Top Maintenance Technician Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Maintenance Technician interview by going through these most asked Maintenance Technician interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: Can you describe the type of work you do?
  • Question Overview: Maintenance technicians are a varied bunch. While some may specialize in one area, others may be more generalists. A good candidate should be able to describe the type of work they do in a way that shows they're well-versed in their field.

    Sample Answer: I'm a generalist when it comes to maintenance. I do everything from electrical work to plumbing to carpentry. It's a lot of work, but I enjoy it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the industry
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Ability to explain work in layman's terms

  • Question: What are your maintenance skills?
  • Question Overview: This question is a bit more specific than the previous one. Here, the interviewer is looking for specific examples of maintenance skills. This can include anything from electrical work to carpentry to plumbing.

    Sample Answer: I've been working with wood for a long time now. I've done everything from basic carpentry to furniture making. I also know how to do basic electrical work and plumbing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Examples of skills
    • - Good communication and listening skills
    • - Willingness to look for new solutions and unexpected causes
    • - Adaptable and varied maintenance techniques

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's more about the candidate's attitude than their actual career path. A good maintenance technician should be able to see themselves in a position that's comfortable for them and where they can continue to do their job well.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to be in a position where I'm working with a team of people who are all working toward the same goal. I'd like to be able to keep doing my job well and be recognized for it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence in abilities
    • - Ambition
    • - Good work ethic

  • Question: What do you think about a position that does not have a clear path for advancement?
  • Question Overview: A maintenance technician's job is not one that usually has a clear path for advancement. It's a job that requires a lot of hard work and dedication to get to the top. Candidates should be able to see the value in such a position and not be discouraged by it.

    Sample Answer: I think that there are always opportunities for advancement. It's just a matter of being willing to put in the time and effort to get there. I'm willing to do that and I think that I have the skills needed to get to where I want to be.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to work hard and put in the time
    • - Good attitude toward work
    • - Commitment to the job

  • Question: What made you want to work in an off campus college housing environment?
  • Question Overview: The work environment is a big part of any job. A candidate who's excited about the work environment they're in is more likely to be a good fit for the position.

    Sample Answer: I like working with people and I'm good at it. I enjoy being able to help people with their problems and I like being able to make their lives easier.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Enjoyment of the work environment
    • - Positive attitude toward the work environment

  • Question: Do you have a driver's license?
  • Question Overview: A driver's license is a must for any candidate. It's a good indicator of their ability to operate a vehicle and get around on their own.

    Sample Answer: Yes, I do. I've had my license since I was 18.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Possession of a valid driver's license
    • - Good driving record

  • Question: What is your electrical experience?
  • Question Overview: Electrical work is a big part of the maintenance field. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of electrical work and how they've used it in the past.

    Sample Answer: I've been working with electricity for a few years now. I've learned a lot about it and have used it to fix a lot of different things. I've worked on everything from light fixtures to air conditioners.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of electrical work
    • - Experience with electrical work
    • - Ability to explain electrical work

  • Question: Tell me about a difficult work situation, and how did you resolve it?
  • Question Overview: Difficult situations are a part of life, and it's important to know how a candidate will deal with them. A difficult situation can be anything from a client who's unhappy with the work to an employee who's not pulling their weight. The important thing is that the candidate can handle it in a way that doesn't harm the business or their reputation.

    Sample Answer: I once had a situation where a client was unhappy with the work I did. I was able to resolve it by going back and looking at the work I did and figuring out what I could have done differently. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it in the end.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Ability to work with people
    • - Willingness to compromise
    • - Ability to work under pressure

  • Question: Why did you decide to go to the university you went?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to gauge how well a candidate has thought about their education and how it relates to their career. It also shows how well they can explain their reasoning and how they can relate it to the job at hand.

    Sample Answer: I decided to go to the university I did because it was close to home and had a good reputation for the type of work I wanted to do. I was able to get a degree in building maintenance and management while also being able to take classes in electrical work and carpentry.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Knowledge of the field
    • - Good reasons for choosing the university

  • Question: What kind of equipment have you used?
  • Question Overview: Maintenance technicians are often required to use a variety of tools and equipment. A good candidate should be able to list off the equipment they're familiar with and explain how they use it.

    Sample Answer: I've used a lot of different tools in my time. I've used a lot of different brands and models, but I'm most comfortable with my cordless drill and my tape measure.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of a wide variety of equipment
    • - Ability to explain how they use each piece of equipment
    • - Listing of specific brands and models

  • Question: How would you handle a situation if someone started yelling and acting irate?
  • Question Overview: There's a lot of stress that comes with being a maintenance technician. It's not uncommon for people to get upset when something breaks or doesn't work. A good candidate should be able to handle this situation with a level head and be able to explain the situation in a way that calms the person down.

