When hiring housekeepers, you can’t be too careful. It’s important to hire the right people not only for your clients, but for your business. You’ll want to hire people that are responsible and won’t cost your business by using set housekeeper interview questions. Additionally, it’s important to hire people who will stick around, be a good culture fit with your business, and will work hard.
Being prepared with consistent interview questions is key to making the right hire. When hiring housekeepers, you should ask questions in the following categories; experience verification, behavioral, and competency questions. Additionally, you should supplement with any questions relevant to the position, such as requirements to be employed.
If you’re looking for additional data on who to hire, learn how Sprockets’ hiring solution can help you determine which applicants are the best fit for your business.
Housekeeping Interview Questions
Experience Verification
Experience verification is important in positions where certain certifications, training, or degrees are required.
Q: What experience do you have in the cleaning industry?
Whether an applicant has more experience in the residential sector or the commercial sector may play into which clients for which you pair them.
Q: Do you have a current housekeeping position?
If an applicant answers with “yes”, follow up this question by asking why they are seeking to leave their current company. Are they looking for more hours? Did they have a bad boss? Depending on their answer, this may help you determine if they will be the right fit for your business.
If the applicant answers with “no”, follow up this question by asking why they want to begin a job in the house cleaning industry. Perhaps they are seeking flexible hours or opportunity for tips. The applicant’s answer should enable you to gauge whether your business will be able to deliver what they are seeking.
Behavioral Questions
Behavioral questions are designed to evaluate an applicant’s fit with the role and duties it entails.
Q: Describe how you have handled a difficult situation with a client.
Some homeowners and business owners can be particularly stern regarding their cleaning expectations. While cleaners may follow the checklist to a T, oversights can happen. Get insights on how an applicant has handled a difficult client.
Q: Tell me about your most rewarding experience with a client.
An applicant’s answer to this question will let you know what they like most about the job.
Q: What motivates you during the workday?
Each applicant may answer this question differently. Answers may include getting off of work in time to pick up children from school, listening to music during a shift, or receiving a nice holiday bonus. The applicant’s answer allows you to determine which of your clients they may be the best fit to work with or if they will be a good fit for your business.
Competency Questions
Competency questions are designed to evaluate an applicant’s understanding of the position and the duties it entails.
Q: What do you consider to be a clean house?
The way an applicant describes what their expectations of a clean house are gives you insight into whether they are detail-oriented and patient enough for this type of position.
It’s also important to weigh which category of questions is most important for that position. For example, when hiring for a caregiver, experience is very important. However, behavioral questions are always important to understand how someone will contribute to your team. When we hire people, so often do we say, “I feel like they’d be great for the job.” We base decisions off of how we feel about someone, because it is important.
Overall, it’s crucial to hire the best people for the sake of your business and your clients. Make the best hires for your business by being prepared with the housekeeper interview questions above. If you’re ready to take your hiring to the next level, learn how Sprockets can help you select the best hires, reduce employee turnover, and save you money.