20 Questions

Questions to Ask Maintenance Interview

Strategic questions for maintenance interviews that help you understand the role, responsibilities, and expectations while demonstrating your technical knowledge and commitment to the position.

1

What are the primary maintenance responsibilities and what types of equipment will I be working with?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows interest in the technical aspects and reveals the specific maintenance tasks, equipment, and systems you'll be responsible for.

2

What are the biggest maintenance challenges facing the facility right now?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates strategic thinking and shows interest in understanding the current maintenance situation and challenges.

3

How is maintenance prioritized and what are the response time expectations?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows understanding of workflow and reveals how maintenance tasks are prioritized and what response times are expected.

4

What safety protocols and procedures are in place for maintenance work?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates concern for safety and reveals the safety protocols, procedures, and requirements for maintenance work.

5

What tools and equipment are available for maintenance work?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows interest in resources and reveals what tools, equipment, and resources are available for maintenance tasks.

6

What is the maintenance budget and how are costs managed?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates understanding of financial aspects and reveals the maintenance budget and how costs are managed and controlled.

7

What are the opportunities for professional development and training?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows commitment to growth and reveals what training, development opportunities, and skill-building activities are available.

8

How does the maintenance team collaborate with other departments?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows interest in teamwork and reveals how the maintenance team works with other departments and stakeholders.

9

What are the most important qualities you're looking for in a maintenance technician?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows you want to understand their expectations and reveals the key qualities and skills they value most in the position.

10

What is the maintenance schedule and how are tasks planned and organized?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates understanding of workflow and reveals how maintenance tasks are scheduled, planned, and organized.

11

What are the opportunities for advancement and career growth?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows long-term thinking and reveals the potential career progression and advancement opportunities within the maintenance field.

12

How does the company handle emergency maintenance situations?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows interest in crisis management and reveals how emergency maintenance situations are handled and what procedures are in place.

13

What are the company's values and how do they influence maintenance work?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows interest in company culture and reveals how the company's values are reflected in maintenance work and decision-making.

14

What is the company's approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates concern for environmental impact and reveals the company's approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

15

How does the company handle change and adapt to new technologies?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows interest in innovation and reveals how the company handles change and adapts to new technologies and methods.

16

What is the company's approach to employee recognition and rewards?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates interest in motivation and reveals how the company recognizes and rewards employee contributions and achievements.

17

How does the company support employee learning and skill development?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows commitment to growth and reveals the company's approach to employee learning and skill development opportunities.

18

What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates concern for employee welfare and reveals the company's policies and support for work-life balance and employee well-being.

19

How does the company measure and track maintenance performance?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows interest in performance measurement and reveals how the company tracks maintenance performance and measures success.

20

What is the company's approach to diversity and inclusion?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates concern for workplace diversity and reveals the company's commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment.

Best Practices for Maintenance Interview Questions

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Show Technical Knowledge and Interest

Demonstrate your understanding of maintenance work and your interest in the technical aspects. Ask about equipment, systems, and maintenance procedures.

Focus on Safety and Quality

Ask about safety protocols, quality standards, and how maintenance work is performed safely and effectively. This shows you prioritize safety and quality.

Demonstrate Your Commitment to Growth

Ask about training opportunities, professional development, and career advancement. This shows you're committed to growth and learning.

Question Sequences

The Technical and Responsibilities Sequence

1
What are the primary maintenance responsibilities and what types of equipment will I be working with?
2
What are the biggest maintenance challenges facing the facility right now?
3
How is maintenance prioritized and what are the response time expectations?
4
What safety protocols and procedures are in place for maintenance work?

The Resources and Development Sequence

1
What tools and equipment are available for maintenance work?
2
What is the maintenance budget and how are costs managed?
3
What are the opportunities for professional development and training?
4
How does the maintenance team collaborate with other departments?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Ask Questions That Show Lack of Preparation

Avoid questions that could be answered by basic research about the company. Show you've done your homework and ask thoughtful, informed questions.

Don't Ask Questions That Are Too Personal

Avoid questions about personal matters or private information. Focus on professional and business-related topics that are relevant to the role.

Don't Ask Questions That Are Too Narrow

Avoid questions that are too specific or narrow in scope. Ask questions that are relevant to the role and show your understanding of the business.

Conversation Templates

The Technical and Responsibilities Approach

1
Step 1: Start with: "I want to understand the technical aspects of this role..."
2
Step 2: Ask: "What are the primary maintenance responsibilities and what types of equipment will I be working with?"
3
Step 3: Explore: "What are the biggest maintenance challenges facing the facility right now?"
4
Step 4: Connect: "How is maintenance prioritized and what are the response time expectations?"

The Resources and Development Approach

1
Step 1: Begin with: "I'm interested in understanding the resources and development opportunities..."
2
Step 2: Ask: "What tools and equipment are available for maintenance work?"
3
Step 3: Explore: "What is the maintenance budget and how are costs managed?"
4
Step 4: Connect: "What are the opportunities for professional development and training?"

Further Reading

"The Art of the Interview" by James Storey
"Cracking the Code to a Successful Interview" by Evan Pellett
"The Interview Playbook" by John Lees
"Interview Like a Pro" by Rob Yeung

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation