What can the multifamily industry expect this year in terms of hiring and job growth?

By James G. Lenhardt, Hire Priority Staffing

A recent survey by CareerBuilder described the hiring outlook for 2012 as “cautiously optimistic.” However, Matt Ferguson, CareerBuilder’s CEO, said himself that employers tend to lean on the conservative side when predicting hiring trends in a new year, and he expects that there will be more hires in 2012 than in 2011.

According to the Greater Houston Partnership, we can expect more than 84,000 jobs in 2012 in the energy production and distribution fields. Bruce McClenny with Apartment Data Services revealed in his latest market assessment that Austin is projected to add nearly 16,000 jobs. All of this is good news for the Texas multifamily housing market. These new jobs bring new residents, creating the need for new Houston and Austin apartment communities. The Houston area comprises approximately 3,000 apartment communities, and that number is projected to increase to meet the demands of the expanding job market.

Just as the general economic growth in our region means more jobs, expansion of the Houston and Austin apartment markets means more hiring in multifamily. Let’s evaluate the top hiring trends for 2012:

Marketing

Marketing has always been a huge part of the apartment industry, and as the market grows, the need to reach individuals and families in a competitive way also increases. Social media, search engine optimization, blogging and general website presence is on the rise – and in a BIG way. Apartment communities are continuing to realize that they need to step up their game in order to get noticed among the competing communities by creating their own online presence. Because of this, many will be considering hiring an on-site or corporate social media specialist to handle the everyday social media tasks in order to increase traffic and occupancy.

Training

Because there are more jobs to be filled than qualified applicants available, many companies plan to implement an enhanced training program to increase new and existing employees’ knowledge and confidence on the job. Many who choose to work in the Texas apartment industry do not come into the job already understanding all the regulations and housing laws (which are constantly changing anyway, requiring training just to keep up). An undereducated employee can become an unhappy employee and lead to high turnover.

Low employee turnover is important for property stability, but it is better for the apartment resident as well. Many people who choose to live in an apartment community base their decision on the amount of knowledge and the attitude of the property staff. Because of this, a well-trained staff can ultimately lead to happier, long-term residents.

Bilingual

Texas apartment properties have long valued employees fluent in both English and Spanish. While many companies have already been requiring that at least one employee be bilingual, the demand is expected to increase dramatically in 2012 as the job market grows.

Plan Ahead

These skills and more will be in high demand in the workplace. What will your company or property do to attract and retain talented, qualified people? Houston and Austin Apartment communities are expected to step up their use of social media to get more involved in the hiring process. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn – these will be the tools that could make or break someone’s career in the apartment (or any) industry. Social media platforms can open up the world of a potential employee to a hiring authority, showing the hiring manager what the prospective employee’s day-to-day life is like, how a person acts and even what sort of people a candidate hangs out with so that the hiring manager can make a more educated decision as to whether he or she wants a given candidate to represent the property or company. Use these tools to find the best candidates and take advantage of educational programs like those offered by Houston and Austin Apartment Associations to keep them motivated and informed.

James G. Lenhardt, CPC, CTS, is CEO and executive recruiter for Hire Priority Staffing. Hire Priority has been finding jobs for property management professionals since 1990, providing temp, temp-to-hire and direct hire as well as national search for regional vice presidents, regional managers and high-level managers with offices in both Houston and Austin. Visit www.hirepriority.com for more information.

As we wrap up 2011, we have a few questions about the Texas apartment industry heading into the New Year. Hire Priority Staffing met with Bruce McClenny, President of Apartment Data Services for an insightful forecast of what the future holds.

On Job Growth:

In 2011 the Texas market showed positive job growth in all four major Metro areas of Houston, DFW, Austin and San Antonio. One of the most interesting stats, in our industry, is the jobs-created to additional apartments-rented ratio. Prior to the mortgage meltdown and credit crisis, Houston was filling one additional apartment for every six to seven jobs created.  Now that potential homeowners need at least a 20% down payment and a strong credit history, this ratio has moved from 6-7 /1 to 4.5/1.  San Antonio is also 4.5/1 and Austin 6/1.  Job growth in Texas has had a positive impact on the apartment industry and it looks to continue in that same direction in 2012.

On “Class A” Rent Growth:

Recently we have seen very little new construction. In 2011, 5500 and 700 units were delivered to the Houston and Austin markets respectively.   This put “Class A” product in a unique position of having no new competition which made raising rents a very successful strategy. We’ve actually seen strong double-digit increases.  In 2009, Texas was in a recession and rents retreated. In 2010 we were recovering, and in 2011 we saw strong rent growth. We should see rents continue to head north in 2012. However, with an increase in deliveries “Class A” may see some pressure. More than likely 2013 will be the year that we look at to assess how the new product affected the market.

On Class C in Houston:

Houston is and will continue to experience distress in Class C if something doesn’t change. “Class A” needs to continue to raise rents with confidence, this way Class B will ensue, followed by Class C.

