How to Ace a Cleaning Job Interview: What We Look For

Hiring the right people for a cleaning job interview is one of the most important parts of what we do at Busy Bee. As a company that serves high-demand commercial environments across New York City — from art galleries to financial institutions — we know that a successful cleaner isn’t just someone who can sweep or mop. It’s someone who understands the responsibility of maintaining spaces where people work, create, heal, and gather. That’s why we want to share what truly stands out in a candidate and how anyone applying to work with us — or in the professional cleaning field in general — can walk into their interview prepared to impress.

First Impressions Matter — Every Time

In this industry, the first impression doesn’t start with a mop or vacuum. It starts the moment you walk through the door. Before we even begin the formal part of the cleaning job interview, we’re already observing how a person carries themselves. Do they make eye contact? Are they punctual? Do they bring the same energy and awareness we expect them to carry into a client’s space?

At Busy Bee, our cleaning professionals often work in high-profile, client-facing environments. That means whoever we hire is a direct extension of our brand. If someone arrives late or appears unprepared, it sends the message that they might approach their daily responsibilities with the same level of carelessness. In contrast, someone who arrives on time, carries themselves with confidence, and treats the interview with professionalism shows us they take the job seriously — and that’s the first step toward a successful hire.

Your Appearance Reflects Your Standards

We’re not expecting formal suits or luxury fashion, but we do expect applicants to look neat and intentional. When someone shows up for a cleaning job interview with clean, pressed clothes, good hygiene, and a tidy appearance, it tells us they understand the standards of the job — and that they respect the space they’re stepping into.

Let’s keep it real: if you show up with stained pants, messy hair, or a strong body odor, we can only assume that’s how you’ll show up at a client’s office. That’s not the Busy Bee standard. Clients trust us to maintain their work environments at the highest level of cleanliness and professionalism. We need cleaners who understand that their appearance is part of the message they send about our company.

In corporate cleaning, your presence is part of the service. Being polished, presentable, and aligned with our brand values tells us — and future clients — that you can be trusted in their space.

Professionalism Is More Than a Smile

It’s one thing to be friendly — that’s important. But professionalism in this field means knowing how to stay calm under pressure, how to communicate respectfully, and how to manage situations that don’t go as planned. That’s why during a cleaning job interview, we don’t just look at your resume — we look at how you talk about your past work experiences.

If someone starts blaming former employers, badmouthing co-workers, or getting visibly frustrated while talking about challenges, it raises red flags. In contrast, candidates who stay composed and give thoughtful, clear answers — even about difficult situations — show us they have the temperament to handle real-world job stress with maturity and professionalism.

This is a physically demanding job. Sometimes you’ll be asked to clean something unexpected, adjust your schedule, or jump into a new site last-minute. We need people who can adapt, stay respectful, and keep the quality high — no matter what the shift throws at them.

The Right Attitude Makes All the Difference

In our experience, we’ve learned that skill can be taught — but attitude can’t. When someone walks into a cleaning job interview with a willingness to learn, an open mind, and a respectful tone, that speaks volumes. We’re not looking for someone who already knows everything. We’re looking for people who want to get better, who are motivated to contribute, and who care about doing the job right.

One of our favorite types of candidates is someone who may not have years of professional experience but shows up ready to work, with a good vibe and honest energy. When we ask about previous jobs or challenges, we want to hear about how you solved problems, learned new routines, or helped a team succeed.

In commercial cleaning, we work in tight schedules, rotating teams, and under real client expectations. A great attitude — humble, motivated, and focused — creates trust and reliability. That’s what gets you hired and what keeps clients renewing their contracts with us.

Trainability Over Experience — Always

Let’s clear up one common misconception: just because you clean your own apartment doesn’t mean you’re ready for a commercial site. When someone says during a cleaning job interview, “I clean my place all the time, I don’t need training,” that tells us more than they realize. It tells us they may not respect the learning curve that comes with professional cleaning — and that’s a problem.

Commercial cleaning means knowing how to handle professional equipment, follow specific protocols, and meet industry-level hygiene standards. At Busy Bee, we train every new team member on our methods, from how to disinfect high-touch surfaces in medical offices to how to restock supplies in busy event centers. We’re not looking for shortcuts. We’re looking for people who value precision, consistency, and detail.

The candidates who succeed long-term are the ones who say, “I’m ready to learn” or “Show me how you do it here.” That mindset is pure gold.

What We Expect at Busy Bee NYC

Our standards are high because our clients expect the best. From luxury art galleries to high-volume gyms, we need staff who understand the difference between a quick wipe and a full sanitization. That’s why we go beyond surface-level skills in every interview — we look for long-term potential, dedication, and alignment with our values.

At Busy Bee, our cleaners are more than just workers — they are part of a system built on quality, reliability, and attention to detail. We use checklists, performance tracking, and client feedback to ensure every job meets our brand promise. We expect our team members to bring that same level of care to every job site, every shift, every time.

Ready to Join the Busy Bee Team?

If you’re preparing for a cleaning job interview, remember: we’re not only evaluating your past. We’re imagining your future with us. Do you carry yourself with respect and pride? Are you trainable? Do you take cleaning seriously — not just as a task, but as a professional service that impacts people’s daily lives?

At Busy Bee, we’re proud to be one of NYC’s leading commercial cleaning companies. What sets us apart isn’t just our experience — it’s our consistency, our minimal onboarding process, and our ability to handle time-sensitive requests with professionalism. We offer clients the convenience of multiple payment options, clear communication, and zero hidden fees, making it easy for them to focus on their business while we take care of the rest.

When you join Busy Bee, you’re joining a team that values hard work, integrity, and excellence. We’re on the grind every day — and we’re looking for people who want to grow with us. If that sounds like you, then your next cleaning job interview could be the start of something solid.