Episode 98: Look For These 5 Skills When Hiring Cleaning Technicians

There are 5 skills that can really make the difference in your hiring practices and give you a better chance at retaining employees. Watch the video to see if you're asking the right questions and finding the best people.

Episode 98- Video Transcription

The first is communication skills. We don't often think that cleaning technicians need great communication skills since most cleaning technicians work independently. But communication skills are VERY important because if they're not able to understand their training, it will be difficult for them to succeed. And if you expect your more experienced cleaning technicians to train the newbies, then great communication skills are a must.

Number 2 is self-motivation. Although part of your job as an employer is to keep your staff motivated and engaged, you simply don't have the time to hold their hand every minute of the day. The ability to complete projects without supervision, and take the initiative to make suggestions, or notice something that needs attention, is a skill that is invaluable to your company. And employees that are self-motivated can make you and the company look good in the eyes of your clients.

Number 3 is to hire team players. Being a team player isn't just about getting along with co-workers, because co-workers that get along can also be unproductive. Being a team player means working as a group toward a common goal. If the goal is to satisfy clients, then every employee must work as part of the team to ensure they provide the best customer care possible.

Number 4 is problem solving skills. At some point your cleaning technicians will be required to solve a problem. Regardless of what the problem is, being able to think swiftly and decisively in the face of an unexpected situation is often the difference between succes and failure. When interviewing potential employees, be sure to ask problem solving questions such as, "What would you do in this situation...?" And then give them a real-life, tough situation that gives you insight into how they solve problems.

And Number 5 is adaptability. Employees that are adaptable to changing situations are much easier to train and coach than employees that are set in their ways and resistant to change. I sometimes see a lack of adaptability when hiring people that have gone from cleaning company to cleaning company over a period time. This could be an indication that they're set in their ways. So here again, ask the right question by giving an example of a major change that you implemented in YOUR business and ask what they would do in this situation.

You're looking for candidates that are adaptable and able to handle change with a positive attitude.These are just a few of the skills you should be looking for when hiring cleaning technicians. When interviewing, craft your questions in a way that will uncover these skills (or lack of skills). When you really dig deep with these questions, you'll soon become a much better judge of character when it comes to hiring a great cleaning staff.

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