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Maintenance Assistant Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Maintenance Assistant interview questions and answers.

  1. When given a list of maintenance tasks, how do you prioritise your time? See answer
  2. How do you show a positive attitude at work even when you are under a deadline? See answer
  3. What technical skills do you have that make you stand out from other candidates for the role? See answer
  4. How would you describe your understanding of performing maintenance on manufacturing equipment? See answer
  5. What long-term goals do you have regarding equipment maintenance or mechanics? See answer
  6. The role requires the candidate to move up to 30 kilograms. Are you able to perform this job requirement? See answer
  7. What kinds of equipment do you have experience maintaining? See answer
  8. Describe a time you made a costly mistake at work. See answer
  9. How do you ensure that you and the surrounding people remain safe when working on equipment? See answer
  10. Tell me about a time you were asked to do maintenance on a piece of equipment and didn’t know the correct process. See answer
  11. Tell me about a time you completed a maintenance task successfully while working on a team. See answer
  12. How do you demonstrate the ability to be proactive in your work? See answer
  13. How do you handle a situation when you disagree with your supervisor? See answer
  14. What is the hardest part of being a Maintenance Assistant? See answer
  15. Why did you apply to our company to be a Maintenance Assistant? See answer
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Hire your next Maintenance Assistant today.

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Hire your next Maintenance Assistant 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 Maintenance Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

When given a list of maintenance tasks, how do you prioritise your time?

A Maintenance Assistant typically helps with all maintenance activities. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to manage their time and prioritise their tasks. What to look for in an answer:

  • Time management skills to prioritise their day's activities
  • Communication skills to ask for clarification or help
  • Ability to self-direct their tasks

Example:

"When given a list of maintenance tasks, I ask my supervisor if there is anything specific that takes priority on the list. If there isn't, then I review the list and see either what jobs are similar or what jobs are within the same location. This way, I can either use the same tools without having to go back and forth, or I can complete several jobs within the same area."

How do you show a positive attitude at work even when you are under a deadline?

Often, Maintenance Assistants work under a tight deadline to ensure equipment is running correctly during peak times. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate reacts under pressure. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to remain composed under pressure
  • Willingness to maintain a positive attitude
  • Interpersonal skills to work successfully with other people

Example:

"When there is a tight deadline, I try to remain organised and efficient. By being organised, I can spend my energy on keeping a positive attitude instead of worrying about where my tools are or what I need to do next."

What technical skills do you have that make you stand out from other candidates for the role?

You may require a Maintenance Assistant to work on various types of equipment and machinery. The question's goal is to determine the candidate's level of mechanical understanding and their unique technical skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Foundational knowledge of equipment and machinery within a specific industry
  • Willingness to continue professional development
  • Ability to adapt skills to unique situations

Example:

"When I was researching your company for this interview, I noted that your manufacturing facility uses several pieces of equipment I have experience maintaining. For example, I am used to maintaining forklifts, picker trucks, portable heaters, and welding equipment."

How would you describe your understanding of performing maintenance on manufacturing equipment?

The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's understanding of a Maintenance Assistant's role and primary responsibilities. What to look for in an answer:

  • Essential maintenance and repair knowledge
  • Awareness of maintenance schedules
  • Willingness to learn new skills and continue professional development

Example:

"In my previous positions, I gained experience in working within a maintenance schedule. In fact, in my most previous position, they gave me the responsibility for creating a maintenance schedule for a new piece of equipment that the company purchased. I contacted the equipment maker, compiled all the warranty and repair information, and created a detailed maintenance schedule for the team."

What long-term goals do you have regarding equipment maintenance or mechanics?

A Maintenance Assistant position is typically an entry-level role. The question aims to gain an understanding of the candidate's career goals. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to continue professional development
  • Ability to set goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound
  • Communication skills to express personal thoughts and ideas

Example:

"Once I have worked a few more years in a Maintenance Assistant role, I plan to apply to our local trade school to become a Millwright. I love working on a variety of equipment and machinery. I also enjoy so many tasks, such as welding, electrical work, and fixing hydraulic issues. A Journeyperson Millwright encompasses all of these skills."

The role requires the candidate to move up to 30 kilograms. Are you able to perform this job requirement?

You will typically require a Maintenance Assistant to perform many physical requirements of the job. The goal of the question is to determine if the candidate can perform the job's physical needs. Asking in this way promotes inclusivity. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to work within the physical requirements of the job
  • Ability to think creatively and problem-solve
  • Communication skills to express safety concerns as needed

Example:

"I understand the physical requirements of the job and can perform them all. I ensure to follow all safety requirements and complete a hazard assessment before starting a task."

What kinds of equipment do you have experience maintaining?

