Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for General Maintenance Worker Roles – 2025

Preparing for a general maintenance worker job interview? Look no further! This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your technical skills and hands-on experience in the maintenance field. From basic repairs to complex renovations, these questions cover all key areas of the job and will give you the best chance of landing your dream role.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your background and experience in the maintenance field.
  A: I have been working as a general maintenance worker for the past 5 years. Prior to that, I completed a technical training program in maintenance and have always been interested in fixing things and working with my hands. I have experience in various areas such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC.
• 2. What motivated you to pursue a career in maintenance?
  A: I have always enjoyed working with my hands and solving problems, so a career in maintenance seemed like the perfect fit for me. I also find satisfaction in keeping buildings and facilities in top shape for the safety and comfort of others.
• 3. How do you prioritize and manage your workload?
  A: I prioritize my workload by assessing the urgency and importance of each task. I also maintain a schedule and prioritize tasks based on the level of impact they have on the overall functioning of the facility. I am also open to adjusting my schedule based on any unexpected urgent issues that may arise.
• 4. How do you handle difficult or challenging tasks?
  A: I approach difficult tasks by breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks. I also consult manuals and reference materials to ensure I have a proper understanding of the task at hand. If needed, I am not hesitant to seek guidance from my colleagues or supervisor.
• 5. How do you stay updated on industry trends and best practices?
  A: I make sure to regularly attend relevant workshops and training programs to stay updated on new techniques and technologies in the maintenance field. I also regularly read industry publications and follow industry experts on social media to stay informed.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What experience do you have with electrical repairs and troubleshooting?
  A: In my previous role, I was responsible for maintaining and repairing electrical systems in a commercial building. This included troubleshooting and fixing lighting, wiring, and circuit problems. I am also well-versed in electrical safety practices and regulations.
• 7. How familiar are you with plumbing systems and repairs?
  A: I have experience in repairing and maintaining plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings. This includes fixing leaks, unclogging drains, and installing new fixtures. I am also knowledgeable about plumbing codes and regulations.
• 8. Do you have experience with carpentry and woodworking?
  A: Yes, I have experience in basic carpentry and woodworking tasks such as repairing and replacing doors, installing shelves, and building partitions. I am also skilled in using various power tools for these tasks.
• 9. How comfortable are you with working on HVAC systems?
  A: I have experience in performing routine maintenance and repairs on HVAC systems, including troubleshooting and fixing issues with air conditioning, heating, and ventilation units. I am familiar with HVAC safety procedures and regulations.
• 10. Can you tell us about a project where you had to work with a team to complete a task?
  A: In my previous role, my team and I were tasked with renovating a building within a tight deadline. I worked closely with my teammates to divide tasks and ensure efficient coordination. Our teamwork resulted in completing the project successfully and on time.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you walk us through a situation where you had to handle an upset customer?
  A: In my previous role, a tenant was upset about a recurring issue with their plumbing. I calmly listened to their concerns, apologized for the inconvenience, and assured them that I would address the issue promptly. I promptly fixed the issue and followed up with the tenant to ensure they were satisfied.
• 12. Describe a time when you had to think outside the box to solve a problem.
  A: In a previous role, I encountered an issue with a malfunctioning HVAC system that wasn't easily fixable. I consulted with my colleagues and reached out to a specialist for advice. By combining our knowledge and brainstorming, we were able to come up with a solution that fixed the issue and saved time and money for the company.
• 13. How do you handle challenging situations at work?
  A: I handle challenging situations by keeping a calm and composed demeanor and using my problem-solving skills to analyze the situation and come up with a solution. If needed, I also seek guidance from my supervisor.
• 14. Can you share a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it?
  A: In a previous role, I accidentally caused a leak while working on a plumbing repair. I immediately notified my supervisor and took responsibility for the mistake. I also offered to assist in fixing the issue and ensured that I double-checked my work in the future.
• 15. How do you handle high-stress situations?
  A: I handle high-stress situations by taking a few deep breaths and analyzing the situation. I prioritize tasks and focus on one thing at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I also make sure to take breaks and practice self-care to prevent burnout.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle an emergency maintenance situation outside of regular working hours?
  A: If I was on-call and received an emergency maintenance request, I would promptly assess the situation and determine the most appropriate response. If needed, I would call for additional support or assistance.
• 17. How would you handle a situation where a task was taking longer than expected?
  A: First, I would review the instructions and check if I missed any steps. If not, I would communicate with my supervisor and update them on the progress and any potential delays. I would also adjust my schedule and prioritize tasks to ensure timely completion.
• 18. How would you handle a maintenance request from a tenant with a limited budget?
  A: I would inform the tenant of the expected costs and work with them to find a cost-effective solution that would address their issue. If needed, I would also research and present alternative options that could fit within their budget.
• 19. How would you handle a situation where a scheduled maintenance task was interrupted by an urgent issue?
  A: I would assess the urgency of the issue and determine the best course of action. If it was a minor issue, I would address it quickly and then continue with the scheduled task. If it was a major issue, I would pause the scheduled task and prioritize the urgent issue before resuming.
• 20. How do you handle working on multiple tasks simultaneously?
  A: I handle multiple tasks by prioritizing and setting a realistic schedule. I also make a to-do list and update it as needed to ensure I don't miss any tasks. If I feel overwhelmed, I communicate with my supervisor and seek guidance on prioritizing tasks.