

Your answer will affect the rest of the interview. Note down your answers. These may be useful later if the interviewers wish to confirm any answer with you as they forget or wish to discuss more.
Don’t be too specific by giving away a word for a particular period of time.

25. 25. Fresh Carpet Cleaner Interview Questions:

☛ What are your most significant accomplishments as a housekeeper?
☛ Tell me about yourself?
☛ What are your hobbies and interests?
☛ What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
☛ What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
☛ What is your concept of a clean house?
☛ How do you handle stress?
☛ What motivates you, or makes you happy?
☛ What are you looking for in a housekeeping job?
☛ What makes you happy?
☛ What are the most important qualities for you in a job?
☛ What are you looking for in an employer?

26. 26. Professional Carpet Cleaner Interview Questions:

☛ Do you have a current housekeeping position?
☛ If so, why do you want to leave?
☛ If not, why did you leave your last job?
☛ Describe your favourite housekeeping job, what made the experience positive?
☛ Describe your least favourite cleaning job. Why was it unpleasant?
☛ What are your expectations for your next position?
☛ What are your long-range goals?
☛ How long do you plan to work this job?
☛ Where do you see yourself in 6 months? A year? Two years?
☛ Are you willing to learn new skills to work this job?

27. 27. Situational Carpet Cleaner Interview Questions:

☛ It’s 8 am and you’re just arriving for work. You notice that the dog is missing when you enter the house. What do you do?
☛ While cleaning the house, you hear the smoke alarm go off, and notice one of the kids left an oven element on. What do you do?
☛ You’re cleaning the bathroom with multiple supplies. You notice a toddler is crawling around the house. Is there anything to be done?
☛ Tell me about a time you handled conflict.
☛ Tell me about a time you made a mistake, how did you handle it?

28. 28. Expecting Carpet Cleaner Job Interview Questions:

☛ When would you be available to start a new position?
☛ What salary are you seeking?
☛ Can you provide two current references with phone numbers?
☛ How do you feel about a trial period; how long should this be?
☛ What hours do you expect to work each week or bi-weekly?
☛ What are your holiday expectations?
☛ Would you be willing to sign a contract?

29. 29. Unique Carpet Cleaner Job Interview Questions:

☛ Do you know how to make homemade cleaning products?
☛ Do you consider yourself a physically strong person able to cope with the challenges of heavy cleaning?
☛ Have you ever worked as a nanny before?
☛ Are you able to cook occasional meals for kids?
☛ Are you able to sing lullabies?
☛ Are you comfortable reading bedtime stories?
☛ If required, could you work evenings or weekends?
☛ Do you have experience caring for or training a pets?

30. 30. Competency Based Carpet cleaning interview questions:

☛ What were the responsibilities of your last position?
☛ How did you react when faced with constant time pressure?
☛ What were your annual goals at your most current employer?
☛ What are your expectations regarding promotions and salary increases?
☛ Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job?

31. 31. Video Based Carpet cleaning interview questions:

☛ What negative thing would your last boss say about you?
☛ Tell me about your proudest achievement.
☛ What was the most important task you ever had?
☛ What was the most complex assignment you have had?
☛ If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

The answer you give to this query can make or break your chances of getting the job.
Just speak out about your basic values that you adopt at the workplaces.
Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

32. 32. Phone Based Carpet cleaning job interview questions:

☛ Who was your favorite manager and why?
☛ Tell me about yourself.
☛ What are your long-term goals or career plans?
☛ Time when you made a suggestion to improve the work.
☛ Your greatest weakness in school or at work?

33. 33. Difficult Carpet Cleaner Interview Questions:

☛ When are you available for cleaning, and how often?
☛ Are you willing to take out the trash?
☛ Do you do laundry and iron?
☛ Do you have any professional experience cleaning clothing?
☛ Will you clean large appliances inside and out?
☛ Do you know how to clean an oven?
☛ Do you have experience cleaning walls or windows?
☛ Would you be comfortable cleaning an attic?
☛ Are there any parts of the kitchen you are unable to clean?
☛ Are you comfortable cleaning every part of the bathroom?
☛ Do you charge extra for bathrooms or bedrooms?
☛ What was the last cleaning skill you learned?
☛ Would you be able to feed pets?
☛ Is there any skill you’re working on improving right now?

