Tips for housekeeping supervisor interviews.

Get new comments by email

Comments (48)

Host	Do you have any tips to help prepare for an upcoming housekeeping supervisor interview? Are there common interview questions that come up again and again? Reply - Report abuse
elka in Los Angeles, California 51 months ago	Make sure to anticipate uncommon question,such as : Tell us what was your reaction with dissapointed guest what makes you choose this field what was your response when the guest complained that his room never been cleaned for 2 days what would you do when your associate didn't performed their job what is your reaction when your manager did wrong - Was this comment helpful? Yes (415) / No (63) Reply - Report abuse
olayinka in London, United Kingdom 46 months ago	please i need some tips on the job house keeping,what the job is all about and what could possibly be the questions when i go for the interview - Was this comment helpful? Yes (155) / No (19) Reply - Report abuse
Nadine 46 months ago	olayinka in London, United Kingdom said: please i need some tips on the job house keeping,what the job is all about and what could possibly be the questions when i go for the interview How would you handle a guest that is screaming at you and will not let you speak? There are a few room that are on que (needed by the front desk) you cannot locate the room attendant that is assigned this section. You have 30 minutes to turn this room before all hell breaks. What do you do? How do you handle the room attendant that you cannot find. You are asked to stay an hour and a half later because of short staffing, you need to pick you child up from day care-what do you do?? - Was this comment helpful? Yes (149) / No (14) Reply - Report abuse
srikanth in Bangalore, India 46 months ago	Host said: Do you have any tips to help prepare for an upcoming housekeeping supervisor interview? Are there common interview questions that come up again and again? what are the chemicals used in housekeeping;what types of machines used in housekeeping - Was this comment helpful? Yes (130) / No (18) Reply - Report abuse
Nadine 46 months ago	srikanth in Bangalore, India said: what are the chemicals used in housekeeping;what types of machines used in housekeeping Hi, from my experience (Housekeeping Manager) it is not necessary to know the types of machines. There are machines used for buffing and waxing floors but there should be an experienced floor person to do this. It is helpful that you become familiar with the water extraction machine- for flooding. Become familiar with the parts and repairs. Chemicals are sanitizers, furniture polish, a chemical for the bathroom and glass ware. You can state that for saftey reasons you are aware that the proper container for chemicals is used as well as the proper labels. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (38) / No (5) Reply - Report abuse
c.c. in Phoenix, Arizona 46 months ago	Know what an MSDS is. Expect questions on how to handle emergencies. Depending upon your geographic location, they may want someone who is bilingual. For hotels know that a room should be cleaned in 18-22 minutes. Show that you can be organized and plan for deep cleaning, like carpets, or floors in accordance with work schedules for the rest of the business. Show that you treat your direct reports with respect, but have high expectations. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (31) / No (6) Reply - Report abuse
srikanth in Bangalore, India 46 months ago	what are the types of floors or marbles you know? what are the measurements of linen you know? what types of spotters you use for removing stains on carpets? - Was this comment helpful? Yes (115) / No (19) Reply - Report abuse
srikanth in Bangalore, India 46 months ago	while we are entering a room, if we noticed that guest was died how will you react for that? - Was this comment helpful? Yes (106) / No (19) Reply - Report abuse
srikanth in Bangalore, India 46 months ago	what's the maximum time you take for cleaning a occupied room and hw much for departure room? - Was this comment helpful? Yes (65) / No (11) Reply - Report abuse
Nadine 46 months ago	Hi, a simple cleaning, refreshing the bathroom and making the bed and eliminating trash - should take approximately 20-25 minutes, occupied room. A check out if it is extremely dirty may take a minimum of 35 minutes to an hour or more if dirty. Allocate more time if it is a suite - Was this comment helpful? Yes (21) / No (6) Reply - Report abuse
Nadine 46 months ago	This is an unusual question. When you enter the room and if the guest is motionless if may be rather difficult to ascertain if he/she is dead. If I entered a room and a guest was in the room and did not answer, upon entering I would apoligize and leave. This has happened to me on numerous occasions. On the other hand if this is repeated on the second or third day, leave the room untouched and immediately notify Security and then your immediate supervisor. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (16) / No (5) Reply - Report abuse
Nadine 46 months ago	This should be reported immediately to the floor supervisor and/or the Housekeeping Manager on duty. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (14) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
Nadine 46 months ago	Marble floors I am not familiar with. There was a floor person for that who was very experienced. Linen is measured in pars-various hotels establish the count that is used in there pars. In the previous hotel a par was 500 pieces and a lever of 7 pars were in circulation for certain items. Wash cloths are always more. Each chemical company has there brand of spotters. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (6) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
