Before You Go!
Sign up for our newsletter - which features professional templates, job market updates, articles, playlists, recipes, and more, sent directly to your inbox!
The Property Management/Apartment Industry has an immense amount of opportunity for job seekers. If you are a people person with experience (or an interest) in sales or customer service, then you’re in the right place. If you get bored easily with the standard desk job and truly enjoy entertaining, problem-solving, and the idea of showing property, this may be a great career choice for you. Residential property management allows you to work alongside a variety of people with different backgrounds, wear multiple hats, and to get out of the cubicle jungle and into the exciting field of real estate. Another perk? You’re not required to have a real estate license to get started!
Property management and the entire apartment industry can be extremely rewarding for those who love connecting with their customers and pride themselves on providing a superb customer experience. Most people start this career path as a Leasing Consultant: Imagine learning all about a prospective resident, helping them find the perfect apartment, sign a lease, and then continuing that relationship with them as they live happily in their new community. With a variety of property sizes, you could be helping not just one person or family, but many. The opportunities for job fulfillment are endless.
So you’re interested in becoming a Leasing Consultant, but are not sure where to begin? After many years of helping property management and leasing professionals launch their careers, we have found a path that can lead to your success. Here is our insight on how to land a job in the multi-family property management industry.
Property management companies are more competitive than ever when it comes to identifying the perfect leasing consultant to take on the day-to-day responsibilities of their communities. Each community has their own story, tribulations, and goals. From varying amounts of foot traffic to distinctive cultural values, apartment communities can be very different. Property Management companies are always on the look-out for leasing consultants with cross-over experience who can take on whatever comes their way and adapt to the ever-changing needs of an apartment community. Gaining experience is a matter of time and devotion to your budding career.
The best way to get your foot in the door with property management & become qualified enough for a full-time position is to start in a part-time or temporary leasing role. Agencies like JWilliams Staffing give you the education and first-hand experience necessary to gain a strong foothold in the property management industry and secure that full-time leasing consultant position.
When you go through a staffing agency to get placed as a leasing consultant at apartment communities, you get the opportunity to work with local property management companies and gain hands-on experience. Working temporary assignments in the leasing office gives you the opportunity to shadow the on-site leasing agent and other property management team members who can help you adjust to the, often times, fast-paced environment. Being exposed to the various problems that arise at apartment communities gives you the chance to learn how to handle diverse scenarios. Temporary assignments will provide you with valuable experience and an understanding of the customer service, rental, and maintenance processes, helping you eventually obtain a full-time leasing position.
Since every company is different, working temporary assignments also allows you to “shop” for your dream property management company. In other words, working hands on at a variety of apartment communities will help you understand which types of management companies are right for you and where you might feel the most comfortable.
Every small thing you do while on a temporary leasing assignment counts. Your attitude and ability to provide the best customer experience will be what makes or breaks your career. As intimidating as that sounds, it’s important to remember that if you enjoy helping people, you will naturally shine in property management.
The property management industry is customer-centric, which is why it’s so important for you to show that you can provide customers with extraordinary service. This means being highly attentive to residents and prospective renters. Understand who you are helping and value their time as you would value your own time. Every resident, visitor, and potential renter is different. The key is to listen to their needs and take notes on your conversations so you can easily refer back to them later.
First impressions are critical when you’re working on a temporary assignment, not only to prospective renters but other staff and management as well. First impressions set the stage for successful leasing, so make sure that you are friendly and authentic. Inauthentic customer service can come off as rude and change a customer’s perspective on the property and its staff.
There are a variety of factors that go into being a customer service extraordinaire. As said in another JWilliams Staffing article on Great leasing Consultants, “There are so many important traits that go into being a great leasing consultant, but when it comes down to it, in sales, communication is key. You can have an amazing product or a fancy leasing office, but without that personal connection, you won't see results.” The best way to get the results you need – and the recognition necessary to land that full-time position – is to perfect your customer service skills.