34. 34. Operational and Situational Carpet Cleaner Job Interview Questions:

☛ What cleaning products do you normally use?
☛ How do you clean computer screens?
☛ How much time do you need to clean a working space of 10 offices?
☛ Have you ever used green cleaning products? If yes, how would you rate them compared to products you’ve traditionally used?
☛ What are the most important duties when cleaning a bathroom?
☛ Is there any specific task that you don’t perform? (e.g. due to an allergy)
☛ How do you deal with emergencies? Can you mention a few examples from your past experience?
☛ Do you have experience with outdoor cleaning?
☛ How flexible are your working hours? Would you be available for early morning or late night shifts?
☛ How do you treat different materials like wood, marble or granite?
☛ Are you familiar with cleaning machinery? What devices have you previously used?
☛ If you found a personal item and you didn’t know who it belonged to, what would you do?
☛ What do you do when you have to move heavy furniture to vacuum?
☛ Are you familiar with health and safety precautions?

35. 35. Behavioral Carpet cleaning interview questions:

☛ Do you work well under pressure?
☛ Are you planning to continue your studies?
☛ Give examples of ideas you’ve had or implemented.
☛ Has anything ever irritated you about people you’ve worked with?
☛ What kind of personality do you work best with and why?

36. 36. Basic Carpet cleaning interview questions:

☛ What are you looking for in terms of career development?
☛ Have you done this kind of work before?
☛ How did you prepare for this work?
☛ What kinds of situations do you find most stressful?
☛ Describe a situation where you had to plan or organize something.

37. 37. Famous Cleaning Job Interview Questions:

☛ What is your previous experience?
☛ Can you be flexible?
☛ When can you start?
☛ Are you ready to work next week?
☛ What times are you available to work?
☛ Can you work unsupervised?
☛ Have you done any cleaning before?
☛ What cleaning roles have you had?
☛ How much experience do you have?
☛ What you use to clean a toilet?
☛ In a bathroom or toilet what are the 3 most important cleaning duties?
☛ What cleaning products do you normally use?
☛ Do you use different products for different areas, pieces of furniture etc?
☛ What makes you a good cleaner?
☛ How much do you clean at home? What are your priorities?
☛ How well do you work with others?
☛ How would you split 20 offices between 4 staff in time or would you work together?
☛ How flexible are you if there was a need to change or increase hours?

38. 38. Tell us did you have any problems with management or your supervisors during your last job?

I found them cold and aloof- but I bear in mind, that they have heavy responsibilities, plus personalities and upbringing may factor in.

39. 39. Explain me what kind of behavior from others irritates you most and how do you handle it?

I get irritated when somebody uses rude language. I usually don’t respond in such situations. I stay silent and keep doing my work.

40. 40. Suppose if a person throws up, and you really do not feel like cleaning up a mess, how would you handle the situation?

I would first ask if the person that threw up was okay, and prepare to clean the mess by putting on rubber gloves, and maybe a face mask, and begin disinfecting the area.

41. 41. Tell me what role do you feel you play as a custodian in the daily operation of a school? How important?

If I were a custodian at a school I would feel that I was playing a necessary role in helping teachers and children to come to school to a clean and sanitary environment.

42. 42. Tell me you must be working here for 6 months before you get benefits, are you okay with that?

Yes I am ok with that, I understand that there is a 6 month probationary period.

43. 43. Tell me are you technically savvy?

If you mean whether I can use cleaning equipment and tools, yes I am!

44. 44. Tell me what field experience do you have for a CARPET CLEANING TECHNICIAN POSITION?

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

If you are being asked this question from your employer then you can explain your experience. Tell the employer what responsibilities you were performing during your job. You can tell what programs you developed and what modules you worked on. What were your achievements regarding different programs.

45. 45. Tell me what would your last employer say about your dependency and trust?

My trust and better word dependency is very complete like I’m a very trustworthy person and dependency that’s just part of my trust so I guess I’m going to be there I’m going to be there no questions asked.

46. 46. Suppose if I were to ask your previous employer about how many days you missed over the last year, what would he say?

He would probably say I miss you too because he gave us Thanksgiving and Christmas off I’m always there I don’t think I’ve ever missed a day over there.

47. 47. Explain me me a rundown of your daily routine at your last job?

Greet customers offer a espresso, became friend, explain them about the vehicles about all the models and make show the vehicles, take on a test drive, come to a agreement, take customers information, selling the a car, follow up to see if everything was fine. In mean time keep clean the Espresso machine, and the Studio.

48. 48. Tell me are you comfortable in working independently or in a group?

I have previously worked in a group setting for a large organization. I enjoyed that type of arrangement since we could exchange shifts or duties conveniently if someone needed to take leave. Also I have a verifiable record of working individually with no supervision.

49. 49. Tell me what skills do you have that qualify you for this job?