Nadine in Miami, Florida 45 months ago	Hi, first good luck!! I have more than 17 years in the hotel industry as a department manager in several areas and my most recent position was in Housekeeping. Go to your immediate report and find out what you can and cannot do in terms of employee discipline. You must be able to be firm and fair and most of all be sure that you are well versed in each task that these people perform. There is nothing that will strip away respect as a supervisor/manager giving someone a directive that they cannot fulfill. Find out what you can do. Create or revise policies and procedures. Nothing long and drawn out - but simple and to the point. Have a meeting if not one on one then in small groups. Explain your expectations allowing them to buy into doing what they should do for the betterment of the department and for guest loyalty. Explain- if guests stop booking rooms in this hotel you nor I will have our jobs. Observe first. Do not make sudden immediate changes. Be ready to stand in the face of anyone who is not with the program. Written documentation up to and including termination. Again good luck - Was this comment helpful? Yes (25) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
gemma howard in Exeter, United Kingdom 45 months ago	Hi i have a interview tomorrow for a hosekeeping supervisour. im only 21 how do i go into the interview without them thinking im to young? what things can i say that shows im up for the job role? - Was this comment helpful? Yes (97) / No (24) Reply - Report abuse
annamalai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 39 months ago	thank u so much. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (9) / No Reply - Report abuse
johnjoy in Nasik, India 37 months ago	Nadine said: This is an unusual question. When you enter the room and if the guest is motionless if may be rather difficult to ascertain if he/she is dead. If I entered a room and a guest was in the room and did not answer, upon entering I would apoligize and leave. This has happened to me on numerous occasions. On the other hand if this is repeated on the second or third day, leave the room untouched and immediately notify Security and then your immediate supervisor. Thank you Nathaline for sharing the light. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (3) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
A.Jamil in Halifax, United Kingdom 35 months ago	comments and discussion very helpfull thanks - Was this comment helpful? Yes (4) / No (4) Reply - Report abuse
andrea in Melbourne, Australia 26 months ago	srikanth in Bangalore, India said: what are the chemicals used in housekeeping;what types of machines used in housekeeping every place/ hotel has it own chemicals and machine that despencese them out. you will be trained with all the chemical you use at work it is part of their oh&s occupational health and safety procedures to do so. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (8) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
andrea in Melbourne, Australia 26 months ago	srikanth in Bangalore, India said: what's the maximum time you take for cleaning a occupied room and hw much for departure room? To clean a occupid room sould only be about 10minutes and a full clean is 30min max. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (7) / No (5) Reply - Report abuse
SRIKANTH in Mumbai, India 26 months ago	brndnan in Gold Coast, Australia said: y one can tel me what will be the salary as a sup in housekeeping in UAE ? DEPENDS ON YOUR CAPABILITY - Was this comment helpful? Yes (6) / No (4) Reply - Report abuse
SRIKANTH in Mumbai, India 26 months ago	olayinka in London, United Kingdom said: please i need some tips on the job house keeping,what the job is all about and what could possibly be the questions when i go for the interview POSSIBLE QUESTIONS :ROOM CLEANING AND ENTERING PROCEDURES,TIME FOR CLEANING,LINEN MEASUREMENTS,TYPES OF ROOMS WITH DIMENSIONS,TYPES OF MACHINES,CHEMICALS USED,CASE STUDIES ETC - Was this comment helpful? Yes (9) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
Nadine in Miami, Florida 25 months ago	Try some ice cubes. Rubbing in a circular motion-this often helps. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (5) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
srikanth in Mumbai, India 25 months ago	shrinivas in Mumbai, India said: how to remove the chewing gum from carpet USE GUM REMOVER SPRAY (TASKI COMPANY PRODUCT ) - Was this comment helpful? Yes (7) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
shahidullah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 21 months ago	olayinka in London, United Kingdom said: please i need some tips on the job house keeping,what the job is all about and what could possibly be the questions when i go for the interview Give some Questions and Anwser For Housekeeping Supervisor - Was this comment helpful? Yes (8) / No (4) Reply - Report abuse
greeneyes64 in Wilson, Kansas 20 months ago	olayinka in London, United Kingdom said: please i need some tips on the job house keeping,what the job is all about and what could possibly be the questions when i go for the interview I am a housekeeping manager in the United States. Some questions I ask of my job applicants are: Are you an early riser Are you dependable The tasks this job requires are repetitive, can you see yourself being happy with that? Are you willing to work some weekends and holidays, and possibly a few hours at night a couple times a week? Do you have a week stomach, you will be cleaning up alot of messes. Does it bother you to be told what to do and that it needs to be done in a timely manner? You have to be courteous with the public. They are always right, are you ok with that? - Was this comment helpful? Yes (17) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
