Maintenance workers have a wide range of responsibilities, so hiring managers often ask industry-specific interview questions to find job applicants who are best suited to their company's needs. Maintenance workers ensure that facilities are well-kept and equipment works properly to meet safety standards. Hospitals, schools, colleges, businesses, factories, apartment complexes, athletic clubs, shopping centers, religious facilities and personal residences often require maintenance work.

Maintenance

One of a maintenance worker's main responsibilities is to make sure equipment functions properly. As a result, a hiring manager might ask, "Do you have any experience with preventative maintenance?" or "What types of maintenance are you qualified to perform?" The job description might require you to lubricate machinery, examine internal components or perform minor alterations to keep equipment running properly. The employer might also need you to assemble furniture, clean equipment, hire professionals to do complex repairs, meet with tenants or client to discuss maintenance needs or perform administrative duties, such as logging repairs or recording invoices.

Troubleshoot Mechanical Problems

Most maintenance positions require minor repairs on mechanical equipment, electrical components, HVAC units, furniture, appliances, faucets, toilets, showers, doors, lawn equipment and structural elements of the facilities. Some repairs require highly specialized professionals who can fix complicated technical, mechanical, computerized or electrical problems. However, you can expect interview questions such as, "What types of maintenance repairs have you performed?" or "Do you have any certifications for repairing mechanical equipment?" List any coursework, training, certifications and apprenticeships that relate to the job requirements.

Physical Limitations

A hiring manager will likely ask, "Do you have any physical limitations that might affect your ability to meet the job requirements?" Most maintenance workers must be able to read, understand and follow detailed instructions for assembling equipment, furniture and appliances. You will likely need both fine and gross motor skills to operate equipment and make small, detailed repairs. The employer might also want a worker who is licensed to operate passenger and commercial vehicles. Many maintenance positions require some physical strength, so the interviewer might ask about your lifting capabilities. For example, maintenance workers for the Grand County School District in Utah must be able to carry boxes, furniture and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Discuss only those limitations that directly reduce your ability to perform job-relevant tasks.

After-Hours Availability

Because maintenance and repair work isn't always predictable, the interviewer might ask, "Is there anything that might limit your ability to address late-night and after-hour maintenance problems?" You never know when a pipe might break, a faucet might leak or an air conditioning unit might fail. If you have young children who are under your sole care during evening hours, discuss those concerns with the interviewer.