Tips On Interviewing House Cleaners: Experience & Qualification

The blog post Tips On Interviewing House Cleaners: Experience & Qualification was originally published to: Bryan Fisher

When looking to hire a cleaner, you first place an online ad, and then you want to be sure to interview them first. Choose at least three of the candidates to interview. There are a few important things to keep in mind as well as red flags to look out for as you talk with your potential cleaner.

1. Your Needs

Any potential cleaner is not going to automatically know what you need because every client is different. Have a plan ready and be sure to let them know what you will be expecting. All tasks should be presented at the time of the interview, from kitchen organization to picking up after the kids. Without clear goals, you will not get the most efficient work from a cleaner. Discuss your needs with the candidates to get their feedback regarding how and whether they can handle them. It is also a good idea to ask about specific problem areas you have to see what they suggest.

2. Qualifications

As they talk with you, candidates will share stories that demonstrate their skills. You also want to check their profiles and references. If you noticed any particular details on their applications, be sure to bring them up for further clarification. One candidate may only have experience with apartment cleaning, and you have a large house, for example. It is wise to get a feel for how long they have been cleaning. While experience is not everything, you want to be sure they can handle the job.

3. Experience

A beginner can be just as talented and efficient at cleaning your house as a ten year professional. Still, you want to explain the duties and allow them to provide feedback on how they handle them. It is also a good idea to verify if they have experience cleaning special materials like granite. Have them explain the best ways to treat and clean these surfaces. You should also have them discuss the methods they use to get rid of germs as well as how they keep their equipment clean.

4. Schedules

Timing is essential, so be sure to discuss schedules during the interview. It is best to be on the same page before the job starts. Make sure they are available when you need them. Also check on their flexibility, in the event you need them at short notice or if your schedule has to change.

5. Cleaning Supplies

Make sure you both decide who will be responsible for supplies. If you are particular about green products, you want to make sure this is clearly communicated. Mostly, in this industry it is expected that you supply the products, but if not make sure you know what they are using. When it comes to equipment, ask them about the maintenance and cleaning of them between the jobs.

6. Payment

Know your budget before hiring someone. This is one factor that needs to be discussed up front. Price has to be fair for the responsibilities and agreed upon before the job starts.

7. Background Checks

If references were not provided with an application, be sure to get these during the interview. Most importantly, follow up with them. Professional cleaning services will perform checks on their employees as well as provide additional screenings for honesty and dependability to give added security to their customers. Once you have a final candidate, then you can run a background check because this person will be in your home, so you need to know they are reliable and trustworthy.

Possible Interview Questions

Some of the suggestions below are good questions for an interview, to help you get to know the candidate on a more personal level.

• What was the most recent feedback you received, positive or constructive?
• What do you do with constructive feedback?
• What is your favourite cleaning supply and why?
• What is your favourite thing about being a house cleaner?
• What would other households you work for, say about you?
• How would you describe your job standards?
• How would you define your particular style of cleaning?

Once getting to know them a little better, you can decide whether to hire them or not. If you are not 100 percent happy, then remember you can keep interviewing. You do not have to settle. After all, it is your house and your belongings; get the cleaning service you want and will be happy with. You need to be able to trust the person you hire and need to be able to develop a great working relationship.