Why Interviewing School Caretakers Requires Careful Consideration
School caretakers are the backbone of a safe, functional, and welcoming school environment. They handle everything from routine maintenance to site security to fostering a sense of community among staff and students. But identifying candidates with the right balance of technical skills, communication abilities, and a team-oriented attitude takes skill and experience.
“We’re not just looking for someone to do a job; we’re looking for someone who wants to be part of the school community,” says Chris Brown, one of our experienced Vetting & Safeguarding Specialists at TIB. Watch Chris’ video to learn more about his professional background, and the practical skills and interpersonal qualities of candidates he looks for when interviewing potential caretakers.
How to Interview School Caretakers
Our interviewers, like Ashley and Chris, bring decades of experience in roles requiring high levels of critical thinking and people skills. Both retired police officers, they’ve honed their ability to evaluate candidates through careful observation and targeted questions.
"I think having a police background and the interview we do as police officers does give us a good insight into people while we're talking to them," Ashley explains in this video. "We're looking at their body language and how they come across because we're looking to validate what they've said in their CVs, to make sure that they've got the skills necessary for them to do the work and they are going to be the right fit for working within a school environment.”
Watch Ashley’s video to understand how his professional expertise makes him well-placed to effectively screen caretaker candidates.
Some key traits our interviewers seek include:
FAQs When Interviewing School Caretakers
What are the most important qualities to look for in a school caretaker?
Key qualities include technical skills, adaptability, community spirit, and strong communication skills. Caretakers should be able to handle maintenance tasks and integrate seamlessly into the school community.
What questions should I ask during a school caretaker interview?
Ask about their experience with maintenance and repairs, their ability to manage emergencies, and how they’ve contributed to team environments in previous roles. Behavioral questions can help you assess their problem-solving skills and community focus.
How can I ensure the candidate is a good fit for my school’s environment?
Focus on their interpersonal qualities, like their ability to communicate and work within a team. Questions about how they’d handle common school challenges can also provide insight into their approach.
What is the most efficient way to hire a school caretaker?
Partnering with a specialist recruitment agency like TIB Services can save time and effort. We screen, pre-vet and train candidates in advance, ensuring schools meet only the most qualified individuals.
How does TIB Services ensure candidates are pre-vetted?
Successful candidates complete thorough KCSIE vetting, including referencing, right-to-work checks, and an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists. They also undergo Advanced Safeguarding Children training.
Save Time and Effort with TIB Services
While interviewing is essential, it’s also time-consuming. Many school business managers and supporting staff often find the process labour-intensive and challenging to fit into their packed schedules. That’s where TIB Services can help. We specialise in sourcing, pre-screening, and pre-vetting candidates so schools only meet the most qualified individuals who are ready to hit the ground running.
By partnering with TIB Services, schools gain access to:
Whether you need a caretaker now or want to prepare for future staffing needs, TIB Services has the expertise to make your recruitment process seamless.
