Working as a cleaning staff member for Gatwick Express is an essential role that keeps one of the UK’s busiest transport services safe, welcoming, and hygienic for thousands of passengers daily. The position involves maintaining cleanliness across trains and stations, ensuring passenger comfort, and adhering to strict health and safety standards. The job typically offers a competitive salary ranging from £10 to £12 per hour, with opportunities for shift patterns and career progression within the rail industry.
In this blog post, I, Jerry Frempong, a career coaching professional with over 25 years of experience, will guide you through 25 fully explained interview questions and answers tailored specifically for the Gatwick Express Cleaning Staff role. You’ll find simple opening questions, competency-based questions using the STAR model, ending questions, and helpful tips to boost your confidence and prepare you to succeed.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Start by summarising your background relevant to cleaning or customer service. Keep it brief and positive.
Answer: “I have over three years’ experience in cleaning roles within public transport and retail environments. I’m detail-oriented, reliable, and enjoy working in busy settings where I can contribute to a safe and pleasant environment for customers.”
2. Why do you want to work for Gatwick Express?
Show enthusiasm for the company and the role’s importance.
Answer: “I admire Gatwick Express’s reputation for excellent service and commitment to passenger experience. I want to contribute to maintaining the high standards of cleanliness that help make journeys comfortable and safe.”
3. What do you know about the Gatwick Express cleaning role?
Highlight key duties and responsibilities.
Answer: “The role involves cleaning train interiors and stations, disposing of waste properly, using cleaning chemicals safely, and working efficiently to meet tight schedules, all while following health and safety guidelines.”
4. How do you handle working under pressure?
Use an example showing your calmness and efficiency.
Answer: “During busy periods at my previous cleaning job, I stayed focused by prioritising tasks and working methodically, which helped me complete cleaning within time limits without compromising quality.”
5. Can you describe a time you worked as part of a team?
Use the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer competency questions.
Answer: “At my last job (Situation), we had to clean a train quickly between shifts (Task). I communicated clearly with my team and divided the tasks based on strengths (Action). We finished ahead of schedule and received praise from management (Result).”
6. How do you ensure safety when using cleaning chemicals?
Discuss following procedures and safety data sheets.
Answer: “I always read the instructions and safety data sheets before using any chemical and wear the appropriate protective equipment to prevent accidents.”
7. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult situation at work.
Demonstrate problem-solving and professionalism.
Answer: “Once, a passenger was upset about a delayed cleaning. I listened patiently, explained the situation politely, and reassured them that the train would be cleaned as soon as possible, which calmed them down.”
8. What would you do if you noticed a safety hazard while cleaning?
Show your awareness of safety and responsibility.
Answer: “I would immediately report the hazard to my supervisor and take steps to cordon off the area if safe to do so, ensuring no one else is at risk.”
9. How do you manage your time during your cleaning shifts?
Highlight organisational skills.
Answer: “I create a checklist of all tasks and allocate time slots, adjusting as needed to meet deadlines while maintaining quality standards.”
10. Why is attention to detail important in this role?
Explain how it impacts passenger experience and safety.
Answer: “Attention to detail ensures that every area is hygienic and presentable, which directly affects passenger comfort and prevents health risks.”
11. What motivates you in a cleaning role?
Be honest and positive.
Answer: “I enjoy seeing the immediate impact of my work and knowing that I help create a safe and pleasant environment for people.”
12. Can you give an example of when you went above and beyond in a previous job?
Use STAR to describe the scenario.
Answer: “At my previous role, I noticed a broken window that could be a security risk (Situation). I reported it and helped arrange temporary repairs (Task and Action). This prevented potential theft and ensured passenger safety (Result).”
13. How do you handle repetitive tasks?
Show commitment and focus.
Answer: “I stay focused by setting small goals and reminding myself that consistent work ensures a high-quality environment for others.”
14. What would you do if a colleague was not performing their duties properly?
Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork.
Answer: “I would approach them politely to offer help or encourage them. If the issue continued, I’d report it to the supervisor to maintain team standards.”
15. How would you deal with a cleaning task you find unpleasant?
Show a positive attitude.
Answer: “I understand that all tasks are important, so I would approach it professionally and complete it thoroughly.”
16. How do you prioritise your cleaning tasks during busy shifts?
Discuss assessment and flexibility.
Answer: “I focus on high-traffic and visibly dirty areas first, then tackle less urgent tasks, adjusting as needed.”
17. Can you explain how you keep up with cleaning standards and procedures?
Mention training and self-learning.
Answer: “I attend all training sessions and regularly review company guidelines to stay updated on best practices.”
18. Tell me about a time you received feedback and how you used it.
Show openness to improvement.
Answer: “My supervisor once suggested I speed up the cleaning process without losing quality. I practised better time management, which improved my efficiency.”
19. How do you ensure excellent customer service while performing your cleaning duties?
Highlight communication and professionalism.
Answer: “I greet passengers politely, answer simple questions when possible, and maintain a friendly attitude even when focused on cleaning.”
20. What would you do if you found lost property while cleaning?
Discuss procedures and integrity.
Answer: “I would hand it over to station staff or follow the company’s lost property policy immediately.”
21. How do you handle working early mornings or late nights?
Show flexibility and reliability.
Answer: “I’m comfortable working various shifts and make sure to manage my rest to perform at my best.”
22. What do you think are the key skills for a Gatwick Express Cleaning Staff member?
Mention cleanliness, reliability, safety awareness, and teamwork.
Answer: “Attention to detail, good communication, the ability to work under pressure, and a strong sense of responsibility.”
23. How do you maintain motivation during long shifts?
Discuss mindset and self-care.
Answer: “I break tasks into smaller chunks and remind myself of the positive impact of my work.”
24. Do you have any experience with cleaning machinery or equipment?
Answer honestly with examples.
Answer: “Yes, I’ve operated floor scrubbers and vacuum cleaners and understand the importance of maintenance and safety.”
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Always prepare a thoughtful question to show interest.
Answer: “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with and any opportunities for career progression within Gatwick Express?”
Interview coaching encouragement and tips
Preparing for your Gatwick Express cleaning staff interview can feel daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, you’ll shine. Remember, interviewers want to see that you’re reliable, safety-conscious, and committed to maintaining high standards. Use the STAR model to answer competency questions clearly, and always be honest and positive. Practice your answers out loud, maintain good body language, and don’t forget to smile. Avoid negative comments about previous employers and stay focused on the role.
Do’s:
Do research Gatwick Express and its values.
Do dress smartly and arrive on time.
Do listen carefully to questions before answering.
Do provide examples from your experience.
Do ask insightful questions at the end.
Don’ts:
Don’t exaggerate your skills or experience.
Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
Don’t speak negatively about others.
Don’t forget to switch off your phone.
Don’t be unprepared or vague in your answers.
To boost your confidence further, consider booking interview training with a professional interview coach. Expert interview coaching can help you polish your responses, practice key questions, and develop strategies to stand out.
Best of luck with your Gatwick Express cleaning staff interview — I’m confident you’ll do great!
