How many housekeeping staff have you managed at one time, and what is your approach to team motivation and performance reviews?

What steps do you take when onboarding and training new housekeepers to ensure they understand high-level service expectations?

Can you describe a time when you had to mediate a conflict between housekeeping staff or between housekeeping and another department?

How do you maintain five-star presentation standards across all areas of an estate, including guest rooms and common spaces?

What systems or checklists do you implement to ensure consistency in cleanliness, organization, and turn-down service?

Describe your approach to preparing a private residence or estate for high-profile events or visits from important guests.

How do you structure daily housekeeping workflows for large homes or estates with multiple zones?

What is your approach to ensuring flexibility in the schedule for last-minute changes or special requests from principals?

How do you manage linen and supply inventories to avoid overstocking or shortages?

Can you walk us through how you create and manage a housekeeping budget, including consumables, uniforms, and equipment?

What is your method for tracking usage of high-end cleaning products or estate-specific supplies?

How do you coordinate with outside vendors such as dry cleaners, window washers, or upholstery specialists?

Have you ever had to replace or renegotiate with a vendor due to performance or cost issues? What was your process?

What experience do you have with antiques, specialty surfaces (like marble or lacquer), and caring for high-end furnishings or textiles?

Are you familiar with wardrobe management or packing/unpacking protocols for principals or guests?

How do you ensure compliance with health and safety standards in a private residence, especially during flu season or periods of illness?

Are you trained in or do you implement eco-conscious cleaning practices? If so, what systems or products do you prefer?

What household or task management software have you used (e.g., Nines, Basecamp, Trello, or manual logs)?

How do you report updates, requests, or incidents to the House Manager or principal? What’s your communication style?

Describe a time when something went wrong just before a major event or visit. What did you do to resolve the situation discreetly and quickly?

How do you handle instructions that seem contradictory or come from multiple members of the household?

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