shahidullah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 20 months ago	I have interviwe in Houeskeeping supervisor but i feel un easy con you give some quesion for Housekeeping supervisor - Was this comment helpful? Yes (12) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
Southern Region 20 months ago	With the experience I have in housekeeping (especially in a luxury hotel) there are some essential questions that housekeeping applicants should ask. 1. How many credits does your housekeepers do in a(n) 8 hour shift. (Reason why, credits are hours it takes to clean a room. By asking the housekeeping manager how many credits their associates do it gives you an idea where your intensity levels need to be. Just because your shift is an 8 hour shift DOES NOT MEAN you will have 8 credits! Prioritize properly!)For supervisors this is important to know also because you will understand how the system operates. 2. If your going for a supervisor position keep in mind that you need to be able to think quickly. (When the front desk pends a room because the guest is downstairs waiting to check in and you cannot find your assigned housekeeper you need to improvise by finding another housekeeper on a different floor to assist you with getting the room ready.) 3. Modification occurs frequently! You are the floor general. Housekeepers for whatever reason will drop rooms and it is your responsiblity to find a replacement housekeeper to complete the open board. Build a team of reliable associates that will take care of you if situations like this do occur. Once again becoming a housekeeping supervisor is based on quick choices that you need to make. My best advice in the interview is to ask questions like the first example I made, when you get into the position always be one step ahead of the game like example number 2, and finally build relationships with your subordinates. At the end of the day they are the reason why you have a job. Regards - Was this comment helpful? Yes (12) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
Southern Region 20 months ago	andrea in Melbourne, Australia said: To clean a occupid room sould only be about 10minutes and a full clean is 30min max. That is not always true. Reason being because some hotels have standard rooms at 580 square feet. It is virtually impossible to clean the room as a checkout in 30 minutes with the size of that room, and in most cases if you look at a housekeepers board they only have 5-7 rooms on their board. The reason why is because all checkouts and services are evaluated at the same credits. Hopefully this helped. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (4) / No Reply - Report abuse
amu_malhi in London, United Kingdom 19 months ago	I gt a call for a housekeeping supervisor,actuall i hav been interviewd there for housekeeping porter bt they wana try me as a supervisor,i had no experience about it,,tell me vt i hav to do - Was this comment helpful? Yes (16) / No (4) Reply - Report abuse
ratan in Lalitpur, Nepal 15 months ago	elka in Los Angeles, California said: Make sure to anticipate uncommon question,such as : Tell us what was your reaction with dissapointed guest what makes you choose this field what was your response when the guest complained that his room never been cleaned for 2 days what would you do when your associate didn't performed their job what is your reaction when your manager did wrong i am an early riser in this field. how can i prepair myself to get success? - Was this comment helpful? Yes (11) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
housekeeping in Chicago, Illinois 13 months ago	c.c. in Phoenix, Arizona said: Know what an MSDS is. Expect questions on how to handle emergencies. Depending upon your geographic location, they may want someone who is bilingual. For hotels know that a room should be cleaned in 18-22 minutes. Show that you can be organized and plan for deep cleaning, like carpets, or floors in accordance with work schedules for the rest of the business. Show that you treat your direct reports with respect, but have high expectations. With all do respect that you are a housekeeping manager a room should be cleaned in 30 minutes not 18-22 minutes as u said. It may take you to clean a stayover room in 20 minutes but not a check out. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (5) / No (4) Reply - Report abuse
redkat in Iceland 9 months ago	Hi. this is Mr.Edmon i just want to ask for a tips how to become a good housekeeping supervisor because it is my first time position i don't have any experience about it. Can you please give me some insight or inputs how to do the job, i haved heard that there is papers works,reports,meetings and a lot of things to do, it is true? Thanks. I will wait. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (18) / No (4) Reply - Report abuse
maria 9 months ago	srikanth in Bangalore, India said: what are the types of floors or marbles you know? what are the measurements of linen you know? what types of spotters you use for removing stains on carpets? some all purpose cleaner will get stains out - Was this comment helpful? Yes (3) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
