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Custodian Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated 24 January 2025
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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Custodian interview questions and answers.

  1. Can you describe your work history as a custodian? See answer
  2. What specialised cleaning equipment do you know how to use? See answer
  3. What skills and personality traits do you think a custodian needs? See answer
  4. As a custodian, how do you stay motivated when performing repetitive tasks? See answer
  5. How would you respond if someone dropped trash on an area you finished sweeping? See answer
  6. Are you comfortable performing your custodial duties when people are in a building? See answer
  7. As a custodian, how do you keep track of supplies? See answer
  8. What safety precautions do you take when performing your custodial duties? See answer
  9. How frequently do you clean and maintain the tools and equipment you use? See answer
  10. Are you comfortable working with other custodial workers? See answer
  11. What would you do during your downtime at this position? See answer
  12. What makes you the best custodian for this position? See answer
  13. What would you do if you couldn’t repair a piece of equipment or a tool?
  14. Imagine someone you didn’t recognise knocked on our building’s door while you were closing for the day. How would you respond?
  15. Imagine your supervisor asked you to carry out a task that wasn’t part of your job description. What would you do?
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Hire your next Custodian today.

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Hire your next Custodian today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Custodian Interview Questions and Answers

Can you describe your work history as a custodian?

This question reveals whether a custodian's work history qualifies them for the role. Pay attention to the establishments where they worked and how they summarise their work experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Relevant experience as a custodian
  • Lessons learned from their work history
  • Ability to connect work experience to their anticipated role
Example:

"I worked as a school custodian for five years. I made sure classrooms were clean and carried out minor equipment repairs. I also collabourated with other members of the custodial team, such as cleaners and janitors. I believe my experience as a custodian qualifies me for this role, and I'm eager to join your custodial team."

What specialised cleaning equipment do you know how to use?

Custodians may need to use specialised cleaning equipment to keep places and areas, such as floors and windows clean. By asking this, you can determine what equipment a candidate is comfortable using. A custodian's answer also reveals whether they need on-the-job training on equipment use. What to look for:

  • Knowledge of various specialised cleaning equipment
  • Experience using various cleaning equipment
  • Attitude to learning how to use new equipment
Example:

"I know how to operate pressure washers and vacuum cleaners. At my last job, I vacuumed carpets frequently and received on-the-job training on how to use window washing tools. I understand your establishment has several window blinds and carpets, and I'm confident I can use specialised equipment or tools to keep them clean."

What skills and personality traits do you think a custodian needs?

Candidates need soft and hard skills to succeed as a custodian. This question tests a candidate's understanding of a custodian's role. What to look for:

  • organisational, time management, and interpersonal skills
  • Physical strength and stamina
  • Interest in applying or developing skills
Example:

"I think every custodian needs good organisational skills to keep supplies stocked and track their usage. Physical strength and stamina are useful when lifting, moving, or carrying heavy loads. I also think custodians should know how to thoroughly clean building areas and organise their time. I have these skills, and my good work ethic makes me stand out."

What would you do if you couldn't repair a piece of equipment or a tool?

While custodians should know how to carry out minor equipment repairs, they may encounter challenging repair tasks. This question tests a candidate's ability to ask questions when they need help. What to look for:

  • Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Willingness to ask for help
  • Desire to ensure equipment and tools are always functional
Example:

"I'm confident in my ability to repair and maintain various tools and equipment. If I couldn't handle a repair task, I'd find a coworker with relevant mechanical knowledge to help me out. I'm always happy to ask for help and learn from others."

As a custodian, how do you stay motivated when performing repetitive tasks?

Custodians typically perform routine custodial duties, such as dusting, vacuuming, and mopping. The question assesses how a candidate stays focused when performing repetitive tasks and avoid mistakes. What to look for:

  • Effective strategies to stay motivated
  • Enthusiasm for the role
  • Honesty and commitment to putting their best
Example:

"As a custodian, I understand my duties may sometimes be repetitive. I'm always happy to perform them and find creative ways to complete tasks. For example, I sometimes try to complete tasks quickly and efficiently, and this makes cleaning fun. I also set personal deadlines for tasks to encourage myself to finish them on time."

How would you respond if someone dropped trash on an area you finished sweeping?

This question helps you find out more about a candidate's demeanour. Pay attention to how they would talk to the person. What to look for:

  • Politeness and respectfulness
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Understanding of when to involve supervisors and managers
Example:

"If someone dropped trash on an area I finished sweeping, I'd pick it up and politely tell them I've cleaned the area. If they didn't change their behaviour, I'd inform my supervisor of the situation. I always make sure I'm respectful when talking to people."

Are you comfortable performing your custodial duties when people are in a building?