A Maintenance Assistant needs to repair and maintain a wide variety of equipment and machinery. The goal of the question is to evaluate what the candidate has experience maintaining. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to adapt knowledge gained to new situations
  • Mechanical aptitude for understanding basic repairs and maintenance
  • Previous experience with the company and role-specific equipment and machinery

Example:

"I have experience with many types of equipment and machinery within a manufacturing and warehousing environment. I've worked in the petroleum industry and construction materials. Some of the equipment I maintained included HVAC equipment, power generation equipment, diesel motors, electrical systems, boilers, air compressors, drill presses, cutting shears, and forklifts."

Describe a time you made a costly mistake at work.

The question's goal is to evaluate the candidate's willingness to take accountability for errors and the process they used to fix the mistake. What to look for in an answer:

  • Accountability for mistakes and errors
  • Communication skills to express a concern
  • Awareness of the potential dollar value tied to an error

Example:

"They scheduled me to complete a critical repair on equipment within a paint booth one evening during the night shift. I lost track of time with my other tasks and didn't get to the paint booth until morning. Because I lost track of time that evening, the company had to take the paint booth offline that day so someone else during the day shift could complete my repairs. Here is what I learned from the experience..."

How do you ensure that you and the surrounding people remain safe when working on equipment?

Having a safe working environment is everyone's responsibility. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate contributes to a secure workspace. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of what is happening around them when working
  • Willingness to create and encourage a safe work environment
  • Communication skills to express concerns when needed

"Before I begin any tasks, I complete a work hazard assessment. I always follow lockout tag procedures for any equipment or piece of machinery. This step ensures everyone knows the equipment is being worked on actively. I also encourage the surrounding workers to stay safe. For example, if I see someone not wearing their PPE, I'll politely remind them.

Example:

Tell me about a time you were asked to do maintenance on a piece of equipment and didn’t know the correct process.

The question's goal is to evaluate the candidate's mechanical knowledge and willingness to ask for help and guidance when required. What to look for in an answer:

  • Foundational mechanical and maintenance knowledge
  • Communication skills to ask for help when required
  • Ability to follow directions and procedures

Example:

"In my previous position, my supervisor asked me to complete the monthly maintenance on a skid steer. I had worked on forklifts before and thought they were very similar, so I didn't originally ask for instructions. However, once I started working on the skid steer, I realised it was very different. First, I went to look for the maintenance manual and read through the directions. I then had a few questions, so I found my supervisor to ask for clarification."

Tell me about a time you completed a maintenance task successfully while working on a team.

A Maintenance Assistant often collabourates with other maintenance professionals and supervisors. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to work with others. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills to interact respectfully with colleagues and supervisors
  • Example of working on a team successfully

Example:

"In my last role, I frequently worked as part of the maintenance team. One time in particular, I worked with my colleagues to repair a building's ventilation system. It was a large building, and we decided to separate to increase our efficiency. Each of us worked on one section of the building, and we were able to complete the project successfully on time."

How do you demonstrate the ability to be proactive in your work?

The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to think ahead, remain organised, and be proactive in the workplace. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to anticipate potential issues with machinery and equipment
  • Willingness to take on additional responsibility
  • Communication skills to express ideas and thoughts to colleagues and supervisors

Example:

"Being proactive at work makes my job easier. If I can fix an issue before it becomes a major problem, then my day is simplified. For example, I created a weekly checklist for the maintenance department to check all bearings and grease points for the shop's overhead doors. By checking them weekly, I reduced downtime for costly repairs."

How do you handle a situation when you disagree with your supervisor?

The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate deals with conflict in the workplace. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication skills to express their opinions and thoughts respectfully to coworkers and supervisors
  • Willingness to seek resolution during a conflict
  • Ability to remain calm and composed during a difficult situation

Example:

"When I disagree with my supervisor, I stay calm and don't get upset. If I disagree with how they want me to complete a job, I will ask questions to clarify. I will present my thoughts and understand why they want me to complete the work the way they suggest. Regardless of the reason, I ensure I am respectful and thoughtful."

What is the hardest part of being a Maintenance Assistant?

The goal of the question is to determine what parts of the job the candidate finds difficult and their willingness to complete the tasks. What to look for in an answer:

  • Basic understanding of the various tasks of the position
  • Time management and organisation skills
  • Willingness to complete unpleasant or complex tasks that are part of the role

Example:

"One of the hardest parts of being a Maintenance Assistant is knowing what takes priority in a crisis. When multiple pieces of equipment or machinery go down, I need to be everywhere at once. So I will look to my supervisor for guidance. I will explain to them what I think is the priority and see if they agree. Then, I make my plan from there."

Why did you apply to our company to be a Maintenance Assistant?

The goal of this question is to evaluate what the candidate knows about the company and position by completing research before the interview. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to complete research and investigation
  • Communication skills to express ideas and thoughts
  • Critical thinking to adapt what they know to a new situation

Example:

"I was very excited to apply for the Maintenance Assistant position with your company because of the amazing work you do. The company is known for its customised and creative products within much of the welding industry. I knew I wanted to be a part of that!"

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