Cleaner and Facilities Operative Interview Questions and Answers (UK)

Cleaning and facilities jobs are vital in offices, schools, hospitals, hotels and homes. Interviews are usually short and practical. Employers need people who are reliable, honest and take pride in their work.

What employers look for

• Reliability and punctuality.

• Trustworthiness, especially when working in homes or offices alone.

• Attention to detail and hygiene standards.

• Ability to follow a schedule and work independently.

• Physical stamina.

Common questions and example answers

Why do you want this job? "I take pride in leaving a place clean and tidy. I am reliable and I like having a clear set of tasks to complete."

How do you organise your cleaning schedule? "I plan from top to bottom and from clean to dirty areas, so that I do not spread dirt. I start with the most important tasks first."

What would you do if you found something valuable or personal when cleaning? "I would not touch it more than necessary and I would report it to my supervisor or hand it in according to policy."

How do you handle cleaning chemicals safely? "I read the label and safety data sheet, wear gloves and eye protection when needed, never mix chemicals and store them correctly."

What would you do if you saw damage or a hazard? "I would make the area safe if I could, put up a sign and report it straight away."

COSHH and safety

COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. Employers must assess and control the risk from cleaning products. Show that you know to follow instructions, use the correct PPE and use safe manual handling.

Infection control

In healthcare-adjacent, school and food settings you may be asked about colour-coded equipment, hand hygiene and cleaning high-touch surfaces. Even if you are not working in a clinical setting, the same hygiene principles apply.

Working alone and early or late shifts

Many cleaning shifts are early morning or evening. Be honest about your availability and how you will travel.

Quick answers

Do I need experience? Not usually. Employers train new staff.

Do I need a DBS check? Often for schools, care and some offices, and employers will explain.

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