Custodian is oftentimes wrongly considered merely a polite proper noun for a job of a Janitor. Custodians, however, differ from Janitors in 2 principal ways:

  • They typically answer for more duties than janitors practise (basic building maintenance and repairs, opening and closing the gates of the building, cleaning of windows and other spots which janitors do non ordinarily clean, etc).
  • While janitors can work at different locations during the solar day, custodians are typically based in a particular identify all the time, most typically in a schoolhouse setting.

And though these differences are non reflected in the salaries (custodians earn in boilerplate only as much as janitors do, nearly $27,000 gross annually in the US), they are reflected in the interview questions.

Basically the interviewers expect a bit more from the custodian, and the interview is slightly more challenging. Notwithstanding, the task is as well better, equally it involves daily contact with both students and teachers, and is by and large more enjoyable.

Permit'south have a expect at some questions right now.

man is cleaning windows in a nice setting

Why do you lot want to work as a custodian?

Endeavour to show some enthusiasm for the position. The interviewers shouldn't feel that y'all utilise just becasue you struggle to go any amend job. They know that no children dream of condign custodians once they grow up, but they still want to hire someone who tin can encounter positives in the job–and there are many of them!

Say that you would similar to piece of work in a schoolhouse environs, but haven't been blessed to become a teacher. You tin can likewise say that you enjoy jobs that do not crave too much thinking, and love to have a clear mind once leaving home, non taking your working duties with you.

Mention that y'all savor cleaning (the primary duty of custodian), and believe to be good at it.

Why do you want to work here?

You can become with an honest respond–perhaps the school is located nearby your apartment, or the working hours accommodate you. Another good idea is referring to personal connection to the schoolhouse. Perchance your children are studying there, or they were attention the school in the past.

Alternatively you lot tin can do some research about the schoolhouse, and indicate out good things: the reputation of the establishment, good proper name information technology has amid students, dainty campus, excellent benefits for employees, and and then on.

How do you imagine a typical twenty-four hour period in piece of work?

In a practiced reply you will clearly demonstrate that you understand the divergence between janitor and custodian, and are set up for the responsibilities of the second one.

Read the job description carefully. They may explicate your duties clearly, and if they do not, try to be creative. You tin say that the core of your work volition be cleaning and vacuuming the building, but are ready to do basic maintenance work, de-icing the walkways, opening or closing some doors, participating on school events, and basically practice anything required from y'all as a custodian.

What's your experience with this type of work?

If you had the same task before (or a chore of a janitor or anything similar), say clearly where y'all worked and for how long. You tin can also say why you left this job, merely try not to talk negatively nigh your quondam employer.

If information technology's your first job application, you can all the same talk about similar piece of work you do dorsum at domicile. Ensure the interviewers that you understand what volition exist expected from you as a custodian, and experience prepare to handle the task.

woman sweeps the floor and she si smiling

How long do you want to have this position? Where do you lot see yourself in five years time?

Schools and other public places practice non similar to change custodians too often. Perhaps this is just a temporary solution for you, and yous volition always wait for another job, simply yous should not say so in an interview.

Tell them that yous prefer non call back much well-nigh the futurity, that you try to focus on your job, do it every bit well equally possible each day, and volition see what the future will bring.

You could say that you want to exist a custodian in five years. However, virtually interviewers won't believe such an respond.

Other questions you may face up in your custodian interview

  • What motivates you lot the most in this job?
  • What practice you lot consider the toughest aspect of this job?
  • How do you lot feel about working in early mornings or belatedly afternoons?
  • What are your salary expectations?
  • Practise yous have any questions?

Yous can also download the questions in a one folio long PDF, in social club to practice your interview answers anytime later:

Conclusion

Interview for a job of  a custodian belongs to easier interviews. Attempt to relax, effort to stay positive. Read the job clarification carefully and research a bit nearly your future place of work.

Prove at least some motivation and enthusiasm, and give them clear answers to their questions. One you lot manage to practise information technology, they will hire y'all. I wish you good luck!

May too involvement you:

  • Janitor interview questions
  • Body language in an interview
  • 15 Most common interview questions and answers
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Matthew Chulaw

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