All of us have experienced that nervous energy in the hours leading up to a job interview. We want to know what questions they will ask the facility manager during the interview, what the right answer is for each question, and how many people are applying for the same job.
Traditional job interviews are already stressful. We are now in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, so many facility management interviews are done online. This can make the process even more stressful.
Although it’s important to note that not every interview will be remote. A Gartner survey from April of this year found that 86% of companies have switched from in-person interviews to phone calls or videoconferencing-based interviews.
Interviewing for a senior facilities manager role? You’ve got your work cut out for you. As a senior leader you’ll need to demonstrate strategic thinking, business acumen, and top-notch communication skills. Of course you’ll also need to prove your technical expertise in all things facilities management.
That’s a lot to cover in one interview! With the right preparation and insight into the questions you’re likely to face, you can walk into that interview with confidence.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- The most common senior facilities manager interview questions
- Detailed examples of strong responses
- Questions you should be prepared to ask the interviewer
- How to stand out as an exceptional candidate
Follow this advice and you’ll be ready to ace your upcoming interview!
General Interview Questions for Senior Facilities Managers
Let’s start with some of the more common questions you’re likely to encounter
Why did you apply for this senior facilities manager position?
This question is your chance to explain why you’re truly excited about this role Be specific about why you find it appealing, For example
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“I’m interested in overseeing facilities for a growing organization like yours. I thrive on finding creative ways to accommodate growth and help teams work more efficiently.”
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“I was interested in this job because you’re putting money into the newest smart building technology.” My career goals are aligned with improving those systems to make the work experience better for employees. “.
How much experience do you have leading a team?
They want to know you have proven leadership experience. Be ready to give specifics about the size of the team, where it worked, and how you motivated and developed team members.
- “In my last role, I led a 17-person facilities team across two corporate campuses. We consistently had high engagement scores, which I attribute to my open communication and commitment to career development.”
How might your previous coworkers describe you?
Share positive traits colleagues often point out, like your problem-solving skills or supportive management style.
- “Previous coworkers have often commented on my ability to remain calm under pressure. I’ve also been told I’m approachable and easy to communicate with.”
Are you familiar with our company’s values and mission?
Research the company’s website to find their mission, vision, values and culture. Quote back values that resonate with your own working style.
- “Yes, I’m very impressed with your commitment to environmental sustainability. That aligns perfectly with the green building certifications I’ve led projects to achieve.”
Why did you leave your previous position?
Keep this positive. Explain you were seeking greater leadership opportunities or a chance to grow your skills.
- “I was ready for a more senior facilities role with more responsibility. This position offers that opportunity.”
What are your greatest strengths as a facilities manager?
Share 3-4 strengths relevant to the role. Provide specific examples.
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“I’m an excellent communicator. I hold regular town halls and send weekly updates to keep teams informed.”
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“I’m skilled at finding innovative ways to reduce costs. For example, I implemented an automated system for lights and HVAC that cut energy use by 10%.”
Those general questions should come up in any senior facilities manager interview. Now let’s look at some role-specific questions.
Senior Facilities Manager Interview Questions About Your Experience
These questions will focus on assessing your technical abilities and relevant experience:
Tell me about the most complex facilities project you have managed. What challenges did you face?
Share examples like leading a major construction project or consolidation. Demonstrate analytical skills and how you overcame issues.
- “The most complex project I led was consolidating our accounting teams into a new building. The biggest challenge was developing space plans that met the needs of various departments. I analyzed their workflows and common meeting points to create an efficient layout.”
How do you keep facilities management teams engaged during times of change?
Your response will highlight your leadership and communication abilities.
- “I’ve found transparency and active listening are key. When we consolidated offices, I met with teams regularly to explain plans, gather feedback, and adjust. This gave employees ownership.”
What metrics do you track to measure facilities management success?
Share standard metrics like cost per square footage, energy usage, work order completion rates, etc. Metrics prove the value facilities provides.
- “Key metrics I track include occupancy rates, maintenance response times, asset lifecycles, energy usage per square foot, and capital expenses versus budget.”
How would you improve sustainability at our facilities?
Showcase green building knowledge like LEED certifications. Provide examples of initiatives around recycling, energy efficiency, commuting programs, etc.
- “There are always opportunities to improve sustainability. I would focus first on upgrades like low-flow water fixtures, programmable thermostats, and converting to LED lighting.”
What software systems have you used to manage facilities?
Even if you don’t have experience with their exact system, highlight relevant tools you have used for work orders, asset management, room reservations, etc.
- “I have extensive experience with the Archibus system for work order management, preventive maintenance, asset lifecycle tracking, and space utilization analytics.”
How do you keep up with the latest trends in facilities management?
Show you are continuously expanding your knowledge and skills. Mention reading industry magazines, attending conferences, and involvement in groups like IFMA.
- “I make it a priority to stay current on facilities management best practices. I read blogs from thought leaders, attend virtual seminars, and belong to my local IFMA chapter.”
Those questions should give you an idea of the depth of knowledge required for senior facilities roles. Next let’s look at leadership and strategy questions.
Senior Facilities Manager Interview Questions About Leadership
As a senior leader, you’ll need to demonstrate strategic thinking and business acumen. Common questions include:
How would you work with company executives to align facilities goals with overall business objectives?
Your answer demonstrates collaboration skills and understanding of strategy.