Since I have worked as a cleaner for so long, I know what type of chemical is used for different surfaces and furniture and where I should not use any chemicals at all. I am also comfortable with mixing chemicals as I know just how potent each mixture should be so that it isn’t harmful.

50. 50. What do you consider to be your biggest weakness as Carpet Cleaner?

This can be a tricky question to respond to, if you suggest you have no weaknesses you’re going to appear as a lair or egotistical. You should respond realistically by mentioning small work related weaknesses. Although many try to answer using a positive skill in disguise as a weakness, like “I expect co-workers to have the same commitment” or “I am a perfectionist”. However, it is recommended that there is some honesty and the weaknesses are true, and then emphasize on how you have overcome it or working to improve it. The purpose of this question is to see how you view and evaluate yourself.

51. 51. Tell us what have you done to improve your knowledge for a CARPET CLEANING TECHNICIAN POSITION IN THE LAST YEAR?

Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

Employers look for applicants who are goal-oriented. Show a desire for continuous learning by listing hobbies non-work related. Regardless of what hobbies you choose to showcase, remember that the goal is to prove self-sufficiency, time management, and motivation.

Everyone should learn from his or her mistakes. I always try to consult my mistakes with my kith and kin especially with those senior to me.

52. 52. Explain me with some details of your employment background?

I have worked as a cleaner at Abc Inc. for five years. My job was to clean and maintain several work areas around the office.

53. 53. Tell me what has your worst janitorial experience been?

The time I walked in to the food I was going to clean and the guy was smearin fieses all over the wall and turn to me.

54. 54. Tell me are you experienced in using a radio devices to communicate to other janitors?

I have never used a walkie talkie you during work car radio device but I am familiar with them and yeah I mean I’m not you got pick up anything easy and fast.

55. 55. As you know janitor can be a very routine job, how are you okay working a job that stays routine?

Yes to me its perfect because it always keeps me busy. Having a routine just means you always have something to do. Makes the day go faster.

56. 56. Explain me how well do you keep your temper under control?

I very rarely let thing get me upset and when they do I will listen and then step back from the situation and come back to it later.

57. 57. Tell me how do you feel about working a double if a coworker calls off?

I do not want to work doubles due to the fact I am on Social Security, and I am only allowed so many hours before they cut me off.

58. 58. Tell me did you ever quit a job? Why?

(Never say anything negative about your previous job)
I did once, since my family was moving to another city.

59. 59. Tell me have you ever taken out trash and cleared snow? What methods do use for these?

I am trained in taking out and safely disposing off trash in an environment friendly manner. I am skilled in clearing snow off pavements using snow cleaners, vacuum pumps and nitrogen based chemicals.

60. 60. Tell me will you be willing to work off-hours?

It depends on how caught up on my homework I am, because it is very important to me to get good grades.

61. 61. Tell me have you received any training?

Yes, I have 60 hours of janitorial basic building and grounds maintenance certificate from the Los Angeles unified school district.

62. 62. Tell me do you speak fluent English?

Yes I do. I also read and write well in English.

63. 63. As you know we have a large hall that must be spotless for events, sometimes requiring 4 hours of straight cleaning, are you okay with this?

Yeah I’m fine with that I’m pretty good and working with in one area for a long. Of time it doesn’t bother.

64. 64. What motivates you to work hard as Carpet Cleaner?

I want to let my children know that, hard work brings you joy, happiness, and motivate them to do what they want, but you have to work hard for it.

65. 65. Tell me what do you see yourself doing in five years as Carpet Cleaner?

This is another question looking towards job commitment. Some people go through jobs like socks because they don’t have a life plan, and your answer can show insight into this. It can also be used for finding out if you are the type that sets goals at all in life, because those that make long-term goals are usually more reliable. Also, your goals can provide insight on your personality too.

You should respond with an answer that shows progression in your career is on track with your route in the company. It’s important to do your research on company prospects, this way you understand what to expect and if it’s in your long-term goal. Interviewers don’t want to set you on a path that won’t provide the results you want, resulting in you resigning.

66. 66. Why do you believe we should hire you as Carpet Cleaner?

This question needs to be carefully answered as it is your opportunity to stick out from the rest of the applicants. You should focus on skills that you have, including those not yet mentioned. Simply responding “because I’m really good” or “I really need a job” isn’t going to work. You shouldn’t assume the skills of other applicants or their strengths, focus on yourself. Tell the interviewer why you are a good fit for the position, what makes you a good employee, and what you can provide the company. Keep it brief while highlighting achievements.

67. 67. Tell me why do you want to leave your job?

I am looking for a position where I can work on a broader scale and one that provides me more opportunity to move up to a supervisory role.