Tips and Hints

WORKING WITH A RECRUITER OR HEADHUNTER
(SHHH, WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU!)

• CONFIDENTIALITY - is provided for your job search. Responding to an Ad in the paper may expose your search to your current company.
• WE HAVE THE JOBS - Many of these jobs will only be available through us. Most of our positions are "confidential" in nature because of new acquisitions or replacing personnel.
• WE LISTEN TO YOU - and match your needs to our client's needs.
• WE PAVE THE WAY - We believe in you and have pre-sold the client that you are the best person for the job.
• WE ARE PATIENT - After listening to your concerns and learning your "Wish List" for the next position, we patiently wait until that opportunity presents itself before calling you.
• WE NEGOTIATE YOUR SALARY - and other benefits. We always know the market and if an offer is fair.
• TODAY YOU ARE OUR APPLICANT; TOMORROW YOU MAY BE OUR CLIENT - We treat your career with the same care, concern and confidentiality that we do with our own reputation.

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• NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER! - We often get wonderful resumes without the basics.
• CAREER OBJECTIVES - should be considered carefully and not limit your options in any way. I AM NOT a fan of career objectives and believe they are best left off the resume. We may see something in your accomplishments that leads us to present you in a different direction and open a new career path for you.
• ONE PAGE - only, two at the most. A good resume captures the attention of the reader motivating them to call you to meet you in person. GUARANTEED, each word will not be read if too lengthy or boring. Does it pass the "30 SECOND test?" Thirty seconds is the average time spent in evaluating a resume to determine calling you to interview.
• WHITE PAPER! - Don't waste your money and time with the fold-overs or two page newsletter style.
• LIST EDUCATION AND ALL RELEVANT INDUSTRY COURSES!
• LIST ACHIEVEMENTS AND EXAMPLES OF PROBLEM SOLVING FOR EACH POSITION! - Now is the time to list the increased occupancy, low delinquencies and higher revenue accomplished in your past jobs. The bottom line is generating income and your resume should reflect your understanding of the economic occupancy of a property whether thru increased revenue or lowered expenses.
• HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY! - Education and dates of employment will be verified. Do not leave off employers. YOU WILL BE CAUGHT.
• TRIPLE CHECK YOUR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR
• DO NOT INCLUDE - personal information such as age or marital status.
• DO NOT INCLUDE - reference names and phone numbers on the resume. DO have them available to present when asked during an interview.
• DO NOT LIST REQUESTED SALARY - or list past salary information on your resume.
• HAVE YOUR RESUME REVIEWED - by someone you trust that is working in the industry. An impartial evaluation is essential.

I AM ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO ADVISE AND CONSULT WITHOUT CHARGE ON A "WORKING ROUGH COPY" OF YOUR RESUME. PLEASE CALL ME ANY TIME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

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DRESSING TIPS
(FIRST IMPRESSIONS DO MATTER)

"DRESS FOR THE POSITION YOU WANT, NOT THE ONE YOU HAVE! "This is a good rule to follow when dressing for an interview. Some properties have very informal career apparel especially in the summer but don't dress down yourself. After you have the job is the time to conform to their dress code.

WOMEN
DO'S

• WEAR A SUIT - preferably with a skirt for the first interview. The skirt should be conservative and generously tailored to fit. If wearing a pant suit, (ASK US FIRST) the trousers should be tailored and also fit. Dark conservative colors are appropriate.
• BLOUSES should be tailored to fit and never sheer.
• BRA straps and other intimate apparel should not be visible.
• CHECK FOR RUNS in your stockings and always have a spare in the car. Wear matching hose and close-toed pumps.
• LOVE THE LONG HAIR but wear it up if its past the shoulders.

DON'TS

• DO NOT WEAR HEAVY OR DRAMATIC MAKEUP.
• DO NOT WEAR CLUNKY OR DANGLY JEWELRY THAT MAY CREATE A DISTRACTION.
• DO NOT WEAR HEAVY PERFUME OR COLOGNE. IF YOU THINK YOU ARE WEARING TOO MUCH, YOU ARE!
• DO NOT WEAR JEANS, TIGHTS, OR ANYTHING SEE-THRU.
• BE AWARE OF GAPS IN BLOUSES, PANTS, OR JACKETS. IF YOU NEED A BIGGER SIZE, NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY.

MEN
DO'S

• DRESS PROFESSIONALLY - in a dark suit or dark blazer and pants.
• ALL CLOTHES SHOULD BE CLEAN AND PRESSED.
• SHOES SHOULD BE POLISHED.
• SOCKS SHOULD BE DARK AND NOT SHOW THE LEG WHEN SITTING.

