Facilities Assistant Interview Questions

Interviewer: Thank you for coming in today. Can you start by telling us a little about your previous experience in facilities management?

Candidate: Yes, of course. I worked as a facilities assistant at XYZ Company for three years where I was responsible for keeping the facilities clean, performing minor repairs, and assisting with the coordination of events that took place within the facilities.

Interviewer: What types of technical skills do you possess that would be relevant in this role?

Candidate: I have experience with a variety of computer programs, including Microsoft Office and CAD software. I am also skilled in the use of various maintenance and repair tools, such as power tools and hand tools.

Interviewer: Can you describe a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment?

Candidate: Yes, at XYZ Company, I had to manage multiple responsibilities on a daily basis, such as responding to work orders for repairs, cleaning and restocking supplies, and assisting with event setup. I would prioritize tasks based on their urgency and potential impact on the facility's operations.

Interviewer: How do you adapt to new procedures or changes in the work environment?

Candidate: I am adaptable and quick to learn new procedures. I embrace change and view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. I would ask questions and seek guidance as needed to ensure a successful transition.

Interviewer: How do you ensure that facility equipment and systems remain in good condition?

Candidate: I would conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning of the equipment and systems. I would also address any issues as soon as they arise to prevent larger problems from occurring.

Interviewer: Can you describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult or upset customer?

Candidate: At XYZ Company, I once received a complaint from a customer regarding the cleanliness of the restroom facilities. I acknowledged their concerns and immediately addressed the issue by thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the restroom. I followed up with the customer to ensure their satisfaction.

Interviewer: How do you prioritize safety in your work?

Candidate: I prioritize safety by following all safety protocols and guidelines, such as wearing appropriate protective equipment and ensuring that equipment and facilities are maintained properly to prevent accidents and injuries.

Interviewer: How do you ensure that equipment is properly maintained and repaired in a timely manner?

Candidate: I would conduct regular inspections on equipment and immediately report any issues to the appropriate parties. I would also complete any necessary repairs or arrange for professional repairs to be made promptly to avoid any potential downtime or safety issues.

Interviewer: Can you describe a time when you had to work with a team to complete a project or assignment?

Candidate: Yes, at XYZ Company, I worked with a team to plan and execute an event in the facility. We collaborated to handle all aspects of the event, from coordinating vendors to setting up the space, and ensuring a successful outcome.

Interviewer: How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with co-workers or customers?

Candidate: I handle conflicts or disagreements by using effective communication skills and active listening techniques. I would seek to understand the other party's perspective and work to find a mutually beneficial solution.

Interviewer: How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively in a busy work environment?

Candidate: I stay organized by using time-management tools, such as calendars and to-do lists, and prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency. I am also able to multitask efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.

Interviewer: How do you handle emergencies or urgent situations that may require your immediate attention?

Candidate: I would remain calm and immediately assess the situation to determine the appropriate course of action. I would follow any established protocols or guidelines as necessary, and communicate clearly with any parties involved.

Interviewer: How do you keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date in the facilities management field?

Candidate: I keep my skills and knowledge up-to-date by staying informed about new technologies and best practices through professional organizations, industry publications, and networking with colleagues.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about a time when you identified a problem and took the initiative to solve it?

Candidate: At XYZ Company, I noticed that the supply room was becoming disorganized, and it was causing problems for the entire department. I took the initiative to reorganize the supply room, labeling everything and putting items in clearly marked storage areas to create a more efficient system.

Interviewer: How do you prioritize the needs of multiple departments or stakeholders when making decisions about facility operations?

Candidate: I would prioritize the needs of each department based on their importance and urgency, while also ensuring that all stakeholders are kept informed and their concerns are addressed. I would work to find solutions that benefit everyone involved.

Scenario Questions

1. Scenario: As a Facilities Assistant, you notice that a restroom is out of order and needs to be closed for repairs. How would you efficiently communicate this information to building occupants?

Candidate Answer: I would place a sign on the restroom door indicating that it is out of order and provide an estimated time for repairs to be completed. I would also inform the building manager and the cleaning staff to keep them updated on the situation.

2. Scenario: A conference room needs to be set up for a meeting that is scheduled to start in 30 minutes. However, there are no chairs in the room and the tables need to be rearranged. What steps would you take to ensure that the room is ready for the meeting?

Candidate Answer: I would first gather the necessary chairs and tables from storage or other rooms. Then, I would quickly rearrange the tables to the desired configuration and set up the chairs around the room. After everything is in place, I would do a quick check to ensure that everything is clean and presentable for the meeting.

3. Scenario: You are tasked with tracking inventory for cleaning supplies and notice that a certain item is running low. What steps would you take to ensure that the supply is replenished before it runs out completely?

Candidate Answer: I would first check if there are any more of the item in storage or other places where they are normally kept. If not, then I would create a purchase order for that specific item and send it to the appropriate person or department for approval. Once the purchase is approved, I would place the order and track the delivery date so that I can restock the supply as soon as possible.

4. Scenario: A building tenant has requested that additional trash cans be placed in their office. However, there is limited space and placing too many trash cans could pose a safety hazard. How would you determine the appropriate number of trash cans to provide?

Candidate Answer: I would assess the size of the office and the number of employees that work there. Based on that information, I would determine how much trash is generated and how frequently the cans would need to be emptied. Additionally, I would consider any safety hazards that additional trash cans could pose and work with the tenant to find a solution that meets their needs while still maintaining a safe environment.

5. Scenario: You need to transport several heavy boxes from one building to another. However, the elevator is out of service and the only option is to use the stairs. How would you ensure that the boxes are moved safely and efficiently?

Candidate Answer: I would first assess the weight and size of the boxes to determine the best way to move them. From there, I would gather any necessary equipment such as dollies or hand trucks to make the job easier. I would also enlist the help of other staff members if available to help move the boxes. Once everything is ready, we would carefully and efficiently move the boxes down the stairs to their destination.