maria 9 months ago	amu_malhi in London, United Kingdom said: I gt a call for a housekeeping supervisor,actuall i hav been interviewd there for housekeeping porter bt they wana try me as a supervisor,i had no experience about it,,tell me vt i hav to do try something new take charge - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
maria 9 months ago	I am a supervisor and still learning i didnt like it at first but now i like it and want to learn mor about it were i dont know but i want to know more about being a great supervisor - Was this comment helpful? Yes (7) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
apple ringochang in Pasay City, Philippines 7 months ago	maria said: some all purpose cleaner will get stains out use a carpet stain remover there a dilution for that... - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
sstiehr@yahoo.com in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 6 months ago	lina in Chicago, Illinois said: i am a supervisor at a hotel i just got the job i have been a supervisor for some years but were i am at now the team is so mess up they say what they are not going to do , over load there carts.talk on wirelee phone all day milk the clock wite maeybe less than 11 room. and thier is more . it is a supervisor there before me and she has know balls they treat her like she is no body it is a shame i dont know how she lastes this long. know it is my turn i know what too do but i need i little help on straighting out this mess and i wont to do this in 5 days help the first thing you should do is to improve you written and verbal skills!!! Also, don't conplain about co-workers, set an example of professionalism towards your positions. I have been in housekeeping management for over 20 years. Pitch in and work with the housekeepers cleaning their sections. Get to know them and their bad habits, but do not let them realize that you are observing them. Then, after a couple of weeks, start the firing process and clean house! Good Luck! Professional Hskp. Manager - Was this comment helpful? Yes (6) / No Reply - Report abuse
arjun in Calcutta, India 5 months ago	how cn ido the cleaning reception area within a15 mint full like including dusting brooming & weight moppimg - Was this comment helpful? Yes (4) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
shrinivas in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 5 months ago	MSDS is.material sefty data system - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
jagannath dalui in Madras, India 3 months ago	Host said: Do you have any tips to help prepare for an upcoming housekeeping supervisor interview? Are there common interview questions that come up again and again? how to remove chinkum in the carpet - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
janeriel in Davao, Philippines 3 months ago	hi im jane studnt of legacy college..i need help..we have group projct, we need 2 interview atleast 1 house keeping supervisor in the hotel, my problm is, what is the frst thng we do??to make sure na they us time to interview..him/her?? final exam poh nmin..tnx - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No Reply - Report abuse
Rani Matti in Beaverton, Oregon 3 months ago	Hi my name is Rani. currently I'm a house supervisor and yet I'm applying now for a housekeeping manager, but I need some tips for the interview?? - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
dfapublish@aol.com in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 2 months ago	I hope it is okay to post a supervisor training program that I found that helps people learn supervision skills. You can find it at supervisortools.com/supervisor-training.html - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
swadesh in Lucknow, India 1 month ago	srikanth in Bangalore, India said: while we are entering a room, if we noticed that guest was died how will you react for that? frist of all i am inform to my siniors for take quek action on this situation . they contect or inform to the gernel manager for this situatin and they infirm to tha local police statin . do not tuch any thig in the room ther is happen . - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
Nadine in Miami, Florida 1 month ago	When you first enter room make sure no one else comes in and secure the area. Write the time of entry down for a future point of reference. Contact the Director of Hotel Security immediately and the Director of Housekeeping. Stand outside of the door until they arrive. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
Nadine in Miami, Florida 1 month ago	When you first enter room make sure no one else comes in and secure the area. Write the time of entry down for a future point of reference. Contact the Director of Hotel Security immediately and the Director of Housekeeping. Stand outside of the door until they arrive. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No Reply - Report abuse

Your Reply

change location - create a profile

User Name

in Beverly Hills, California

Your Comment

Email me when new comments are posted to this discussion

Your Email Address

Enter the numbers you see in the box

Be Reasonable! Be Polite! Please read our Terms of Service and Forum Rules, where it notes that you are responsible for your own comments. You may post anonymously - but we reserve the right to remove inappropriate comments at any time.

Subscribe to this discussion as an RSS feed.

Tips for housekeeping supervisor interviews.

Your Reply

Recent Housekeeping Supervisor Jobs

Top Cities for Housekeeping Supervisor Jobs