The role of a Maintenance Worker at Avery Healthcare is both vital and rewarding. Maintenance Workers are responsible for ensuring that all facilities operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with health and safety regulations. From routine repairs to emergency maintenance, their work directly impacts the comfort and safety of both staff and residents. The typical salary for a Maintenance Worker in the UK ranges from £22,000 to £28,000 per year, depending on experience and location, making it a stable and respected career path.
Landing a role at Avery Healthcare requires more than just technical skills; employers seek candidates who demonstrate reliability, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to work collaboratively. This guide provides 25 interview questions and answers, including sample opening questions, competency-based questions using the STAR model, and guidance on closing questions, all designed to help you succeed.
Sample Opening Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself.
Start with a brief summary of your experience, qualifications, and what makes you a strong fit.
Answer: “I have over five years’ experience in facility maintenance, specialising in plumbing, electrical repairs, and preventative maintenance. I’m passionate about creating safe and comfortable environments, which aligns perfectly with Avery Healthcare’s commitment to resident well-being.”
2. Why do you want to work for Avery Healthcare?
Show enthusiasm for the company and its values.
Answer: “Avery Healthcare’s reputation for high-quality care and its commitment to staff development excites me. I want to contribute my skills to help maintain a safe, welcoming environment for residents and staff alike.”
3. What do you know about our facilities?
Demonstrate research and familiarity.
Answer: “I understand that Avery Healthcare operates multiple care homes with a focus on innovative care practices. Ensuring smooth facility operations is crucial, and I’m eager to bring my maintenance expertise to support this mission.”
Competency-Based Questions Using the STAR Model
Competency questions assess your behaviour in real situations. The STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is highly effective here.
4. Describe a time you resolved a maintenance emergency.
Answer: “At my previous role, a boiler malfunctioned during winter (Situation). My task was to restore heating quickly (Task). I assessed the problem, repaired the fault, and implemented a temporary heating solution while sourcing a replacement part (Action). The result was zero downtime and positive feedback from management (Result).”
5. How do you prioritise multiple maintenance requests?
Answer: “I assess requests based on urgency and safety implications. For example, I address electrical hazards immediately, while scheduling less critical repairs accordingly. This approach ensures resident safety and efficient workflow.”
6. Give an example of a time you worked in a team to complete a project.
Answer: “During a refurbishment project (Situation), our team was tasked with upgrading multiple rooms (Task). I coordinated with electricians and plumbers to sequence tasks efficiently (Action), completing the project ahead of schedule and within budget (Result).”
7. Tell me about a challenging repair you handled.
Answer: “I once dealt with a complex HVAC failure (Situation). My responsibility was to diagnose and fix the issue quickly (Task). I consulted technical manuals, sourced the right parts, and carried out the repair safely (Action). Residents experienced minimal disruption, and management praised the efficient resolution (Result).”
8. How do you handle compliance with health and safety regulations?
Answer: “I stay updated with all relevant legislation, conduct regular risk assessments, and ensure all repairs meet safety standards. At my last role, this approach reduced safety incidents by 20%.”
9. Describe a time you implemented a preventative maintenance routine.
Answer: “Noticing frequent plumbing issues (Situation), I introduced a scheduled inspection system (Task). I documented maintenance checks and trained junior staff on procedures (Action). This reduced emergency repairs by 30% (Result).”
Technical Skills Questions
10. Are you experienced with plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems?
Answer: “Yes, I have hands-on experience in all three, including repairing boilers, fixing leaks, and servicing HVAC units.”
11. How do you troubleshoot equipment failures?
Answer: “I follow a step-by-step approach: identify symptoms, consult manuals, isolate the issue, test solutions, and implement the repair while documenting the process for future reference.”
12. What tools and software do you use for maintenance tracking?
Answer: “I’m familiar with CMMS software for logging work orders, scheduling inspections, and tracking maintenance history, alongside traditional tools like power drills and multimeters.”
13. How do you ensure energy efficiency in facilities?
Answer: “I regularly inspect systems for leaks, optimise boiler and HVAC performance, and suggest upgrades to energy-efficient appliances.”
14. Can you work flexible hours if needed?
Answer: “Yes, I understand maintenance emergencies don’t always happen during office hours, and I’m willing to work evenings or weekends when necessary.”
Behavioural Questions
15. How do you handle stress during urgent repairs?
Answer: “I stay calm, prioritise the most critical issues first, communicate clearly with the team, and focus on problem-solving.”
16. Describe a time you had to communicate a technical issue to non-technical staff.
Answer: “I once explained a boiler malfunction to care staff. I used simple language, visual aids, and provided step-by-step guidance, which helped them understand the urgency and temporary precautions.”
17. How do you ensure your work meets quality standards?
Answer: “I follow manufacturer guidelines, perform double-checks, and seek feedback to maintain high-quality repairs.”
18. Give an example of improving a maintenance process.
Answer: “I introduced a digital logbook for equipment servicing, which streamlined reporting and reduced missed inspections by 40%.”
Scenario-Based Questions
19. What would you do if a resident reported a safety hazard?
Answer: “I would assess the risk immediately, take temporary corrective action, report it to management, and schedule a permanent fix promptly.”
20. How would you respond if a piece of equipment repeatedly failed?
Answer: “I’d conduct a root-cause analysis, consult suppliers or manufacturers if necessary, and implement a long-term solution while documenting the issue.”
21. Describe how you handle competing priorities during a busy shift.
Answer: “I categorise tasks by urgency and safety impact, delegate where possible, and communicate progress to ensure nothing critical is missed.”
Ending Questions and Answers
22. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: “Yes, could you tell me more about the team I’d be working with and the ongoing training opportunities available?”
23. What are your salary expectations?
Answer: “Based on my experience and industry standards, I am looking for a salary within the range of £24,000–£27,000, but I’m open to discussion.”
24. Why should we hire you?
Answer: “I bring hands-on maintenance expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safety and efficiency, ensuring Avery Healthcare’s facilities remain top-notch.”
25. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I aim to grow within Avery Healthcare, taking on additional responsibilities such as team leadership and contributing to strategic facility improvements.”
General Interview Coaching Tips
Do’s: Arrive early, research the company, dress professionally, use the STAR model for competency questions, and maintain a positive attitude.
Don’ts: Don’t lie about skills, interrupt the interviewer, criticise previous employers, or speak negatively about colleagues.
Preparation: Practice answers aloud, review technical knowledge, and have examples ready for competency-based questions.
Remember, confidence and clarity go hand in hand. You can boost your chances further by booking interview training, working with an experienced interview coach, or even engaging in interview coaching online to refine your approach. Proper job interview preparation ensures you feel calm, focused, and ready to impress. Investing in interview coaching with a professional like me, Jerry Frempong, can make a significant difference, transforming nerves into confidence and delivering a standout performance.
Your next step: schedule your interview coaching appointment today and take control of your career journey with Avery Healthcare!
