Custodian
Posted Aug 19, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about your cleaning experience. What kinds of buildings have you worked in?
What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on janitorial experience or related work that shows they can handle a daily cleaning schedule.
Tell me about a time you had to get a lot done on a shift because someone called off.
What they are checking: Whether they are willing to fill in during staff shortages and keep quality up under pressure.
How do you stay focused and careful when you are doing the same tasks over and over?
What they are checking: Whether they can keep quality steady through repetitive work, which is most of the job.
Some of these openings are on 10-hour overnight or weekend shifts. Which schedule works for you, and how do you make sure you show up on time every shift?
What they are checking: Whether they are reliable for the shift offered, since attendance is the biggest concern in custodial hiring.
Tell me about a time a supervisor corrected your work. How did you respond?
What they are checking: Whether they take direction well and adjust without getting defensive.
What would you do
You see a coworker mixing two cleaning chemicals together. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they will stop at-risk behavior in others, which the posting asks every custodian to do.
A customer stops you in the hall and asks you to clean something that isn't on your list. How do you handle it?
What they are checking: Whether they stay professional with the client while checking with their lead so priorities stay clear.
What do you do if you notice a spill, a broken light or another hazard in your area?
What they are checking: Whether they report hazards right away instead of walking past, which keeps the site safe.
About the work
This job includes handling hazardous waste, like collecting, sorting and labeling it. Have you done that before, and how would you make sure you do it right?
What they are checking: Whether they take hazardous waste rules seriously and will ask before guessing, since mistakes can hurt people.
Have you used motorized cleaning equipment like an auto scrubber or ride-on machine? How do you check it before you start?
What they are checking: Whether they can operate equipment safely and catch problems before they cause damage or injury.
Which personal protective equipment have you worn on a job, and when would you wear it here?
What they are checking: Whether they understand PPE is required for chemicals and waste work and will wear it every time.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by SBM Management.