Key Prescreening Questions to Ask When Hiring a Housekeeping Specialist

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

This question gives the candidate an opportunity to share their background, personality, and interests. It's a great ice breaker and allows you to gauge how well the applicant communicates.

Where do you presently live?

Asking about the candidate's location can help you determine if they can easily commute to your workplace or if they're open to relocating if necessary.

Why do you want to work with us?

This question helps you assess whether the candidate has done their homework about your company, and whether they're genuinely interested in the role and the organization.

Do you have any prior housekeeping experience?

Experience in housekeeping is vital. This question allows you to understand the candidate's past experience, their skills, and how they can contribute to your organization.

Can you tell us what we do as a company?

If a candidate can accurately describe your company and its services, it shows they have done their research and are serious about the job opportunity.

Can you tell us your availability?

Knowing when a candidate is available to work helps you understand if they can fit into the shift patterns your company operates.

When can you start to work with us?

This question helps you plan for the future, especially if you need the position filled immediately.

Can you tell us about a situation where a guest you worked with was upset and how you overcame it?

Dealing with difficult situations is part of the housekeeping job. This question helps you understand how the candidate handles conflict and if they can maintain professionalism under pressure.

What is your salary expectation?

This question helps you determine if the candidate's salary expectation aligns with your budget for the role.

Do you have previous experience as a Housekeeping Specialist?

Specific experience as a Housekeeping Specialist can be a great advantage as it indicates the candidate is familiar with the responsibilities and demands of the role.

Are you comfortable with physically demanding tasks?

Housekeeping can be physically demanding, so it's important to ensure the candidate can handle tasks such as lifting, bending, and standing for long periods.

Do you have any training or certification in cleaning or housekeeping?

Certifications can be a bonus, indicating the candidate's commitment to their profession and their understanding of best practices in the field.

How familiar are you with cleaning products and tools?

A good Housekeeping Specialist needs to be familiar with various cleaning products and tools. This question assesses the candidate's knowledge and their ability to use these tools safely and effectively.

Can you describe your ability to work independently and under minimal supervision?

Housekeeping Specialists often need to work independently. This question can help you gauge the candidate's ability to manage their time and tasks effectively with minimal supervision.

Do you have experience in deep cleaning and sanitizing large spaces?

Deep cleaning and sanitizing, especially in larger spaces, may be a key part of the role. This question helps you understand the candidate's relevant experience.

How would you handle a situation where a client is not satisfied with your cleaning service?

This question gives you insight into the candidate's customer service skills and their ability to handle criticism and improve their services based on feedback.

Do you have any allergies or health issues that could be affected by cleaning supplies or dust?

Some people may have allergies or health conditions that could be exacerbated by cleaning supplies or dust. It's important to ask this question to ensure the candidate's health won't be compromised on the job.

Are you comfortable working with pets in the house?

Many households have pets, so it's crucial to know if the candidate is comfortable working in an environment where pets are present.

Are you comfortable with handling emergency cleaning situations?

Emergency cleaning situations can arise, and it's important that the candidate can handle these efficiently and effectively.

Do you have a reliable mode of transportation for work?

Reliable transportation is important, especially if the job requires traveling between different locations during the workday.