Once you have a utility worker job interview, it is time to prepare. But what questions can you expect? And how to prove you are the right person for the job?
It is much easier if you have the right questions and can prepare the best answers. And that is where the top 25 utility worker interview questions below come in. They will show the interviewer that you are a good fit. And this will increase your chances of getting hired.
1. Why Are You Interested In This Role?
I have always had an interest in working with people and being of service. For example, my first job experience was working as a volunteer. I worked at a company for two years to support people in need. This is the reason why I am interested in this position.
2. What Are The Roles Of A Utility Worker?
A utility worker helps keep the smooth business running. They do the cleaning, repairing and maintaining of the operational facilities. They take care of all kinds of issues. Their work ranges from plumbing issues to broken machine repair. Some of their tasks include:
Maintenance and repair of installations
- Maintenance of green and outdoor areas
- Cleaning of the building
- Garbage disposal
- Monitoring of the heating and cooling systems
3. What Qualities Do A Utility Worker Need To Be Successful?
First of all, they need to have impeccable problem-solving skills. The ability to use logic and research is also beneficial. The next quality is a high level of manual dexterity. They use a variety of tools and equipment. Moreover, excellent verbal communication skills are handy. Utility workers get to the bottom of a specific problem or defect, so they must speak clearly.
4. What Major Challenges Did You Face During Your Last Role? How Did You Manage Them?
The best way to solve problems is to tackle them right away. I do not like to procrastinate. There was a case when I found out that a colleague was speaking ill of me and untruths to others. I went to talk to him. It turns out it was a misunderstanding on his part. So, I reconciled with him and our supervisor.
5. Describe Your Daily Routine As A Utility Worker?
My basic task would be to keep the building in good condition. Especially its substance and function. This includes more than regular control of the building. I would engage in regular maintenance and small repairs. I would be responsible for the day-to-day care and maintenance. This includes buildings, and land and building services systems. The tasks include the care of green and outdoor areas, and winter and summer services. As well as repairs and maintenance of ventilation and heating systems.
6. Describe Briefly About Your Experience?
I worked for a health care facility for 5 years. I was not only responsible for small manual jobs, but also electronics. Part of my job duties was also to run errands. I was also required to liaise with suppliers. I accepted deliveries, and sometimes even negotiated. My past employer would praise my physical condition and systematic way of working. They liked my communication skills, flexibility, and reliability.
7. What Kind Of Strategies And Mindset Is Required For This Role?
A utility worker must not only be multi-talent but often acts on time and with competence. In concrete terms, this means that it is not about the skills they have learned only. But also about recognizing the need for action with a practiced eye. And then finding quick and needs-based solutions.
These are all skills that are not learned as part of a traditional apprenticeship. They come with time and the diverse professional experiences that go with it.
8. What Is The Biggest Challenge You Foresee In This Job?
Utility workers usually work on their tasks alone. So, they have the entire responsibility on their shoulders. The tasks vary, and sometimes problems can arise at the same time. But I love my job, despite this. I realized that this does not mean that I need to spend my working day alone. I also learned to rank tasks and multitask.
9. How Do You Stay Motivated At Work?
As a utility worker, I often take care of many activities in the background. This makes everyday life easier for owners and employees. With a utility worker, owners promote the value of their property. They save valuable time and devote themselves to other tasks in the meantime. From a certain aspect, the management of a property can hardly do without a utility worker. Often, the added value of a utility worker is not spoken about. This is because many activities are not always noticed. But they contribute to the management and value retention of a property.
10. Describe A Time You Failed In This Role And The Lesson You Learned?
There was a situation where I didn’t know how to fix something. It is natural to not have a solution to every problem that can arise in the workplace. I accept that a large part of my work consists of troubleshooting. And research to develop a solution and solve the problem. This was a time that proved my problem-solving ability.
11. Why Do You Feel You Are Qualified For This Role?
First of all, I have much more than classic manual skills. I worked on my social skills. A utility worker often has a lot of contacts. These are employees, business partners, and customers of a company. Thus, people and communication skills are a must.
I am also self-motivated. A utility worker has a central position in the maintenance of the building. This means that a person who shows little connection or attachment to their job will not be a good fit. I am a person who would walk through the building entrusted to me with an alert eye.
I also like to be in charge of the safety aspects. This begins with precise tasks. Such as checking whether the alarm systems in the property are in proper condition. Also, I always have an eye on the safety of the electrical system in the house. I do a regular check of the fire protection equipment. such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. In the outdoor areas, I would clear the sidewalks of snow in the winter months. And work on the garden and green areas. I have also shown resilience even in stressful situations.
