Interview Questions For Maintenance Manager

Facilities Manager Interview Questions

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed’s data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

Facilities operations managers monitor and improve the conditions of an organization’s physical locations, like offices, campuses and training facilities. In an interview for a facilities manager position, the hiring manager may ask questions about your industry knowledge, past leadership experience and specific skills. Learning some common facilities manager interview questions can help you prepare responses and feel more confident before your interview. In this article, we provide 37 facilities manager interview questions, with a few sample responses to help you prepare your own.

What Do You Do If You Have Nothing To Do

Important Points to Address: It is best to dismiss these questions and refer to always finding something to do.

Example Answer:I dont think that there is ever nothing to do. There is always something to be done, things like straightening the guest lounge, organizing the desk, making sure guest refreshments are filled, checking the calendar or to-do lists, and finding something that can be moved forward.

Do You Have Any Questions For Me

So, now that you have gotten through the initial part of the facility manager interview questions, the focus turns to you. At the end of the interview, you are always given the opportunity to ask questions of the interviewing manager. The number one mistake a candidate can make is to not have any questions for the interviewer. You may have been the leading candidate up until now, but if your questions are not up to par, you could fall to dead last.

Ask questions that spark conversation these typically begin with who, why, when, or how. Avoid close-ended questions that can be answered in one word. These questions typically start with is, does, did, would, or has.

In addition to specific facility manager interview questions, Forbes recently posted an article suggesting COVID-19-related questions to ask potential employers.

A few examples are:

• Now that we have discussed my qualifications, do you have any concerns about me fulfilling the responsibilities of this position?
• What are the companys biggest challenges right now and in what ways will this role help alleviate those challenges?
• As my direct manager for this position, what are the three top priorities you would first like to see accomplished?
• I know things are quite uncertain right now but as we continue to navigate this time, what are the companys top priorities and plans for the next few months?
• In what area could your team use a little polishing?
• Why did you come to ABC Company?

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Example Maintenance Technician Interview Questions

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed’s data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

Interviewing for a maintenance technician role requires showcasing your technical aptitude, along with your transferable skills. Interviewers also commonly ask questions about previous experience in maintenance and repair to better assess your qualifications. You can prepare for your interview in advance by practicing how you respond to common questions.

In this article, we list 35 maintenance technician interview questions with several example answers to help you make a positive impression during your interview.

Im Curious How Did You Come To Find Out About Our Company And What Do You Know About Us

This can be a great way to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate initiative. Almost every company will have a website, Facebook page, Instagram account, or some sort of digital footprint. Spend a bit of time doing some online research:

• If they have a website, check out their About us or Culture/Mission/Vision pages.
• Who are some of the principal people who work there? Who are the founders?
• What sorts of things does this company care about? Do they donate to a particular cause or charity? Which one?
• What are their core values? Which of their core values resonate with you?
• Has the company been in the news recently or have they won any awards .

While your interviewer wont expect you to have in-depth company history, a little here can go a long way.

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What Are Some Key Skills You Think Are Important For A Maintenance Engineer May Possess

Interviewers often start the interview with a skills question to determine if you know about some skills that are crucial to completing the maintenance engineer’s job efficiently. Your answer may allow interviewers to assess your technical knowledge and how you fulfil your many responsibilities. You may take a few moments to prepare a thoughtful answer that focuses on the skills that you have applied in your previous roles. Aligning your skills with the ones that the hiring organisation has mentioned in the job description is another way to provide an effective answer.

Example answer:’Based on my experience, I believe that these professionals are more likely to excel in this career if they possess in-depth knowledge of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. Technical knowledge of how these systems work offers engineers the advantage of knowing exactly how to detect a malfunction and resolve the issue. Their ability to follow safety measures helps them to work cautiously and ensure the same for their colleagues. As they may often work with intricately designed machines, apart from technical knowledge, possessing excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills may also help them to fix the machines proficiently.’