DON'TS

• ALSO AVOID HEAVY COLOGNE OR AFTER-SHAVE.
• YOUR EARRING MAY PLAY WELL IN BUCKHEAD BUT NOT FOR AN INTERVIEW.

MEN/MAINTENANCE

• WEAR CLEAN GOLF SHIRT & JEANS OR CHINOS.
• CLEAN HAIR AND NAILS.
• STANDARD CLEAN WORK CLOTHES AND SHOES ARE FINE.
• EXCEPTIONS: WHEN INTERIEWING ON YOUR LUNCH HOUR, IT IS PERMISSABLE TO WEAR YOUR CURRENT CAREER APPARREL. IF IT IS INFORMAL ATTIRE, LET US KNOW AND WE WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR YOU WITH THE INTERVIEWER.

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PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
(CONTROL YOUR OWN DESTINY)

An interview should be viewed by both parties as an introduction to determine compatibility much like that of a "first date". You want and need a job and the prospective employer needs and wants a good employee. Therefore, you both will attempt a positive first impression. It is your responsibility to move the interviewing process to the next level.

GETTING STARTED

• BE ON TIME! - Know where you are going. Use Map Quest and drive to the address prior to the appointment if possible. Call if an emergency on your property prevents you from leaving on time for a lunchtime interview.
• DON'T SMOKE! - A non-smoker will detect smoke on your clothing and find it offensive.
• AVOID HEAVY COLOGNES, PERFUMES, AND AFTER-SHAVE! - Don't announce your arrival by making your interviewer sneeze if they are allergic to strong scents.
• DON'T CHEW GUM!
• KNOW WHOM YOU ARE SEEING! - Ask for and address the interviewer by name. Use Mr. or Ms. until you are asked to call them by their first name. (This will be a good sign, by the way).
• OFFER A FIRM HANDSHAKE! - A wimpy handshake may imply a lack of confidence and authority.
• BE CONFIDENT! - You already have a nod of approval from our office and our client accepting the interview that you are qualified for the position.
• SMILE, YOU ARE ON "CANDID CAMERA"! - Property management is ultimately about customer service. From the first moment you drive on a property or into the parking lot of an office building, you should be in an "interview mode." The impression you make on the leasing staff or the courtesy officer may be just as important as the actual interview. You will never know who will say what to whom after you leave. ALWAYS ARRIVE AND LEAVE WITH A GOOD POSITIVE IMPRESSION.
• DRESS APPROPRIATELY! - Refer to our "Tips on Dressing for Success for more information.
• TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES!

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THE INTERVIEW
(THIS IS YOUR LIFE, INTERVIEW FOR IT WELL)

