Preventive Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance is a planned approach to building and equipment care that aims to prevent problems before they occur. Instead of waiting for things to break down, maintenance staff regularly check, clean, and fix items according to a schedule. Think of it like regular health check-ups for a building - just as people go to the doctor for check-ups to stay healthy, buildings need routine inspections and upkeep to remain in good condition. This approach helps avoid unexpected breakdowns, saves money in the long run, and keeps properties running smoothly. You might also see this called "Preventative Maintenance," "Scheduled Maintenance," or "PM" in job descriptions.
Examples in Resumes
Developed and implemented Preventive Maintenance schedules for a 200-unit apartment complex
Reduced emergency repairs by 40% through effective Preventative Maintenance programs
Managed PM tasks for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems across multiple properties
Typical job title: "Maintenance Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Maintenance Technicians
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop and implement a preventive maintenance program for a large property?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating maintenance schedules, budgeting, staff training, using maintenance software, tracking system effectiveness, and coordinating with various contractors and team members.
Q: How do you prioritize maintenance tasks when managing multiple properties?
Expected Answer: Should explain systems for evaluating urgency, managing resources, scheduling routine maintenance while handling emergencies, and using data to make decisions about maintenance priorities.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What systems do you use to track preventive maintenance tasks?
Expected Answer: Should mention experience with maintenance management software, work order systems, maintenance logs, and methods for following up on completed tasks.
Q: How do you handle preventive maintenance for different types of equipment?
Expected Answer: Should describe experience with various building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), understanding manufacturer recommendations, and scheduling maintenance based on usage patterns.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between preventive and reactive maintenance?
Expected Answer: Should explain that preventive maintenance is planned and scheduled to prevent problems, while reactive maintenance is fixing things after they break.
Q: What basic preventive maintenance tasks do you perform regularly?
Expected Answer: Should list common tasks like filter changes, equipment cleaning, lubrication, inspection rounds, and basic repairs.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic equipment inspection and maintenance
- Following maintenance checklists
- Simple repairs and replacements
- Recording maintenance activities
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing maintenance schedules
- Coordinating with contractors
- Using maintenance software
- Identifying potential equipment problems
Senior (5+ years)
- Developing maintenance programs
- Budget management
- Team supervision
- Long-term maintenance planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with maintenance scheduling or planning
- Poor record-keeping habits
- Lack of basic technical knowledge about building systems
- No understanding of safety procedures
- Unable to prioritize maintenance tasks
