Hotel Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Updated on: September 17, 2018

How do you feel about working in a capacity that has you on your toes all day?
I love working in a capacity that requires me to be busy the whole day long. It is challenging, but then I thrive in challenging environments and love every part of what I do.

What duties have you performed in the role of a hotel engineer in the past?
My present and past commissions as a hotel engineer have seen me handle a wide variety of tasks, including performing facility inspections, developing repair and maintenance programs, assisting with renovation projects, scheduling and overseeing the work of repair and maintenance technicians, monitoring HVAC systems, swimming pool water PH level maintenance, emergency service provision, and oversight of CCTV cameras and alarm systems.

As far as work is concerned, what skills do you think a hotel engineer requires to work successfully in this role?
One needs to be hands-on in handling the maintenance, repair, and operation of equipment and systems used in a hotel environment. Knowledge of HVAC systems, CCTV cameras, and fire alarm systems is an absolute necessity. Moreover, it is imperative to understand and work with the concept of hotel facilities management systems, as they relate to the place that you are working for. In addition to this, one must be hands-on in ensuring that all backup systems are properly installed, and running.

As far as personal skills are concerned, what do you have to offer?
I am an excellent communicator, which makes it easy for me to communicate job orders to technicians and workers – and they understand me well. I am patient, and can effectively handle more than one task at a time. Moreover, I possess great leadership skills, which allow me to lead teams of technicians in an efficient manner, aimed at ensuring that system downtime is minimized.

What is the most dangerous thing that you have had to do in your role as a hotel engineer?
There was a time when the main electricity distribution box began malfunctioning, resulting in increased voltage in all guest rooms. Two guests even complained of blown bulbs, the shards of which nearly hit them. I had to take out just one wire to bring the surge down, and I was a little unsure in the beginning. It was like a ticking time bomb! However, I managed to pick the right wire and cut it before any further damage transpired.

On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest, where do you see yourself as a professional hotel engineer?
I would give myself a realistic 8. I know most of what there is to know about the work, but it is a continuous learning process.