Prepare for your Facilities Coordinator interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
The International Building Code is a set of standards that govern the design and construction of buildings. Facilities coordinators need to be familiar with these codes in order to ensure that the buildings they manage meet safety regulations. Before your interview, research some of the most important aspects of the International Building Code and how they apply to facility management.
Answer Example: "Yes, I am very familiar with the International Building Code. In my previous role as a facilities manager, I was responsible for ensuring that all buildings under my management met all safety regulations outlined in the code. I also used the code as a guide for designing new buildings."
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills for a facilities coordinator and explain why they are so important.
Answer Example: "I believe the most important skills for a facilities coordinator to have are organization, communication and problem-solving skills. Organization is essential for keeping track of all the tasks and projects that need to be completed in a given period of time. It’s also important to have strong communication skills so you can collaborate with other team members and stakeholders. Problem-solving skills are crucial for solving any issues that arise during the planning or execution stages."
This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a challenging situation. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with others.
Answer Example: "I would first try to have a conversation with the employee about their behavior. If they continue to disregard the facilities rules, I would meet with their manager to discuss possible disciplinary action. In my experience, it’s best to involve managers early on in the process so they can help develop an effective solution."
The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your process for handling repairs and maintenance in the workplace. Use past experiences to describe how you would handle these tasks, including any tools or software you use to help you complete your work efficiently.
Answer Example: "I start by identifying the issue, whether it’s a broken light fixture or leaky pipe. Then I make sure to document the problem so I can refer back to it later. Next, I call in a repairman or contact a vendor to schedule an appointment for when they can come in and fix the problem. Finally, I monitor the progress of the repair or maintenance until it’s complete."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenges. Use examples from your past experience that show you can stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively and solve problems.
Answer Example: "In my last role as a facilities coordinator, I had a client who was very demanding and always wanted things done immediately. One day, they called me several times within an hour asking for updates on projects we were working on together. I knew if I didn’t respond quickly, they would become even more frustrated. So, I took a few minutes to respond to each call and explain the progress we had made so far. This helped me avoid an argument with the client."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you plan to make an impact in your new role. Your answer should include a list of tasks that are important to the success of the company, such as building relationships with other departments or learning the facility’s systems.
Answer Example: "My first priority would be to meet with all of the staff members who work in the facility to get to know them better. I think it’s important for facilities coordinators to have strong relationships with their team members because we often work together on projects. Next, I would look at the current state of the facility and create a plan for improving it. This could include creating better systems for tracking maintenance requests or finding ways to reduce costs."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you would handle a challenging situation. Your answer should show that you are willing to confront your employees when necessary and that you have a plan for helping them improve their behavior.
Answer Example: "If I noticed an employee engaging in behavior that put their safety or that of others at risk, my first step would be to have a private conversation with them about the issue. I would explain why their behavior is dangerous and give them examples of how they can change it. If they continue to engage in risky behavior, I would follow up with them again to make sure they understand the consequences of their actions. If necessary, I would also involve their manager or supervisor in order to ensure they receive the appropriate disciplinary action."
Stress is a common factor in many jobs, including facilities coordinator. Employers ask this question to see if you have strategies for handling stress and staying productive. In your answer, share two or three ways that you manage stress in the workplace.
Answer Example: "I find that taking breaks throughout the day helps me stay focused and reduce stress. I also make sure to take time out of my day to exercise or do something else that helps me relax. Another way I reduce stress is by talking with friends and family members about my day. It’s always nice to have someone who understands what you’re going through."
This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level with the software they use in their facility. If you have no prior experience, consider mentioning other software you’ve used in the past that is similar to building automation software.
Answer Example: "In my current role as facilities coordinator, I work with building automation software on a daily basis. I have extensive knowledge of how to use the program and its features. In fact, I recently helped my company upgrade from one version to another because of my expertise with the software. My team and I were able to complete the project within the scheduled time frame without any issues."
This question can help interviewers understand your problem-solving skills and how you use them in the workplace. Use examples from previous experiences where you called a plumber or another professional to fix a problem for you, and explain why it was necessary to do so.
Answer Example: "I once had a leak in my bathroom ceiling that I tried to fix myself by replacing the pipes. However, after I finished the project, the leak still existed. I realized that I had installed the pipes incorrectly and called a plumber to come out and fix the issue. He explained that I had done most of the work correctly but needed to replace one of the pipes I had already installed."
This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company’s goals and how you can help achieve them. When answering this question, make sure you highlight any previous experience you have with energy efficiency initiatives in the workplace.
Answer Example: "I believe one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency is by implementing green practices in the workplace. I recently worked at a company that implemented a recycling program for all paper products, which helped us reduce our waste output by 20%. Another strategy I’ve seen successful is installing LED lighting in office spaces. This can reduce energy consumption by up to 80%."
The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your organizational skills and how you manage your time. Use your answer to highlight your ability to prioritize tasks, set goals and manage deadlines.
Answer Example: "I start by looking at my calendar for the week ahead and breaking down my to-do list into manageable chunks. Then, I assign each task a priority level based on its importance to the company or facility. For example, if there is an issue with one of the heating systems, I will make sure to address that task first because it’s an urgent matter. After that, I move onto less urgent tasks like updating the company website with new information."
Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any certifications or training you have completed.
Answer Example: "I believe my experience and skill set make me stand out from other facilities coordinators. I have been working in this field for over 10 years, during which time I have developed a deep understanding of the responsibilities associated with this role. My extensive knowledge of facility management software allows me to quickly assess any situation and provide efficient solutions. My communication skills are also an important part of my ability to collaborate with others and solve problems."
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and how it may relate to their company. Use this opportunity to highlight any skills or knowledge you have that are relevant to the role, such as knowledge of industry-specific software or certifications.
Answer Example: "I’ve worked in both commercial and residential industries, which has given me a wide range of experience working with different types of facilities. In my current role, I work primarily with commercial buildings, but I also have experience managing residential properties. This has helped me develop skills like organization and communication that are useful in any setting."
Customer service is a key part of being a facilities coordinator. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of providing excellent customer service to their employees. In your answer, explain what makes customer service so important and how you plan to provide excellent service to the employees at your new job.
Answer Example: "I think the most important aspect of customer service is providing a friendly and welcoming environment for customers. I believe that if employees feel comfortable in their workspace, they’ll be more likely to provide excellent customer service. I’ve seen this firsthand at my current job where we have weekly coffee chats with our customers. They always have something positive to say about our team and how friendly we are."
This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of maintenance procedures and how often you perform them. Use examples from past experience to explain when you should perform routine maintenance on common facilities equipment, such as air conditioning units or lighting systems.
Answer Example: "I always ensure that I perform routine maintenance on common facilities equipment at least once every six months. This helps me ensure that all equipment is working properly and efficiently. In my last position, I noticed that one of our air conditioning units was leaking water, so I scheduled time to have it repaired before any damage could be done."
This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and how you respond to emergencies in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain the steps you would take to solve the bug infestation and ensure it does not happen again.
Answer Example: "If I encountered a bug infestation in one of the common areas, my first response would be to contact my supervisor immediately. They would then decide whether or not it is necessary to evacuate the building until the issue can be resolved. If so, I would create a list of all employees working in the building and send them an email notification about the evacuation."