12. Share With Us Your Greatest Achievement
I am proud to say that I have been an excellent utility worker at my previous job. I proved my manual skills as well as my organizational talent. I always had an overview of all tasks. I was also flexible when this was necessary. I maintained a friendly, polite relationship with everyone I met in my day-to-day work. The service concept was my top priority. I attached great importance to always well-kept outdoor and indoor areas. I am grateful for the opportunity to work there. I have strong relationships with all my past colleagues.
13. As A Utility Worker How Do You Keep Track Of Your Work Schedule And Tasks?
I can have days when I am called from one task to another. My experience has taught me that it is important to keep an organized schedule to stay on top of things. In time you get used to a full schedule and can keep up with a full schedule.
14. How Do You Rank Your Tasks If, For Example, Two Machines Fail At The Same Time?
Prioritizing tasks is another important skill of utility workers. I decide which problem needs to come first and take one step at a time. But, I try to resolve the issues as soon as possible, as the workflow should not suffer.
15. Our Company’s Cleaning Norms And Requirements Are At A Very High Level. How Would You Make Sure You Keep It That Way?
I am an advocate of perfection, so I strive for excellence no matter where I work. As soon as I am hired, I will delve into your company’s policies and procedures. Also, I make sure to keep the company’s reputation high.
16. What Do Your Work Clothes Look Like?
My work clothing consists of protective trousers and safety shoes. I also wear personal protective equipment. Depending on the work I put on gloves and safety goggles.
17. What Are Some Mandatory Checks In Buildings And Why Are They Important?
Checks are the be-all and end-all for the utility worker. They ensure that everything necessary – including safety devices – works at the important moments. There should not be any damage. Both people and equipment. If no other specifications apply, I will do a targeted and careful intensive review. The ongoing visual inspections must take place at least once a month. A permanent control is one of the constant tasks of utility workers. No walk through the building and all the associated systems without a targeted look. I check the most important facilities. Such as emergency lighting, escape route signs, emergency exits, stairs, etc.
18. What Does Your Cleaning Method Look Like?
I first divide cleaning areas into groups. For example: outdoors, hallways and stairs. Then, special areas. Such as wet areas, offices, and storage rooms. Then I set cleaning intervals, and plan what should I do daily, twice a week, or monthly. I specify the scope of cleaning. For example floors, stairs, and handrails. I also like to set a time window for cleaning. I find it convenient that special cleaning takes place another day. For example, glass and window cleaning, and intensive cleaning with lamps, on shelves. I like to draw attention when there are special requirements. Like rooms with chemicals, specialist equipment, and machinery. I clean rooms with hazardous substances according to the special instructions.
I am also familiar with cleaning equipment and detergents. I select these according to the care needs. Depends on the respective material properties of floors, furniture, or sculptures.
19. According To You What Is The Number One Cleaning Mistake?
According to me, this is prolonging the cleaning intervals. For example, when switching from daily cleaning to twice a week or once a week). There is no flexibility in cleaning intervals.
20. What Aspects Of Occupational Safety Are You, Familiar, With?
I am familiar with the general instruction in occupational health and safety. I can also mention accident prevention regulations. As well as dangers and measures to avoid accidents and maintain health. I practice safety and health-conscious behavior. I have a certificate in fire protection and first aid. I familiarize myself with the facilities’ escape and emergency routes. I have experience handling hazardous substances. And, at last, I wear personal protective equipment.
21. Why Did You Quit Your Previous Job?
My previous job was far from home. I decided to find one closer because I’m getting married. There are no other issues other than this.
22. What Would You Do If You Weren’t Hired?
I would like to work in this company because it represents an important stage of my development. so I would look for other open positions. If I were not chosen anyway, I would look for a similar job because I want a career in catering. But by having my experience I could bring great benefits to this company.
23. What Was The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Previous Job?
I worked outdoors. I like to surround myself with nature. I helped the community to preserve green areas. I am an outdoorsy person. Even better when you link work and pleasure.
24. What Have You Learned From Your Mistakes?
I learned to look at every situation from many points of view. And always search for better solutions. I also learned that the simplest way is not always the right one. So, I take my time and go step by step.
25. What Do You Expect From A Supervisor?
I like a work environment where the employer has a more personal and friendly contact. You work better in a peaceful atmosphere. Good and open communication is crucial. I am a straightforward and honest worker. And I expect the same in return.
Conclusion
Knowing what questions you might get is the best way to prepare for a utility worker job interview. Depending on the area of responsibility, the questions can vary.
In this article, we showed you questions you might expect and how you can best answer them. So you can go into the interview with a positive feeling. Good luck!
