Cleaning Operatives at London North Eastern Railway (LNER) play an essential role in ensuring the safety, hygiene, and comfort of passengers. By maintaining clean trains, stations, and staff facilities, they directly contribute to LNER’s exceptional customer service and public image. Whether it’s disinfecting high-touch surfaces or keeping washrooms spotless, your efforts ensure a positive travel experience.
Job Description: Cleaning Operatives are responsible for a variety of cleaning tasks across LNER train carriages, depots, and stations. Duties include vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing surfaces, restocking supplies, and ensuring all areas meet safety and cleanliness standards.
Salary: The average salary for an LNER Cleaning Operative ranges from £22,000 to £26,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and shift patterns. Overtime and unsocial hours often come with additional pay, making this a reliable and steady income source.
Top 20 Interview Questions and Sample Answers for LNER Cleaning Operative
1. Tell us about yourself.
“I’m a detail-oriented and dependable individual with a background in commercial and transport cleaning. I take pride in creating safe, hygienic environments and enjoy working as part of a team to achieve high standards.”
2. Why do you want to work for LNER?
“LNER is known for its commitment to cleanliness and passenger satisfaction. I value working for a company that takes cleanliness seriously and provides development opportunities for staff.”
3. What do you understand about the role of a Cleaning Operative at LNER?
“The role involves maintaining high cleanliness standards in trains, stations, and depots, ensuring all surfaces are sanitized and facilities are stocked and presentable for passengers.”
4. How would you handle cleaning during a busy shift with time constraints?
“I would prioritize key areas first, such as restrooms and high-touch surfaces, using efficient cleaning methods and working closely with the team to stay on schedule.”
5. Do you have experience using cleaning equipment and chemicals?
“Yes, I’ve used industrial vacuums, floor scrubbers, and a range of cleaning chemicals. I’m also familiar with COSHH guidelines to ensure safe handling.”
6. How do you stay motivated during repetitive tasks?
“I remind myself that every task contributes to the comfort and safety of passengers. Seeing the results of my work keeps me motivated.”
7. What would you do if you noticed a hazardous item or biohazard?
“I would follow LNER safety protocols—isolating the area, informing a supervisor, and using proper PPE to safely contain and remove the hazard.”
8. Describe a time you worked in a team to complete a task.
“At my previous job, we had to clean an entire train overnight. We divided the carriages among the team and helped each other meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.”
9. How do you manage feedback or criticism from supervisors?
“I see feedback as a chance to grow. If I make a mistake, I appreciate being corrected so I can improve and not repeat it.”
10. Are you comfortable working unsociable hours or night shifts?
“Yes, I understand the nature of the role requires flexibility, and I’m fully prepared to work evenings, weekends, or night shifts as needed.”
11. What would you do if you found a lost item during your shift?
“I would follow LNER’s lost property procedure by logging the item and handing it in to the appropriate department immediately.”
12. How would you handle a difficult or rude passenger while cleaning?
“I would remain polite and professional, not take it personally, and if needed, inform my supervisor or security if the situation escalated.”
13. What safety precautions are important in this role?
“Wearing correct PPE, using chemicals as per COSHH guidelines, displaying wet floor signs, and being aware of electrical or trip hazards are all critical.”
14. How do you keep track of your cleaning tasks?
“I usually work from a checklist or schedule and double-check my areas to ensure nothing is missed before marking a task as complete.”
15. How would you deal with a last-minute schedule change or emergency clean-up?
“I’d stay flexible, assess the situation quickly, and adapt my plan to respond to the priority task while communicating with my team.”
16. What do you do if a colleague isn’t pulling their weight?
“I would try to support them without judgment, and if the problem persists, I would discreetly inform a supervisor to ensure fairness.”
17. What would you do if you were running behind schedule?
“I’d assess which tasks can be adjusted, speed up safely where possible, and inform the supervisor to ensure expectations are managed.”
18. How do you ensure high standards of cleanliness?
“I follow checklists, inspect my own work, and use the correct tools for each task to deliver a consistently clean and hygienic environment.”
19. What makes you a good fit for this role?
“I have experience, a strong work ethic, and an eye for detail. I’m reliable, safety-conscious, and passionate about making environments clean and welcoming.”
20. Do you have any questions for us?
“Yes, I’d love to know more about the training process and how success is measured in this role.”
Interview Coaching Tips and Encouragement
Going into an LNER Cleaning Operative interview? Don’t stress—preparation is your best ally. Dress neatly, arrive on time, and bring a positive attitude. Focus on reliability, teamwork, safety, and attention to detail in your answers. Practice speaking clearly and confidently. Review LNER’s values beforehand, and always come prepared with at least one question for the interviewer.
Remember: You don’t need the perfect words—just real, honest answers that show your work ethic and readiness. You’ve got this!
