Working as a housekeeper at Runwood Homes is more than just a cleaning role—it’s about maintaining a safe, welcoming, and hygienic environment for residents. Housekeepers play a vital part in the care system, ensuring comfort and cleanliness while supporting the overall wellbeing of residents. The typical job responsibilities include cleaning and sanitising resident rooms, common areas, and staff facilities, assisting with laundry, reporting maintenance issues, and working closely with the care team to uphold health and safety standards.
In terms of compensation, the salary for a housekeeper at Runwood Homes generally ranges from £10 to £12 per hour depending on experience and location. This role not only provides financial stability but also offers opportunities for professional growth within the healthcare and social care sector.
For many candidates, preparing for a Runwood Homes housekeeper interview can be a pivotal moment in securing the position. Understanding potential questions and how to answer them confidently is key. That’s why I, Jerry Frempong, a UK-based career coaching professional with over 25 years of experience, have prepared a comprehensive guide of 25 interview questions and answers to help you succeed.
Sample Opening Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself.
A strong opening answer should give a brief professional history and highlight relevant experience. For example:
“I have over three years’ experience in housekeeping within healthcare settings. I take pride in maintaining high cleanliness standards and supporting residents to feel comfortable and safe. I am organised, reliable, and enjoy working as part of a team, which I believe aligns with Runwood Homes’ values.”
2. Why do you want to work at Runwood Homes?
“I admire Runwood Homes’ commitment to providing excellent care for residents. I want to be part of a team that values compassion and professionalism while ensuring a clean, safe environment for everyone.”
3. What do you know about our company?
Research is key. “I know Runwood Homes has a reputation for high-quality residential care and focuses on the wellbeing of both residents and staff. Your emphasis on teamwork and continuous improvement inspires me to contribute my skills here.”
Competency Questions and Answers Using the STAR Model
4. Tell me about a time you handled a difficult cleaning task.
Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result):
“In my previous role, I was tasked with deep cleaning a resident’s room with extensive staining. I prepared the right cleaning materials (Situation & Task), used specialised cleaning solutions and methods to remove the stains (Action), and the room was spotless, meeting hygiene standards (Result). The resident and manager were pleased with the outcome.”
5. Can you describe a time you worked as part of a team to achieve a goal?
“During a holiday season, the housekeeping team needed to prepare all rooms for a full occupancy check. I coordinated with colleagues to assign tasks (Situation), ensured clear communication and supported others where needed (Action), and we successfully prepared all rooms on time, earning positive feedback from management (Result).”
6. How do you prioritise tasks during a busy shift?
“I start by listing tasks based on urgency and resident needs. High-traffic areas and resident rooms take priority. I remain flexible to assist with unexpected tasks, ensuring cleanliness and safety are always maintained.”
7. Describe a time you had to follow strict health and safety guidelines.
“At my previous job, I handled cleaning chemical storage. I ensured all products were correctly labelled and stored, and I followed PPE guidelines. This prevented accidents and maintained a safe environment for residents and staff.”
8. Give an example of handling a complaint professionally.
“A resident once mentioned that their room wasn’t cleaned to their satisfaction. I listened carefully, apologised, and promptly re-cleaned the area. The resident appreciated my responsiveness, and I learned to double-check rooms before finishing my shift.”
Behavioural Questions and Answers
9. How do you maintain attention to detail?
“I use checklists to ensure all areas are cleaned thoroughly. I also double-check my work and remain mindful of residents’ specific needs to maintain the highest standards.”
10. How do you handle repetitive tasks without losing motivation?
“I focus on the positive impact my work has on residents. I take pride in maintaining cleanliness, and I find satisfaction in a job well done, which keeps me motivated.”
11. Can you work under pressure?
“Yes. In a busy healthcare environment, I remain calm, organised, and focus on completing tasks efficiently while maintaining quality.”
12. Describe a time you went above and beyond your duties.
“I noticed a resident’s personal laundry needed extra attention. I took care to wash and organise it carefully, even though it wasn’t required. The resident and their family appreciated the extra care.”
Practical Housekeeping Questions
13. What cleaning methods are you familiar with?
“I am experienced with dusting, vacuuming, mopping, disinfecting surfaces, handling laundry, and using both chemical and eco-friendly cleaning products safely.”
14. How do you ensure infection control standards are met?
“I follow strict hygiene protocols, including handwashing, sanitising equipment, and separating cleaning cloths for different areas to prevent cross-contamination.”
15. How do you deal with hazardous materials?
“I always read the safety instructions, use appropriate PPE, and follow disposal guidelines to ensure both resident and personal safety.”
16. What would you do if a resident had a special request for their room?
“I would listen carefully, accommodate their request where possible, and communicate with my team to ensure the request is fulfilled promptly and respectfully.”
Ending Questions and Answers
17. Where do you see yourself in five years?
“I aim to continue developing my housekeeping skills, potentially taking on supervisory responsibilities within Runwood Homes, while contributing to a high standard of care for residents.”
18. Why should we hire you?
“I bring reliability, attention to detail, and experience in healthcare housekeeping. I am committed to maintaining a safe, clean environment and supporting the wellbeing of residents.”
19. Do you have any questions for us?
“Yes, could you describe the training and development opportunities for housekeeping staff at Runwood Homes?”
20. How do you handle feedback?
“I take feedback as an opportunity to improve. I listen carefully, ask for clarification if needed, and implement suggestions to enhance my performance.”
Do’s and Don’ts for a Housekeeper Interview
Do:
Arrive on time and dress professionally.
Show enthusiasm for caring for residents.
Use the STAR method to answer competency questions.
Emphasise reliability, attention to detail, and teamwork.
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
Don’t:
Speak negatively about previous employers.
Overstate experience or skills.
Interrupt the interviewer.
Neglect to research the company.
Forget to follow up after the interview.
Additional Interview Coaching Tips
Preparing for a Runwood Homes housekeeper interview goes beyond memorising answers. Practising your responses out loud, researching the company, and understanding key cleaning and safety protocols are essential. Using resources for interview training, working with an interview coach, or accessing interview coaching online can make a significant difference. Role-playing common questions, particularly competency-based ones, will help you answer confidently using the STAR model.
Remember, interviewers want to see your genuine personality, reliability, and dedication to resident care. Stay positive, maintain eye contact, and listen carefully. Confidence, preparation, and professionalism can turn an interview into a job offer.
For ongoing support, consider job interview preparation sessions to sharpen your skills and gain practical advice from an experienced interview coach. Whether you need help with answering tricky questions or improving your presentation, interview coaching provides personalised guidance to maximise your success.
Book an Interview Coaching Appointment
Take your career to the next level. Book an appointment with an experienced interview coach today and gain the tools, confidence, and techniques needed to succeed in your Runwood Homes housekeeper interview. Your dream role is within reach with the right preparation and guidance.
