Apartment jobs are often a mix of sales, customer service, and administrative, so if you are looking to get a job at an apartment community, be prepared to handle a multitude of tasks! And to get that job, you need to know the secrets of impressing the hiring manager to prove that you have what it takes.

1. Don't just email a resume - When I get a random resume with no message, no cover letter, no story, I immediately throw it away.
   They have sent the very clear message that my email address just happened to pop up in their mass-emailing of resumes.
   I knew they didn't truly care about working for my company, so why bother considering them?
2. Follow Up After The Resume - Apartment leasing is a large part sales, which means that hiring managers want employees who are willing to go after the sale, especially when they are selling themselves.
   Although you don't want to annoy them by calling 18 times a day, being persistent to get the interview will generally be seen as a positive than a negative.
   
3. Your Demeanor Matters - When looking for apartment jobs, how you present yourself goes a long way to setting the tone of the interview.
   When dressing, always err on the side of caution - In other words, dress more professionally than less.
   When you meet the hiring manager, use a firm handshake and look her/him in the eye.
   And make sure to talk professionally, as well.
   Whether people use it or not, most people know proper grammar, so use it!
4. Show Knowledge About the Job - If you have experience in apartment jobs, then you should know some of the specific challenges that apartment communities face, such as actively selling and asking for the lease, following up, and maintaining a good closing ratio.
   Touch on these challenges and explain how you work to overcome them.
   
5. Ask Questions - It's hard to act like you care about an opportunity if you don't ask any questions.
   Think to the times you are on a first date and you want to get to know as much about the other person as possible.
   For example, ask about what challenges the community faces and give examples of how you think you can help in that regard (without sounding like a know-it-all, of course).
   
6. Fit In, But Stand Out - It might sound contradictory, but an interview is a balancing act between these two concepts.
   Most communities feel like they know what is right, even if all the data in the world tells them otherwise.
   So coming in with an attitude of knowing the best ways for everything is the quickest way to not get the job because it comes off as arrogant, insulting, or even intimidating.
   In other words, nobody wants somebody new coming in and telling them they are wrong! On the other hand, communities do value new and fresh ideas, so keep that balance healthy and you'll do fine!
7. Care About the Company - If you are looking for apartment jobs, there is a decent chance that you can find a website for the company.
   Take 5 to 10 minutes to look over their website and, most importantly, their press releases! Find out what they are all about and what is in the news.
   Then, use this information and write a question about it for the interview.
   This works!!
8. Ask For Training Opportunities - Companies LOVE those who look to help themselves.
   They want employees who take charge and add new skills and grow with their job.
   And they should, the more talent you have, the more you bring to the table.
   
9. Care About the Job - I've interviewed people who acted as if it was their life goal to work at my company, and I've interviewed people who seemed bored and were only there because they had nothing better to do.
   Guess who got the job.
   In fact, we had one local applicant who bypassed a recent grad from Harvard because she was so impressive and he was so uninspiring.
   Passion gets you far in this world.
   
10. Follow Up After the Interview - One of the hardest parts about property management is getting the leasing staff to follow up with their prospects.
    So put this knowledge in action by following up with the hiring manager 24 hours later.
    Include:
    • Thank you for the interview
    • Why you liked the company
    • Why you liked the job
    • You are looking forward to working with them if you are selected

That's it! You're hired! Ok, maybe it doesn't work 100% of the time, but this will get you well on the way to finding one of the apartment jobs you are looking for.