    Sample Answer: I'd try to calm the person down and explain what's going on. If they're still upset after that, I'd try to get them to talk about what's bothering them. Sometimes, it's just a misunderstanding that can be cleared up quickly.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Calm and collected demeanor
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Ability to explain complex issues in a simple manner

  • Question: What are your plans for the future?
  • Question Overview: Maintenance technicians are often the unsung heroes of the business world. They're the ones who keep everything running smoothly and are often the first to know when something is wrong. As such, they're in a unique position to see the bigger picture and plan accordingly.

    Sample Answer: I'm looking to move up in the company. I've been doing maintenance for a while now and I think it's time to take on a bigger role. I've been looking into management positions and I think it would be a good fit for me.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ambition and drive
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Willingness to work with others

  • Question: Why do you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: This question is a bit of a catch-all for the interview. It's a chance for the candidate to show their enthusiasm for the job and for you to see how well they can sell themselves.

    Sample Answer: I've always been interested in the maintenance field. I like the idea of working with my hands and fixing things. I'm also very interested in working with people and helping them out with their problems.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Enthusiasm
    • - Confidence
    • - Willingness to work

  • Question: What is the most common cause of a frozen up indoor coil?
  • Question Overview: Indoor coils are a common problem for maintenance technicians. A good candidate should be able to identify the most common cause of a frozen up coil and how to fix it.

    Sample Answer: The most common cause of a frozen up indoor coil is usually a lack of airflow. This can be due to a number of things such as a clogged filter or air ducts that are blocked by debris. I usually check these things first when I'm called in to fix an issue.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the most common causes of problems
    • - Good communication and listening skills
    • - Willingness to look for new solutions and unexpected causes

  • Question: What would you do if you couldn't fix something?
  • Question Overview: The maintenance technician's job is to fix things. If they can't fix something, it's a big problem. Candidates should be able to explain how they would go about finding help and what they would do if the problem was too big for them to handle.

    Sample Answer: If I can't fix something, I'll usually try to find someone who can. I'll talk with the client and see if they have any recommendations for someone who might be able to help. If not, I'll look into what other options are available.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to collaborate with others
    • - Concern for a customer's issues
    • - Good communication and listening skills

  • Question: What kind of welding experience do you have?
  • Question Overview: Welding is a skill that maintenance technicians need to have. Welding is used for a variety of tasks from building structures to repairing them. A candidate should be able to explain the kind of welding experience they have and how it applies to the job.

    Sample Answer: I've worked with a number of different kinds of welding. I've used MIG, TIG, and arc welding in the past. I'm most comfortable with MIG and TIG, but arc welding is also something I'm familiar with.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Examples of welding experience
    • - Knowledge of different types of welding
    • - Knowledge of safety procedures

  • Question: What experience do you have in the maintenance field?
  • Question Overview: A candidate's experience in the field is a good indicator of their ability to do the job. It's important to know what they've done and what they're capable of doing.

    Sample Answer: I've been working as a maintenance technician for the past three years. I've worked on a wide variety of projects from electrical work to plumbing to carpentry. I'm comfortable with all kinds of tools and have a good eye for detail.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Examples of maintenance work done in the past
    • - Specific skills and abilities

  • Question: How would you diagnose an electrical fault?
  • Question Overview: Electrical faults are some of the most dangerous problems a maintenance technician can encounter. The best way to deal with them is to be able to identify the problem quickly and accurately. This requires a good understanding of electrical systems and the ability to use that knowledge to figure out what's wrong.

    Sample Answer: I would start by checking the circuit breaker and fuse box to make sure that the issue isn't there. If it isn't, I'd check the wiring for any signs of damage or wear. I'd also check for any signs of water damage or corrosion. If I still can't find anything, I'd have to call in an electrician.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good understanding of electrical systems
    • - Ability to use logic and reasoning to solve problems
    • - Good communication skills

  • Question: What is your best attribute?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's meant to get a candidate talking about themselves. It's important to ask this question because it will give you a good idea of what the candidate considers their best quality. This can be a good indicator of how they'll work with others.

    Sample Answer: I think my best attribute is my ability to work with people. I've always been able to get along with just about anyone and I think that's a big part of why I'm so successful in my line of work.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty
    • - Willingness to accept criticism
    • - Confidence

  • Question: What is a problem you have had with your co-worker and how did you solve it?
  • Question Overview: A lot of people work in teams, and it's important to be able to work well with others. A candidate who can't get along with their co-workers is not going to be a good fit for any company.

    Sample Answer: I've had a few problems with my co-workers in the past. I've found that the best way to deal with them is to talk about it. I'm not one to hold grudges and I like to think that most people are the same way. If you can talk about it, you can usually solve it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work well with others
    • - Willingness to compromise
    • - Ability to resolve conflicts