Tips for Cleaning Interviews
Carpet cleaning, Commercial cleaning, Domestic cleaning, General cleaning, Healthcare cleaning, Housekeeping, Industrial cleaning, Specialized cleaning

Introduction

Preparing for a cleaning job interview is crucial for making a strong first impression. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, understanding what employers look for can significantly increase your chances of success. Tips for Cleaning Interviews covers key points, including research, presentation, and effective communication strategies like the STAR method. CleaningNZ connects Kiwi jobseekers with top employers, making it easier to find full-time, part-time, or contract work in the cleaning industry.

The 5 P’s:
Preparation, Practice, Presentation, Punctuality, Positivity

1. Preparation

  • Research the Company: Employers appreciate candidates who take the time to learn about their business. Visit their website, understand their mission, values, and the specific role you’re applying for. Identify the key skills required and how your experience aligns with the position.
  • Review Your Resume: Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences and achievements, highlighting how they make you a strong candidate for the role.
  • Practice Responses: Anticipate common interview questions, especially behavioral ones, and structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

2. Practice

  • Mock Interviews: Rehearse your responses aloud in a simulated interview environment to enhance communication skills and refine your answers.
  • Improve Delivery: Focus on expressing your thoughts clearly and concisely while structuring your responses effectively.
  • Non-Verbal Cues: Pay attention to body language by maintaining eye contact, sitting with good posture, and offering a firm handshake when applicable.

3. Presentation

  • Appearance: Even for cleaning roles, presenting yourself professionally matters. Wear neat, clean clothing that reflects reliability and attention to detail.
  • Confidence and Enthusiasm: Demonstrate confidence, maintain a positive attitude, and actively engage in the conversation to show genuine interest in the role.
  • Effective Communication: Listen attentively, speak clearly, and provide relevant responses to the interviewer’s questions.

4. Punctuality

  • Arrive on Time: Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early to account for any unexpected delays.
  • Virtual Interviews: Test your equipment beforehand and log in a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start.
  • Know the Location: Familiarize yourself with the interview venue to avoid last-minute confusion.
  • Prepare Documents: Carry copies of your CV, references, and any certifications. Some employers may also require a valid driver’s license or work permit.

5. Positivity

  • Show Enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the role and company.
  • Stay Optimistic: Keep an energetic and confident demeanor throughout the interview.
  • Discussing Weaknesses or Failures: Emphasize lessons learned and how challenges were overcome, rather than focusing on negatives.
  • Problem-Solving Examples: Share instances where you turned difficulties into opportunities for growth.
  • Thank the Interviewer: Acknowledge their time and the opportunity to interview.
  • Follow Up: Send a thank-you email after the interview to reinforce your interest and appreciation.

The 3 C’s:
Confidence, Communication, and Competence

1. Confidence

Confidence in a job interview reflects how well you believe in your ability to perform the tasks required. For cleaning roles, this means demonstrating that you can manage different cleaning equipment, handle a variety of cleaning tasks, and stay on top of health and safety protocols without hesitation.

Example:
Imagine you’re interviewing for a cleaning supervisor position at a large office building. When asked about how you handle challenging situations, you confidently explain, “I’ve had to address unexpected spills, like chemical accidents or liquid food spills, where immediate action was required. I’ve trained my team to stay calm, use the proper tools, and follow the safety procedures. Confidence in these situations helps us handle them efficiently and safely.”

Why it matters:
Confidence shows you can handle the pressure of the job and make quick decisions when needed, which is especially important in cleaning, where problems can arise at any time.

2. Communication

Clear communication is essential in any job, and in cleaning, it’s crucial for team coordination, explaining tasks, and ensuring expectations are understood. Effective communication also ensures that all safety guidelines are followed and issues are reported correctly.

Example:
You’re applying for a cleaning position at a school, and the interviewer asks how you would ensure proper communication with both your team and school staff. You might respond, “I make sure to check in with my team regularly to see if they need anything, and I always make sure that we’re all clear on specific areas to clean, like high-touch surfaces or restrooms. When communicating with the staff, I keep them updated about the cleaning schedule and any areas requiring extra attention.”

Why it matters:
Strong communication skills demonstrate your ability to work effectively with others and address issues promptly, leading to smoother operations.

3. Competence

Competence refers to your actual ability to do the job well. It involves knowledge of cleaning techniques, familiarity with cleaning products, and adherence to health and safety regulations. Competence can be shown by talking about your past experience and specific skills in the field.

