10 Head Custodian Interview Questions and Answers

Updated on: February 12, 2023

Head Custodian Interviews are usually divided into these 4 categories:

  1. Questions about you.
  2. Questions about your work experience and knowledge.
  3. Questions pertaining to why you want this job.
  4. Competency-based interview questions.

But they are not always asked in this order.

For instance, you will not be asked all competency-based interview questions at the same time.

Juggling questions is a great game for interviewers – a game aimed at confusing the interviewee. And it works. Do not let it work.

You need to be able to foresee this and take the lead. How?

By preparing, of course!

When appearing for an interview for the position of head custodian, you might be asked some questions regarding yourself but many on how you handle other people, primarily owing to the supervisory position that you are applying for.

Here are some possible questions (along with appropriate answers) you might be asked in a head custodian interview:

Related: Head Custodian Resume

Head Custodian Interview Questions and Answers

1. A head custodian’s work is not just cleaning and maintenance. How would you define your role?

While cleaning and maintenance are a huge part of a head custodian’s work, I agree that this is not all there is to it. Ensuring that an entire team of custodians works towards achieving cleaning and maintenance goals is the essence of a head custodian’s main job.

2. What is your experience with technology in a head custodian’s role?

My present place of work is a huge expanse of a building and I am responsible for overseeing custodial work over all of it. I use radiophones to communicate with my staff which is an effective way of getting my orders across to people with whom I cannot be in touch physically all the time.

3. What motivates you to work hard in this role?

The end result. When I think of how beautifully clean and neat the interiors and exteriors look, it gives me a sense of satisfaction which is quite motivating in itself.

4. If you were in a position to hire a team of custodians, what qualities would you look for?

I would want to hire people who have great attention to detail, possess knowledge of cleaning activities in a corporate environment, and have the ability to have their work visible, without being visible themselves!

5. Out of all the other candidates, why should we hire you?

You should hire me because I bring 3+ years of experience as a custodian’s head. I am familiar with various cleaning techniques and janitorial hacks; I have strong administrative and organizational skills and I am familiar with OSHA guidelines.

6. What do you consider to be your biggest professional achievement?

So far, my biggest professional achievement is that I cut down the cost of cleaning materials by 20% at my last workplace while maintaining the work quality through the implementation of novel cleaning techniques that were low-cost but equally effective.

7. Tell me how important it is to keep the cleaning equipment clean and how do you ensure that?

If the cleaning equipment is dirty, it causes unnecessary delays in cleaning tasks. I develop and implement proper routines and equipment cleaning protocols to be followed on daily basis and my staff is trained to clean up all materials like brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, and floor scrubbers before their shift end.

8. Tell me about the toughest decision you had to make in the last six months?

About two months ago I found out that one of the janitors was stealing liquid cleaners. The janitor was very needy and was on good terms with me as well. It was the call of duty to report him, I reported him and he faced a warning but after that, he did not steal again. I also helped him find a part-time job. When I reflect on it now, I am glad I reported him.

9. What is your leadership style?

My leadership style is authoritative; I lead the team very respectfully, give them clear instructions, and maintain a good working relationship with each team member; I maintain my authority and use it as and when needed.

10. What helps you stay motivated in this job?

I generally drive satisfaction by cleaning objects. Cleanliness makes me feel good and that’s where I drive my motivation from. I am also very much interested in the latest cleaning products and I enjoy trying them out.


Final Thought

In an interview for a head custodian position, basically, the employers want to gauge what kind of worker you are and whether or not you possess the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this job.

When asked a question, try to give a to-the-point answer but keep in mind that your answers should reflect the routines and protocols you have developed or are following and your knowledge regarding various cleaning equipment and familiarity with cleaning chemicals.