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What Maintenance Problem Have You Identified In The Past Before It Became Urgent

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate’s experience and problem-solving skills. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience as a maintenance manager
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Good attention to detail

Example:

“In my previous role, I noticed a pipe was leaking on the top floor of our building. I fixed it as soon as I saw it. If I hadn’t, it could have burst and caused a flood that would leak down to all the other floors. The leak left minimal water damage which I also fixed.”

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How Do You Motivate Your Team To Work Harder And Complete All Their Tasks

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate’s leadership skills and ability to motivate a team. What to look for in an answer:

• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to motivate themselves and their team
• Willingness to go above and beyond for their team

Example:

“To motivate my team to work harder, I make myself present. I don’t want my team to think I don’t care about them or their well-being, so I will try to work with them for at least an hour a day. This boosts morale and gets everything done on time, motivating them to keep working hard.”

Describe Your Supervisory Style

It would be best to keep in mind that this is a supervisory role. You will not be acting as a maintenance technician anymore. The answer you give can determine whether you will land the job or not.

Tip#1: Your supervisory style should be active

Tip #2: You should give employees a little bit of freedom.

Sample Answer

I always ensure that I overlook the work closely and intervene where necessary. However, I also understand that employees need a little freedom, and therefore, I always let them think about different solutions before intervening.

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What Is The Potential Risk That Repair And Maintenance Work Usually Face

• Faulty electrical: Risk of electrocuted always remains with repair and maintenance workers, if not equipped with electric-proof tools and attires. They are prone to burns, shocks, etc.
• Lifting equipment: Workers usually have to deal with heavy metal objects and lifting equipment is not inspected or maintained then they are at risk of a fatal accident
• Maintenance of working and walking surfaces: Slippery working surfaces, sharp tools and nails scattered on working surface, slip and trip, uneven and potholed are some potential hazard that may cause an accident
• Dust: It potential risk for the workers specially working in woodworking or iron industries

Tell Me About The Last Several Mechanical Problems That You Had To Address

Potential employers want to know your level of mechanical skill. They are looking for experience solving problems using your mechanical abilities. In your response, provide specific examples of applying your mechanical knowledge to fix a problem. You should also mention if your solutions saved the company money or time.

Example answer:”At my last job, the air conditioning unit developed severe condensation. I had to take apart the unit. I found a damaged condensate pan, which I replaced. I then had to reassemble the unit. This project saved the company $1,600 in repair fees.

“Several months ago, one resident in the apartment complex where I worked reported a broken refrigerator. It was full of groceries, so I made that my top priority. Within an hour, I determined the issue was dust on the compressor coils and fixed the problem.”

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How Do You Maintain Focus In A Busy Or High

Industries that involve working in loud, busy or high-pressure environments can be challenging. Interviewers often ask about your past experiences in similar circumstances to see if you’re a good fit for a position. With your answer, an interviewer looks for evidence of working well under difficult circumstances, ways you’ve worked around those issues and examples of problem-solving. Including specific solutions to the problems of high-pressure or busy environments is helpful as a response to this question.

Example: ‘I’ve spent many years working in plant and manufacturing environments, and I already understand the challenges of crowded or busy workplaces. In high-noise environments, I use safety ear covers to ensure I can maintain focus on the task at hand. If I’m communicating with a larger team, I make sure to move to a quieter area to receive proper instruction, so there’s no risk of miscommunication’.

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What Type Of Facilities Have You Been In Charge Of In Your Previous Roles

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate’s experience and determine if they have worked in the same type of facility as yours. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience managing a similar facility to yours
• Ability to adapt to different environments
• In-depth industry knowledge

Example:

“I have been the maintenance manager of a hospital for over five years. I love it as I was always busy and challenging myself because it was such a large building. However, as I get older, I would prefer to work in a smaller, private hospital such as your own to focus more attention on maintaining the facilities.”

