Job Competency Questions Flashcards
Questions based on the job specification requirements
What experience do you have with minor repairs and general maintenance?
I reported faults and handled basic maintenance tasks like managing water supplies and spillages. My understanding of estate management helps me to decide when to repair directly and when to escalate issues to other services.
Have you ever been responsible for monitoring CCTV or other security systems? How did you ensure everything was handled discreetly and effectively?
As a Security Officer at Fettes, I monitored CCTV systems and conducted patrols. I was also responsible for unlocking and locking the campus and acting as the first responder in emergencies when required.
Describe how you would support the setup and takedown of school events.
I would work closely with the Hospitality Manager to set up gazebos, non-catering tents, and staging. Whether for exams or public events, I would ensure everything was in place on time.
Tell us about your experience conducting or supporting PAT testing or vehicle maintenance, such as for a school minibus.
While PAT testing is not a skill I am familiar with - I would be happy to recieve training in order to carry this out.
However, I regularly took minibuses for MOTs, servicing, and refueling, ensuring the school fleet remained operational and safe.
What is your experience with Health and Safety procedures?
I hold qualifications in Manual Handling, Working at Height, PPE usage, and Slips, Trips, and Falls training.
I apply this knowledge regularly to maintain safe working practices - particularly when lifting heavy equipment or working in potentially hazardous environments.
How would you handle a situation where you noticed a potentially dangerous condition on campus (e.g., a blocked fire exit or damaged pathway)?
I would immediately make the area safe by isolating it or marking it clearly, report the issue to the estates team, and if necessary, escalate it to management. My time at Fettes required me to act quickly and responsibly in such scenarios.
This role includes some traffic management. How would you ensure safety during busy drop-off and pick-up times?
While managing traffic was not a daily task in my previous role, I possess the communication skills and awareness to ensure the safe and orderly movement of vehicles, particularly during peak hours or special events.
Have you ever had to work independently without direct supervision? How did you stay productive and organized?
I often worked solo during night shifts as a porter and while patrolling at Fettes. I stayed proactive by following task lists and responding to new issues as they arose.
How would you respond to a fire alarm during your shift?
I would stop any current task immediately, follow evacuation procedures, assist others to exit safely and report to the designated assembly point.
My training and experience ensure I remain composed and effective in emergency situations.
What previous experience do you have in janitorial, caretaking, or facilities roles?
I have over 16 years of experience in janitorial and security roles at Fettes College, including cleaning, maintenance, event support, and fleet logistics. More recently, I worked in domestic services at Elder Homes, further broadening my skills.
How familiar are you with cleaning and maintenance in schools?
Very familiar as my work at Fettes included maintaining cleanliness in high-traffic areas, managing waste and recycling, responding to spills, and supporting estate management operations on a daily basis.
Do you hold a clean UK driving licence? Are you comfortable with vehicle responsibilities?
Yes, I hold a full, clean UK driving licence. At Fettes, I was responsible for maintaining school vehicles, including taking them for MOTs, servicing, and refueling, which I managed reliably and independently.
I also have an extended license and I am able to drive minibuses when required.
What would you do if a classroom flooded due to a burst pipe during school hours?
I would isolate the area to prevent accidents, inform the estates or maintenance team and if safe - begin water removal.
My experience with logistics has prepared me to act promptly and communicate clearly in these kinds of situations.
Have you ever had to respond to a health or injury incident involving a pupil or colleague?
Consider giving an example of when emergency servies were called
**Please offer your own real life example - a good example from real life would probably include some sort of incident where emergency services (either ambulance or police) needed to be called to school grounds and that you were part of the team that managed initial point of contact.
How do you handle feedback or criticism from supervisors or teachers?
I see feedback as an opportunity to improve.
At both Elder Homes and Fettes, I worked in team environments where open communication was encouraged.
I listen respectfully, reflect on suggestions and make adjustments to improve my work always
Describe a time you had to support a colleague in completing a physically demanding task.
Event setups at Fettes often required teamwork to move staging or large furniture.
I always volunteered to assist, ensuring tasks were done safely and efficiently.
My Manual Handling training helped me work collaboratively while avoiding injury.
What role do you see janitorial staff playing in the broader school team?
Janitorial staff are critical to the school’s day-to-day success.
We create a safe, clean, and organized environment that allows staff and students to thrive.
I’ve always taken pride in being part of the wider team and championing a teamworking environment.
