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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Question Overview: A candidate's experience is a good indicator of how well they can perform on the job. A maintenance technician should have a good amount of experience in the field and be able to show you where they've worked and what they've done.
Sample Answer: I've been working in the maintenance field for about five years now. I started out as a general laborer and worked my way up to where I am now.
Question Overview: Electrical work is a big part of maintenance work. Candidates should be able to answer questions about the electrical systems they're working with. This is a basic question that should be easy to answer.
Sample Answer: By measuring the voltage between one leg of a 480v 3 phase motor and ground, you can tell if the motor is running. If it's not, you can check the voltage on the other two legs to see if they're running.
Question Overview: Framing walls is a common task for maintenance technicians. While the question is fairly straightforward, the answer is not. A good candidate should be able to explain why certain types of lumber are better than others in certain situations.
Sample Answer: The type of lumber you use for framing a wall on a concrete floor depends on a few things. If you're framing the wall on top of a slab, you'll want to use either steel or wood studs. If you're framing the wall on top of a concrete floor, you'll want to use wood studs.
Question Overview: Some maintenance technicians work on rotating shifts. This can be a difficult thing to adjust to but is a common practice. Candidates should be able to work on rotating shifts if needed.
Sample Answer: I've worked on rotating shifts before and I'm willing to do it again if needed. I've found that it's important to keep a regular schedule as much as possible so that you don't get too out of sync with your body's natural rhythms.
Question Overview: This is a question that's going to be asked of every candidate. It's important to remember that the interviewer is looking for more than just a job history. They want to see how you've grown as a technician and how you've been able to handle the challenges of the industry.
Sample Answer: I've been working as a maintenance technician for about five years now. I started out doing small jobs like cleaning gutters and painting fences but have since moved on to bigger projects like electrical work and plumbing.
Question Overview: This is a pretty standard question, but it's still important. A candidate should be able to talk about their strengths in relation to the job they're applying for.
Sample Answer: I'm very good at working with people. I'm able to get along with just about anyone and I'm always willing to help out a friend in need. I also have a lot of experience working with my hands, so I'm pretty good at repairing things.
Question Overview: A team is only as good as its members. A candidate who can articulate what makes a good team will be able to work well with others and be a valuable asset to any team they're on.
Sample Answer: A good team is one that's made up of people who are willing to work together and help each other out. I've been on teams like that before and they're always the most successful.
Question Overview: A maintenance technician's work history is important for a number of reasons. It shows how long they've been in the field, what kind of work they've done, and how they've performed. A good candidate should be able to provide a solid work history that shows they're capable of doing the job.
Sample Answer: I've been working as a maintenance technician for about three years now. I started out doing small jobs like cleaning gutters and mowing lawns before moving on to bigger jobs like electrical work and plumbing. I've also worked for a number of different companies over the years.
Question Overview: A maintenance technician is going to be working for your company for a long time. It's important that they know what your company does and what it stands for. This will help them better understand the work they're doing and the people they're doing it for.
Sample Answer: I've read up on your company and its history. I know that you were founded in 1972 and that you've been in the business of providing home maintenance services ever since. I also know that you have a reputation for being honest and reliable.
Question Overview: While it's important to be able to work with others, it's also important to be able to work with people who are less experienced or who aren't as good at their jobs. A good candidate should be able to handle these situations without getting frustrated or resorting to yelling.
Sample Answer: I try to be as patient as possible when working with someone who doesn't know what they're doing. I try to explain things as I'm doing them and make sure they understand what I'm saying. If they're still having trouble, I'll try to find someone else who can help them out.