The role of a Maintenance Operative at Runwood Homes is vital for ensuring the safety, comfort, and efficiency of residential care facilities. Maintenance Operatives are responsible for carrying out routine repairs, maintaining equipment, and addressing any urgent maintenance issues that arise. This role not only keeps the homes running smoothly but also directly contributes to the well-being of residents and staff. Typically, a Maintenance Operative at Runwood Homes earns between £23,000 and £27,000 per year, depending on experience and responsibilities.
Preparing thoroughly for a job interview in this sector can make the difference between landing your dream role and missing out. Here, we provide 25 comprehensive interview questions with answers, covering basic, competency-based, and scenario-style questions, all explained in a clear and actionable manner. We also include practical interview coaching advice for anyone seeking success in maintenance and facilities roles.
Sample Opening Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself.
Answer: “I am a skilled maintenance operative with over five years of experience in residential and commercial environments. I excel in both planned and reactive maintenance, with a strong focus on safety and efficiency. I am keen to bring my expertise to Runwood Homes to ensure that the facilities are safe, comfortable, and fully operational for residents and staff.”
Tip: Keep it professional, concise, and relevant to the role.
2. Why do you want to work for Runwood Homes?
Answer: “I admire Runwood Homes’ commitment to high-quality care and the supportive environment for staff. I am motivated to contribute my maintenance skills to help provide safe and comfortable homes for residents.”
Tip: Show knowledge of the company and align your values with theirs.
3. What are your greatest strengths?
Answer: “I am highly organised, practical, and proactive. I have excellent problem-solving skills and can manage multiple tasks efficiently under pressure.”
4. What is your biggest weakness?
Answer: “I sometimes take on too many tasks at once because I like to be helpful. I’ve learned to prioritise effectively and delegate when appropriate.”
Competency-Based Questions and the STAR Model
Using the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is highly effective for competency questions.
5. Give an example of when you solved a difficult maintenance problem.
Answer: “Situation: At my previous job, the heating system failed in a care home during winter. Task: I needed to restore heating quickly. Action: I diagnosed the issue, replaced a faulty component, and tested the system thoroughly. Result: The heating was restored within three hours, ensuring residents stayed warm and safe.”
6. Describe a time you worked as part of a team to complete a maintenance project.
Answer: “Situation: We needed to refurbish the communal lounge in a care home. Task: My team had to handle all electrical, plumbing, and carpentry work efficiently. Action: I coordinated with colleagues, scheduled tasks, and ensured all safety measures were followed. Result: The project was completed on time and under budget, with minimal disruption to residents.”
7. How do you prioritise maintenance tasks?
Answer: “I assess tasks based on urgency, safety, and impact on residents. I always tackle urgent repairs first, then schedule preventative maintenance, ensuring smooth operations without compromising safety.”
8. Can you explain a time you followed health and safety procedures?
Answer: “Situation: While repairing a boiler, I noticed a potential gas leak. Task: I had to act safely to prevent risk. Action: I evacuated the area, informed management, and followed gas safety protocols. Result: The leak was contained, preventing any harm.”
Technical and Scenario Questions
9. How do you handle emergency repairs outside of working hours?
Answer: “I remain calm, assess the situation quickly, and carry out repairs safely. I also document the incident for reporting and follow up with permanent fixes during regular hours.”
10. How do you check that equipment is safe to use?
Answer: “I carry out regular inspections, follow manufacturer guidelines, and ensure all equipment is maintained and tested according to regulations.”
11. What experience do you have with plumbing, electrical, or carpentry work?
Answer: “I have hands-on experience in routine plumbing, minor electrical repairs, and basic carpentry. I hold relevant certifications and have consistently applied these skills in previous roles.”
12. How would you approach a resident’s maintenance request?
Answer: “I would listen carefully, assess the urgency, communicate expected timelines, and ensure the repair is done safely and efficiently, keeping the resident informed.”
Behavioural Questions
13. Describe a time you had to work under pressure.
Answer: “During a sudden water leak, I had to isolate the problem, repair damage, and prevent further flooding. My quick and structured approach minimized disruption and damage.”
14. Give an example of when you had to learn a new skill quickly.
Answer: “I was asked to service a new type of boiler. I studied the manual, consulted colleagues, and successfully completed the task within a day.”
15. How do you handle disagreements with colleagues?
Answer: “I listen actively, stay professional, and focus on solutions rather than blame. This approach usually resolves conflicts quickly and maintains team cohesion.”
16. Describe a time when you improved a process or system.
Answer: “I implemented a preventive maintenance schedule, which reduced equipment failures by 30% over six months.”
Ending Questions and Answers
17. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: “Yes, could you tell me more about the maintenance team structure and any ongoing training opportunities?”
Tip: Always ask questions to show interest and engagement.
18. Why should we hire you?
Answer: “I bring a strong blend of technical skills, safety awareness, and commitment to high-quality maintenance. I am reliable, proactive, and eager to contribute to the well-being of Runwood Homes residents.”
19. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I aim to continue developing my technical skills and take on more responsibility, potentially moving into a supervisory maintenance role.”
20. How do you stay updated with maintenance best practices?
Answer: “I attend training, follow industry publications, and regularly refresh my knowledge on health and safety regulations.”
Do’s and Don’ts for Maintenance Operative Interviews
Do:
Arrive on time and dressed appropriately
Demonstrate practical knowledge and problem-solving skills
Use the STAR model to structure competency answers
Highlight safety awareness and regulatory compliance
Show enthusiasm for the role and company values
Don’t:
Exaggerate your experience
Ignore safety procedures in examples
Speak negatively about previous employers
Be unprepared for technical questions
Forget to ask insightful questions
21. How do you ensure compliance with health and safety legislation?
Answer: “I follow all relevant procedures, complete risk assessments, and keep accurate maintenance logs to ensure compliance at all times.”
22. Describe a time when you received constructive feedback.
Answer: “A supervisor suggested improving my record-keeping. I implemented a digital tracking system, which improved efficiency and accuracy.”
23. How do you deal with repetitive tasks?
Answer: “I maintain focus by understanding the importance of consistency, safety, and quality, ensuring every task meets high standards.”
24. What motivates you in a maintenance role?
Answer: “I am motivated by problem-solving, helping residents, and knowing my work makes a real difference to their daily lives.”
25. How would you contribute to the team culture at Runwood Homes?
Answer: “I bring positivity, reliability, and a collaborative mindset. I support colleagues and contribute ideas to improve maintenance processes.”
General Interview Coaching Encouragement and Tips
Landing a role as a Maintenance Operative at Runwood Homes requires preparation, confidence, and a clear understanding of your technical and interpersonal skills. Practising questions, reviewing your achievements, and using frameworks like the STAR model will greatly improve your interview performance. Remember to stay calm, communicate clearly, and demonstrate both your technical competency and commitment to resident care.
For anyone seeking to boost their confidence and performance, professional interview training and guidance from an experienced interview coach can make a significant difference. You can also access interview coaching online, job interview preparation, and bespoke interview coaching services to prepare thoroughly for any maintenance or facilities role.
Take every opportunity to practise, prepare, and reflect on your answers. Your dedication to preparation will shine through during the interview, increasing your chances of success. For personalised guidance, book an interview coaching appointment and take the next step towards securing your dream role at Runwood Homes.