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Experience And Background Interview Questions

Interview questions on background and experience provide interviewers with information about the skills and knowledge you provide for a specific position. These questions may ask you to describe your past work experiences, previous ways you used your skills or specific working environments from your history. Some examples of background and experience questions that an interviewer may ask include:

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What Are Your Weaknesses

Another tricky one. The purpose of this question is to see how you view and evaluate yourself.

One the one hand, if you suggest you dont have any weaknesses, your interviewer will almost certainly see you as a lair, egotistical, or both.

Dont fall into the trap of trying to present a positive skill in disguise as a weakness, like I work too hard or I am a perfectionist. Any experienced interviewer will see through this in a heartbeat.

Additionally, revealing that Im not really a morning person and have been known to come in late raises immediate and obvious red flags.

The trick here is to respond realistically by mentioning a small, work related weakness and what you are doing or have done to overcome it.

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What Do You See Yourself Doing In Five Years

This one is all about job commitment.

Some people make job hopping a career in of itself, and your answer here can be telling. Here, your interviewer is determining if you are:

• someone who sets goals
• someone who demonstrates commitment
• someone who is loyal

While no interviewer expects someone to stay at a company forever, try and craft your response in such a way that shows progression in your career, and alignment with the Companys needs and future. Again, self awareness is key your employer doesnt want to send you down an unwanted path, resulting in wasted time and energy for everyone.

What Are The Most Important Skills And Qualities Needed In A Front Office Or Receptionist Role

Important Points to Address: It is a good idea to provide at least three skills that were listed in the job description for the advertised position.

Example Answer:As the face of the company, the most important skill is to have excellent interpersonal skills as you deal with a lot of people. Second, you need good organization skills as a front desk role is a fast-paced environment that requires managing the daily schedule of yourself, customers, guests, and service and maintenance staff, among others.

In addition, good computer skills with a high typing speed, the willingness to go the extra mile, and the ability to multitask many different tasks are critical to providing great service.

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Top 7 Maintenance Supervisor Interview Questions Answers

What Were Your Duties In Your Previous Reception Or Front

Important Points to Address: Try and highlight any tasks you are responsible for that are similar to the new roles job description.

Example Answer:As the first person customers talked to, I made appointments and reservations, checked guests in, and escorted VIPs and meeting attendees to rooms and facilities. I also answered the main phone line and email address, answering customer questions or redirecting them to the right person. I also handled a lot of admin responsibilities, such as scheduling and ordering housekeeping and maintenance supplies.

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Maintenance Supervisor Interview Questions:

• What makes you want to serve as a maintenance supervisor?
• Have you ever worked in a management position?

• What drew you to a career in maintenance in the first place?
• Describe your current or most recent maintenance positions responsibilities.
• Tell me about your HVAC system experience.
• Which types of maintenance or repairs are you most familiar with?
• Do you hold any certifications?

• In your current job, do you have any leadership responsibilities?
• Describe the installation or repair that was the most difficult for you to complete.
• How does a supervisor set a good example for his or her staff?
• Describe how you assign work to your team in a fair and equitable manner.
• Have you ever coached a technician? Describe the steps in your procedure.

• How do you know whether to fix or replace a machine?
• What would you do if one of your workers was involved in a workplace accident?
• Assume youre in charge of developing a training program for new hires. What would you include in your strategy?
• Tell me what youd do if you wanted to make a critical repair but the expense was likely to surpass your estimate.
• Describe your ways of storing and recording inventory and equipment.

• How do you go about performing safety inspections?
• What would you do if a technician consistently disobeyed your orders?

What Was The Biggest Challenge You Faced In Your Previous Role And How Did You Overcome It

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate’s ability to overcome common challenges associated with the position. What to look for in an answer:

• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Experience in a similar role

Example:

“The biggest challenge I faced in my previous role was a small budget. We didn’t have a lot of money to work with, so replacing machinery was out of the question. This meant that we had to repair old machines constantly. I assigned one person to each machine and they became an expert on it. This made repairing the machines much quicker.”

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