- “I would schedule regular meetings with executives to discuss their growth plans and how facilities can enable those goals – whether it’s optimizing existing space or planning new construction projects.”
How would you convey the value of the facilities management department to company leadership?
Share how you would quantify your team’s impact through metrics like cost savings and employee satisfaction scores related to the work environment.
- “I would put together quarterly reports for leadership highlighting metrics such as reduced operating expenses, capital costs avoided through preventive maintenance, and increased occupancy rates from space optimization.”
What steps would you take to reduce costs in the facilities management department?
Provide examples of cost-saving measures:
- “Some steps I would take are shifting to LED lighting, implementing automated building controls, benchmarking utility usage, and renegotiating service and maintenance contracts.”
How would you handle managing the budget for facilities?
Highlight your experience creating and managing large facilities budgets. Share your approach to balancing costs.
- “I have experience managing multi-million dollar facilities budgets encompassing capital projects, operating expenses, repairs and maintenance. My approach is to involve my team in the budgeting process and keep them updated on spending versus budget.”
How would you work with other departments like IT, HR, and Real Estate on facilities-related initiatives?
Share how you take a collaborative approach and have led cross-functional teams.
- “Strong partnerships across departments are crucial. For a major office relocation, I assembled a project team with representatives from Facilities, IT, HR, and Real Estate to ensure we addressed needs holistically.”
Being able to answer leadership questions decisively is key for senior-level roles.
Now let’s look at questions you should be prepared to ask the interviewer. This is your chance to show additional interest and assess if the company aligns with your needs as well.
Questions to Ask the Senior Facilities Manager Interviewer
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How would you describe the culture on the facilities management team?
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What are some of the biggest challenges facing the facilities department currently?
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What are the top priorities and goals you would want me to focus on if I were hired?
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What potential projects are in the pipeline that I would manage?
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What opportunities are there for advancement and professional development on your facilities team?
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What is your timeline for making a hiring decision? When can I expect to hear back?
Strong responses to these common senior facilities manager interview questions will prove you have the right mix of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic thinking ability needed to excel. Be sure to research the company in advance, so you can tie your experience to their needs and corporate goals.
With the right preparation, you can wow the interviewers and land the senior facilities management job you want! Best of luck!
1 Do you have any questions for me?
Now that the first part of the facility manager interview questions is over, it’s time for you to answer them. You always have the chance to ask questions of the interviewing manager at the end of the process. The number one mistake a candidate can make is to not have any questions for the interviewer. Even though you were ahead of everyone else until now, if your questions aren’t good, you could end up dead last.
Ask questions that spark conversation — these typically begin with “who”, “why”, “when”, or “how”. Avoid close-ended questions that can be answered in one word. These questions typically start with “is”, “does”, “did”, “would”, or “has. ”.
In addition to specific facility manager interview questions, Forbes recently posted an article suggesting COVID-19-related questions to ask potential employers.
A few examples are:
- “Now that we’ve talked about my qualifications, do you have any doubts that I can do the job?”
- “What are the biggest problems the company is facing right now, and how will this role help solve those problems?”
- “As my direct boss for this job, what are the three most important things you’d like to see done first?”
- “I understand that things are uncertain at the moment, but what are the company’s main goals and plans for the next few months as we continue to get through this?”
- “In what area could your team use a little polishing?”
- “Why did you come to ABC Company?”
Do not:
- Ask how many vacation days the position offers.
- You should tell the interviewer that all of your questions have already been raised.
How to prepare for your interview
Through careful study of the job description, as well as the hiring company’s history and mission statement, you can learn a lot about what facility manager interview questions you might be asked. Once you have done your research, compile a list of possible questions and practice your response.
It only takes one wrong answer to lose the job, so really put in the time to come up with answers that show off everything you can do. In this competitive job market, it could give you an edge.
Resources such as Glassdoor or LinkedIn can help you navigate the interview process. But sifting through all the possible facility manager interview questions can be overwhelming. We have compiled a list of the most common facility manager interview questions, how to answer them, and what you should be prepared to ask at the end of your interview.
You might be asked these questions in a facility manager interview, and here’s how to get ready to answer them.
FACILITIES MANAGER Interview Questions & ANSWERS! (How to PASS a Facilities Management Interview!)
FAQ
How do I prepare for a facilities manager interview?
What interview questions to ask senior manager?
What is the most important concern for facility managers?
What questions do facilities manager interviewers ask?
In an interview for a facilities manager position, the hiring manager may ask questions about your industry knowledge, past leadership experience and specific skills. Learning some common facilities manager interview questions can help you prepare responses and feel more confident before your interview.
How do I prepare for a facility manager interview?
You’ll usually be asked this before the other facility manager interview questions, so you need to set the tone for the rest of your interview by laying the groundwork from the start. Drive home the message that you’re a great fit for this role — and when the following facility manager interview questions come up, you’ll be able to reinforce it. 2.
What should you not say in a facility manager interview?
What not to say: When answering one of these facility manager interview questions, try not to express goals that have little or no relation to the job you are interviewing for. For example, if you are applying for a position on the facilities management team, but your career goal is to become the head of marketing in the next 5 years. 3.
Are facility manager interview questions a trap?
Facility manager interview questions like this one are designed to be a trap, weeding out those candidates that don’t have a clear understanding as to what their role would be. The facilities management role is changing, and FM leaders are being asked to take on more strategic responsibilities.