While some candidates are comfortable performing custodial duties in front of people, others prefer to work in private. This question helps you get a feel of whether a custodian would be comfortable working while your building is open for business. What to look for:

  • Flexibility in working conditions
  • Interpersonal skills to relate with people in a building
  • Experience working in front of others
Example:

"I'm able to carry out my custodial duties in private or when your building is open to customers. As long as there's no interference, I'd be happy to adjust my working style to meet your proposed schedules." 

As a custodian, how do you keep track of supplies?

Tracking supplies, such as paper towels and soaps, is an important duty of a custodian. This question helps you understand how a candidate would ensure supplies are always available for use. What to look for in an answer:

  • organisational skills
  • Relevant work experience as a custodian
  • Commitment to maintaining supply levels
Example:

"In my previous position, I created a detailed list of all supplies the establishment used. I scheduled routine supply checks and updated the list as people used various supplies. Storing items in a central location helped me track how people used them and determine when to restock."

Imagine someone you didn't recognise knocked on our building's door while you were closing for the day. How would you respond?

Custodians often work after a building closes, and they are responsible for locking doors after cleaning. This question helps you assess whether a candidate is security conscious. What to look for in an answer:

  • Commitment to securing a building and preventing break-ins
  • Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Proactiveness and politeness
Example:

"I'd politely reiterate that the building is closed. If they wanted to retrieve something, I'd ask for any identification and contact my supervisor to confirm whether the item is theirs. I'd also record the item they came to collect and the time. If the person couldn't confirm their identity, I'd politely ask them to return for the item during open hours."

What safety precautions do you take when performing your custodial duties?

Custodians need to follow health and safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. You can assess whether a candidate is safety conscious from their answer. What to look for:

  • Knowledge of health and safety risks for custodial workers
  • Understanding of basic safety rules
  • Commitment to keep themselves and others safe
Example:

"Before I start working, I make sure I identify all potential hazards and remove them from the environment. I also check that all tools and equipment are in good working condition. If I am unsure of the risk involved, I refer to the Health and Safety Guide for Custodial Workers by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). I also ensure I use the appropriate personal protective equipment for each task."

How frequently do you clean and maintain the tools and equipment you use?

Custodians need to clean and maintain cleaning tools and equipment to ensure they work properly and last longer. By asking this, you can determine whether a candidate understands the importance of maintaining cleaning equipment regularly. What to look for:

  • Drive to ensure cleaning equipment and tools are always in good working condition
  • Knowledge of equipment maintenance and cleaning steps
  • Proactiveness and good work ethic
Example:

"I clean tools and equipment daily and carry out maintenance tasks weekly. I understand that keeping tools and equipment in good working condition ensures they work properly, clean better, and last longer."

Are you comfortable working with other custodial workers?

Depending on your organisation, a custodial may need to work with cleaners, janitors, and other employees. This question helps you evaluate a custodian's ability to work as part of a team. What to look for:

  • Teamwork skills
  • Ability to work independently or in a team
  • Teamwork experience to support their answer
Example:

"I'm happy to work with other custodial workers. At my last job, my supervisor grouped me with several cleaners and assigned us to clean a museum. Having other custodial workers around motivated me to put my best into each task. I'm also comfortable working independently whenever possible."

What would you do during your downtime at this position?

This question helps you understand how a candidate would maximise downtime at work. What to look for:

  • Productive activities during downtime
  • Commitment to ensuring places are cleaning
  • Strategies to stay alert
Example:

"During my downtime, I'd go to different areas in the building and confirm there are supplies there. I'd also update my main list of items and restock bathroom supplies. In my previous position, I filled up my downtime by going through the company's employee handbook and safety procedures for custodial workers. I think it's important to stay alert, so I can respond to cleaning requests from my facility manager."

Imagine your supervisor asked you to carry out a task that wasn't part of your job description. What would you do?

The goal of this question is to determine whether a candidate would be willing to perform additional duties as assigned. What to look for in an answer:

  • Commitment to the role
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Politeness and professionalism
Example:

"I understand your job description states that I may perform other job-related duties. If my supervisor assigned a task that wasn't part of my job description, I'd perform the task. Then I'd reach out to my supervisor to understand whether I'd continue carrying out the task. I'd also contact your employee relations officer and discuss whether to include it in my job description, depending on my supervisor's response."

What makes you the best custodian for this position?

This question tells you more about a candidate's personality and background. It offers them the opportunity to sell themselves as a good fit for the role. What to look for in a candidate's answer:

  • Relevant work experience, training, or certifications
  • Qualities that make a candidate stand out
  • Desire to keep your building clean and maintain its professional appearance.
Example:

"I'm the best custodian for this position because I have the skills, experience, and personality traits to succeed. Having worked as a custodian for five years, I'm proficient with various industrial cleaning equipment. My experience also expanded my knowledge of how to maintain cleaning tools and equipment. As your custodian, I'd make sure your buildings are always clean and stocked with the right supplies. I understand you're also looking for a candidate to carry out basic plumbing tasks. I'd be happy to perform this additional duty in your company."

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