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Questions to practise
Can you tell me about the cleaning work you have done before?
She wants to know your experience and what kind of places you have cleaned.
Name the place, for example an office, school or hotel. Say what you cleaned: floors, toilets, kitchens, bins. Give one detail, like how many floors or rooms. Keep it simple and true.
How do you make sure a floor is done properly?
She needs someone who cleans to a clear standard, not just quickly.
Describe your steps in order. For example: sweep, then mop, then check corners and under desks. Say how you check your own work, like walking the floor again or using a checklist.
Tell me exactly how you clean a set of toilets, step by step.
Toilets show your standards and your hygiene habits very clearly.
Use order words: first, then, after that, finally. Mention gloves, the right product, sinks, mirrors, floors and refilling paper and soap. Say how often you check them, for example twice a day.
You find two cleaning products with no labels. What do you do, and why?
She is testing if you put safety first and never guess with chemicals.
Say you would not use them and never mix them. Put them aside safely and tell your supervisor. Explain why: without a label, you don't know what it is or how dangerous it is.
How do you use chemicals safely?
Unsafe chemical use can hurt you, other people and the building.
Name clear habits: read the label first, wear gloves, open a window if needed, never mix products, store them closed and away from public areas. One or two real habits with an example is best.
What small repairs can you do?
A custodian often fixes small problems so they do not become big problems.
Be honest. Name repairs you can do, like changing a light bulb, tightening a handle or unblocking a sink. Also say when you would stop and report it, because it is not safe for you to fix.
What would you do if a pipe started leaking?
She wants to see if you act quickly, stay calm and report problems.
Give clear steps: turn off the water if you know how, put a sign or cone down, clean up the water, and call your supervisor. If it is a real past example, tell it.
Can you give me an example of being reliable?
She needs someone who comes on time and finishes the work every day.
Tell one short, real story. Say what happened, what you did, and the result. For example, you finished your list before leaving, or you covered a shift when a coworker was away.
What does a normal day of cleaning look like for you?
She wants to see if you plan your work and follow a routine.
Walk through your day: start time, first tasks, busy areas, checks during the day, and end of day. Mention a checklist if you use one. Show that you organise your time well.
What would you do if something was not safe?
She wants to know you will not take risks with your safety or other people's.
Say you would stop, keep people away, for example with a sign, and report it straight away. Show that you know your limits and you tell the right person quickly.
First I read the label, then I put on gloves.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
First I read the label, then I put on gloves.
I follow a checklist for each floor.
I check my work before I move to the next area.
I never mix two cleaning products.
If I can't fix it safely, I report it straight away.
I am always on time, and I finish my list before I leave.
Common questions
What if my English is not perfect?
That is okay. The manager wants clear, practical answers. Use short sentences and simple words. Order words like first, then and after that help a lot. If you don't understand a question, you can say: Sorry, could you say that again, please?
I have no experience in an office building. What can I say?
Talk about any cleaning you have done, for example in a shop, restaurant, hotel, school or home. The skills are similar: routine, safety, checking your work and being on time. Give real steps and a real example.
Should I say I can do repairs I am not sure about?
No. Be honest. Say what you can do well, and say you would report anything that is not safe for you to fix. A careful manager respects this. Safety first is a good answer.