Example:
During your interview for a cleaning technician role at a hospital, the interviewer asks how you ensure the cleanliness of sensitive areas. You might answer, “I have experience cleaning hospital rooms and medical offices, where thorough sanitation is crucial. I know how to use hospital-grade disinfectants and understand the importance of using the right products to kill harmful bacteria, ensuring the area is safe for patients and staff.”

Why it matters:
Competence assures the employer that you have the necessary skills to handle the responsibilities of the job effectively and meet any specific needs the company may have.

The STAR Method for Behavioural Interview Questions

The STAR method is a structured way of answering behavioral interview questions, helping candidates provide clear and concise responses. It stands for:

S – Situation: Describe the context or background.
T – Task: Explain what needed to be done.
A – Action: Describe the steps you took.
R – Result: Share the outcome.

This method is particularly useful in the cleaning industry, where employers want to assess your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to handle challenges.

Example 1: Handling a Difficult Client
Question: “Can you give an example of a time you had to deal with a difficult client?”

  • Situation: “At my previous cleaning job, we had a client who was unhappy with the results of our cleaning service, despite us following the usual procedures.”
  • Task: “I needed to address their concerns professionally and ensure they were satisfied.”
  • Action: “I calmly listened to their complaints, reassured them that we take feedback seriously, and offered to personally re-clean the areas they were dissatisfied with. I also suggested a new cleaning checklist tailored to their needs.”
  • Result: “The client appreciated the effort and became one of our most loyal customers. They even referred our services to others.”

Example 2: Working Under Pressure
Question: “Tell me about a time you had to complete a cleaning job under a tight deadline.”

  • Situation: “During a commercial cleaning job, a last-minute request came in for an urgent deep clean before an important event.”
  • Task: “We had only a few hours to complete a job that usually takes a full day.”
  • Action: “I organized my team efficiently, delegated tasks based on strengths, and ensured we used the right equipment and fast-drying products to speed up the process.”
  • Result: “We completed the job on time, and the client was highly impressed, leading to them signing a long-term contract with us.”

How to Answer “What Are Your Weaknesses?”

When answering the common interview question, “What are your weaknesses?” in a cleaning-related job interview, it’s important to approach the response with honesty while showing that you are proactive about self-improvement. Here’s how to tailor your answer to cleaning roles:

1. Be Honest, but Strategic

Choose a real weakness, but make sure it’s something that won’t hinder your ability to perform essential duties. For example:

  • “I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks.” In cleaning management, there are times when you need to trust your team with responsibilities, but you may feel inclined to handle everything yourself. However, you can explain how you are learning to delegate more effectively by creating clear instructions and offering support where necessary.
  • “I can be overly meticulous about cleaning standards.” You could mention that your attention to detail is a strength, but sometimes it leads to spending too much time on small areas. The key is to explain that you’re working on balancing efficiency and thoroughness, knowing when to focus on the bigger picture.

2. Show How You’re Working to Improve

Demonstrate how you’re addressing your weaknesses. Employers appreciate candidates who show initiative. For example:

  • “I’ve been taking online courses on time management to help me prioritize tasks better, especially in busy cleaning environments.” This shows that you’re willing to invest in your development.
  • “I’ve started using task management software to keep track of all assignments. It helps me focus on what’s important and helps me delegate tasks more effectively.” This approach shows you’re improving and adapting to the job’s demands.

3. Turn a Weakness into a Positive

You can also reframe a potential weakness into a strength. For example:

  • “Sometimes, I focus too much on achieving perfect cleanliness, but I’ve learned that in high-traffic areas, efficiency can be just as important as perfection. I now balance both aspects to ensure high standards without sacrificing productivity.”

4. Focus on Relevant Skills

Make sure your response is tied to the role you’re applying for. In the case of a cleaning job, emphasize things like time management, delegation, organization, and communication. This helps to ensure your answer stays relevant and shows you’re self-aware in a professional context.

By being honest, showing growth, and providing concrete examples, you’ll present yourself as a candidate who is not only aware of their weaknesses but actively working to improve them.

Preparing for a cleaning job interview is crucial to making a great impression and securing the role. Here are some valuable tips to help you succeed during your interview.

10 Worst Mistakes During Interviews

1. Lack of Preparation

  • Example: An applicant shows up for a cleaning manager role without knowing anything about the company or its cleaning procedures. When asked about the company’s values, they give vague answers.
  • Why it’s bad: It shows a lack of interest or commitment to the role and can make you appear unprepared and uninformed. Always research the company and its specific cleaning processes before the interview.