• BE PREPARED! - If possible, research the company and be aware of other properties managed by the firm. If you have time, drive the competition. Preparation not only breeds confidence, it will relax you so that you can concentrate on your past accomplishments and demonstrate them to the interviewer.
• ALWAYS BRING YOUR RESUME! - We may have faxed your resume, with your permission, to the client already as part of our process but it is imperative to have a clean crisp copy of your resume to present if asked.
• MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT! - Positive eye contact indicates confidence, high self-esteem and honesty.
• WHY ARE YOU CHANGING OR HAVE ALREADY LEFT YOUR JOB? We will all ask that question . Respond with a positive precise concise answer.
• NEVER BADMOUTH A PRESENT OR PAST EMPLOYER! - You may indeed currently work for the "boss from hell" who mistreats, underpays and takes full credit for all your hard work but this must not be part of your POSITIVE job interview.
• DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY TOUGH QUESTIONS! - If you are a Manager, you should know your economic occupancy, your N.O.I., and your annual expenses per unit. If a leasing consultant, we would expect you to know your closing ratio. A good Maintenance Supervisor will know the number of work orders handled daily by his team, the turn-around time and cost of supplies.
• EXPLAIN SHORT-TERM EMPLOYMENT OR GAPS! - Our industry is ever changing and your job changes may be due to the sale of your property. Answer truthfully. Do not be defensive or elaborate that "it's not my fault."
• NEVER EVER LEAVE AN EMPLOYER OFF YOUR RESUME! - Our industry may be large but we all know each other and you will get caught. It not only may be embarrassing but also may cost you the job.
• ROLE PLAYING! - Often, an interviewer will ask you 'WHAT IF" questions.
  .…….WHAT IF your occupancy drops?
  .…….WHAT IF work orders are not being finished in a timely manner?
  .…….WHAT IF you need to generate traffic?
  .…….WHAT IF you have personnel issues? How do you hire and fire? How do you train and retain good employees.
• KNOW YOUR OWN STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES! - Ask a trusted past employer to help you understand them. Present your strengths and accomplishments in a positive way. ONLY IF ASKED, should weaknesses be discussed. Display your eagerness in the interview to constantly learn and develop your skills.
• EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN THE JOB AND COMPANY! - If this is the job you want, by all means it is OK to tell the interviewer. Let them know the skills you bring to the table and how those skills will benefit any new employer.
• BE A TEAM PLAYER! - "The Lone Ranger" approach does not apply to property management. Each one of us may have our own duties and boundaries but each thing we do has a direct impact on our co-workers and their ability to carry out their assignments.
• BE LIKEABLE! - We all want to work with people that are fun to be around and we can count on to do their full share of work. Relax and let your great personality and sense of humor surface.
• TAKE CHARGE! - Surprise, not all interviewers know how to interview! Be subtle but make sure your accomplishments and good points are brought forward even if the right questions are not asked. Now is time to "STRUT YOUR STUFF" before the interview concludes.
• "SHOW ME THE MONEY" - Never EVER discuss salary unless the interviewer asks. We will always tell you the salary range and will know if that amount is in your comfort zone. If asked by the interviewer, "WHAT SALARY DO YOU WANT", never respond with a dollar figure. It is always best to respond: " Let me share with you my past compensation. I am more interested in what you have to offer both in direct compensation and career growth."
• "DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?" - Of course you do, so when asked by your interviewer respond with questions pertaining to the job itself.
  .…….How long have you been with the company?
  .…….Why is this position available?
  .…….What is the next step in the interview process?
  .…….What can I tell you further about my qualifications to allow you to make the decision to add me to your team?

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AFTER THE INTERVIEW
(LAST IMPRESSIONS CREATE NEW BEGINNINGS)

• CALL US! - We want feedback from both you and the client so everything will proceed quickly and efficiently.
• WRITE A THANK YOU NOTE! - Always get a business card or call us for the necessary information. DO Not FAX the note. The position may be confidential and all the office personnel not aware of the job opening.
• "OUCH, SOMETIMES THE TRUTH HURTS!" - If we receive feedback from our client reflecting an issue during the interview that prevented this job from moving forward, we will share with you tips to prevent that happening again. Negative feedback from an interview may present a learning experience for you that will lead to the perfect match next time.
• DO NOT CALL THE CLIENT - unless asked specifically to do so and only call then after notifying us. We are here to make things go smoothly both for you and your new employer. We may be able to direct you to a different approach that will enable you to reach your goal.
• HUG YOUR HEADHUNTER! - Our promise is to make this as painless as possible. Interviewing for a new job is stressful and sometimes frightening. Don't hesitate to call us if you need reassurance or simply a pep talk. We think you are wonderful and will tell you so at every opportunity.
• FOLLOW UP INTERVIEWS - may be formal ones with the owner or next level of management or simply a luncheon with your potential new co-workers.
• IT MUST WORK FOR YOU OR IT WON'T WORK FOR ANYONE! - Anyone who has been sent on a job interview by us over the years has probably heard this line from me. Remember, the job must be right for you. It must satisfy your career goals, your required compensation, your expectations, and even your desired commute to make it happen for all parties concerned.
• THE JOB OFFER! - We will probably be presenting you with the offer on behalf of our client and make it as clear as possible. We would expect all offers to be subject to a backgound check and drug test if these have not been done already.
• THE JOB ACCEPTANCE! - Congratulations, you have reached your goal! Upon formal acceptance, you may turn in your notice. Be prepared for a counter offer or pressure to remain. Keep focused on the issues that started the job search and you will be fine. Again, call me if you need to hear a friendly voice.
• "MAKE US PROUD" - We share in your success and always want to hear from you regarding your accomplishments at your new job. YOUR SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS BECOMES OUR SUCCESS.
• LASTLY, DO NOT DISCUSS YOUR INTERVIEW WITH ANYONE INCLUDING CO-WORKERS AND FRIENDS. QUITE FREQUENTLY, THE POSITION WE ARE SENDING YOU TO INTERVIEW FOR IS CONSIDERED "CONFIDENTIAL". DISCUSSING THIS INTERVIEW WITH ANYONE WOULD BE A BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY WITH OUR COMPANY AND OUR CLIENT.

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