2. Over-selling or Misleading Skills

  • Example: A candidate claims to have extensive experience in using specialized cleaning equipment, but when asked to describe how they would handle certain tasks (like using industrial floor buffers), they get flustered.
  • Why it’s bad: This raises red flags about the candidate’s honesty and may make the interviewer question their competence. Be honest about your skills and be ready to explain them in detail.

3. Lack of Knowledge About Safety Procedures

  • Example: A candidate applying for a cleaning supervisor role doesn’t mention how they would ensure the safety of the cleaning staff or the importance of using proper safety gear.
  • Why it’s bad: Safety is critical in cleaning jobs, and neglecting to mention it can signal a lack of awareness of key workplace standards. Always emphasize safety procedures when discussing past roles or tasks.

4. Negative Attitude Towards Previous Employers

  • Example: An applicant speaks badly about their former employer or cleaning company, saying things like, “I couldn’t wait to leave that place because they didn’t know how to clean properly.”
  • Why it’s bad: This can make you seem unprofessional and difficult to work with, and interviewers may worry about your ability to maintain positive relationships in the workplace. Keep the conversation respectful and focused on your skills and achievements.

5. Failing to Demonstrate Cleaning Knowledge

  • Example: When asked about the best cleaning methods for various surfaces or how to remove specific stains, the candidate struggles to provide a clear, confident answer.
  • Why it’s bad: Cleaning jobs often require specific knowledge of cleaning materials and methods. Not being able to showcase this knowledge will make it difficult for interviewers to trust you with the job. Be prepared to discuss cleaning techniques and products you’ve used.

6. Inadequate Communication Skills

  • Example: A candidate mumbles or gives one-word answers, avoiding eye contact, and doesn’t provide clear explanations of past experiences.
  • Why it’s bad: Effective communication is key for cleaning supervisors or managers who need to direct staff and communicate with clients. Poor communication can make you seem unapproachable or unreliable. Practice speaking clearly and confidently.

7. Failing to Highlight Relevant Experience

  • Example: A candidate with years of cleaning experience doesn’t mention their background in cleaning commercial spaces or managing cleaning schedules, focusing instead on unrelated roles.
  • Why it’s bad: It’s important to tailor your responses to highlight experience that’s directly relevant to the role you’re applying for. Otherwise, you might not appear qualified. Always tie your experience back to the job you’re applying for.

8. Arriving Late

  • Example: A candidate arrives 20 minutes late to the interview, giving no prior notice or explanation.
  • Why it’s bad: Punctuality is crucial in the cleaning industry, where reliability is a must. Arriving late for an interview sends a poor message about your work ethic and reliability. Always aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early.

9. Dressing Inappropriately

  • Example: A cleaning supervisor candidate shows up in casual or overly informal clothing (like a hoodie and sweatpants), thinking the cleaning job doesn’t require a professional appearance.
  • Why it’s bad: Dressing appropriately for the interview shows that you respect the process and understand the importance of maintaining a professional image, especially for management roles. Opt for clean, neat, and professional attire.

10. Not Asking Any Questions

  • Example: At the end of the interview, when asked if they have any questions, the candidate simply says, “No, I’m good.”
  • Why it’s bad: Asking thoughtful questions shows interest in the company and the role. Not asking any questions can indicate a lack of curiosity or engagement. Prepare a few questions about the company or the role to demonstrate your enthusiasm.

How CleaningNZ Helps Jobseekers Find Cleaning Jobs

At CleaningNZ, we understand the challenges jobseekers face in finding the right role in the cleaning industry. We make the process easier by connecting jobseekers with over 600 employers in New Zealand, ensuring that you have access to a wide variety of cleaning job opportunities.

  • Niche Platform for Cleaning Jobs: CleaningNZ is dedicated solely to the cleaning industry, offering jobseekers a targeted platform that employers trust.
  • Job Variety: From commercial to domestic, industrial, specialized cleaning, and housekeeping, you can find roles across all sectors.
  • Effortless Job Search: Employers post their vacancies on our platform, making it easier for you to apply directly to job opportunities without the hassle of sifting through unrelated positions.
  • Geo-Map Feature: Easily search for jobs based on location, giving you the advantage of finding roles near your home or preferred areas.
  • High-Quality Employer Network: CleaningNZ only approves employers that meet stringent standards, ensuring you apply to legitimate, high-quality cleaning jobs.

With CleaningNZ, you can confidently navigate the job market and connect with top cleaning employers across the country.