On Need:

We need more construction.  Now is the time to get projects started, especially since rents have been raised with such ferocity in 2011. There is not enough supply and demand is very strong. However, the reality is that it will be another year before we can deliver more units to be leased.

Wrap-up:

In 2012 we should see great success in Texas. Austin should do very well across the board, “Classes A through D”.   For 2012, I don’t think Houston will have as great of rental growth as in 2011 but it should still be a very good year. Year’s like 2011 are very rare.

2013 is a pivotal year as we will have a lot more available units with the economy still being a question mark. In addition, the single-family market will stage a comeback eventually. This will be a “let’s see what happens” kind of year.

Apartment Data Services Inc. has been reading and tracking markets in the Texas area since 1986.  Contact bruce@apartmentdata.com with any questions.

How would you describe your ideal job?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
What can you tell me about our company?

If you have experience as a hiring authority, or, for that matter, if you have ever interviewed for a job, these questions will sound painfully familiar. They are part of the traditional litany of interview questions lobbed at almost every job candidate. Those questions, along with another 50 or so standard questions, can give you a decent picture of what kind of employee the candidate will make. But is that all you need?

This is my second decade in the recruiting industry, and I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of hiring authorities and job seekers. A recruiting firm has a unique role in the interview process. Since we work with both parties, it allows us to provide and educate both so that the desired result is achieved and the right candidate matches up with the right employer. It is our job to help the hiring authority find the best fit for her company and make sure that she is evaluating the candidate effectively. This article will discuss what the right interview questions are and why it’s so important to ask them.

What are the right questions?

It is important to understand everything you can about how the candidate will perform her job in your office. You want to understand her career goals, and you want to make sure that your working relationship can be mutually beneficial. However, in the rush to complete an interview, other useful information that can help you make an even more informed hiring decision is often left undiscovered.

What is remarkable is that the most important things to learn about a potential employee are also the most obvious ones and those that are frequently neglected in a basic interview. They are:
• Does the candidate know what she is expected to do?
• Does she know what it takes to meet these expectations?
• Can she do the job well?
• Can she do the job quickly and efficiently?
• Can she see how her role fits into the larger picture of office performance?
Your goal is to create a robust working office environment – one where talent and efficiency work together to improve your bottom line. How your employees perform their jobs and how they make your office operate better should be the focus of your interview.

How do you ask the right questions?

If you’re not accustomed to asking for this kind of detail in an interview, it may feel more like you’re administering a test rather than having a cordial chat, but it doesn’t need to. To ease the process, you should come to the interview prepared with a clearly enumerated list of job requirements and a list of tasks your candidate will be expected to perform daily or frequently.

Take time to go through your specific expectations.
Even if it’s the smallest task, let the candidate know what’s expected of her. Make sure you’re on exactly the same page before you continue.

Ask if the candidate has performed the task in another office environment.
Have the candidate walk you through the task and ask if she has ever improved efficiency, streamlined a process or automated any of the tasks she will be expected to do. Ask if she has been in an office where someone else has done so.

Ask the candidate to think about specific challenges that she might encounter on a daily basis.
Don’t be afraid to ask for concrete examples. If you have some of your own examples prepared, you may be able to prompt your candidate to think of some others on her own. Ask how she might overcome these challenges and what the results might be. Remember, you are looking for how this one specific candidate is going to perform her job and how she will make your company better because of it.

Why is this process so important?

It is difficult to locate, entice and hire talented people. The process is tedious and loaded with pitfalls, the supply of good candidates is short, and unless your hiring for a large company with a dedicated recruiter, hiring is probably not your only job.

In spite of the inherent difficulty, your interview process should not just fall to simple routine. Even for the least critical of your office jobs, you should take the time to find the most talented person you can find for the following reasons:

• The difference between an average candidate and a top-notch candidate can mean thousands of dollars. For example, the extra time you spend looking for a cheerful, productive receptionist that your clients enjoy talking to, should be worth it in the long run.

• No matter how strong your team is already, the addition of another strong person should make it even stronger. When your office works better, your bottom line looks better.

• If your team knows that you’re always looking for the best employees, then you are making the point that you want the best from them at all times.

The interview is an important process, and it deserves to be elevated above the choreographed dance it has become. While it is nice to know how your candidate answers routine questions – like, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Do you prefer working alone or in teams?” – remember that what you are really looking for is, “Can you do the job, and can you do it well?”

When Leah Hackbarth moved from California to Texas, she anticipated a strenuous, yet rewarding job search. Equipped with five years of Yardi software experience and a bachelor’s degree in marketing, Leah thought her background would help differentiate her from other applicants. However, after a month of countless job applications, interviews, and phone calls, Leah’s search produced unsatisfactory results. Frustrated by her discouraging job hunt, Leah began to widen her employment perspective and searched the Internet for temporary positions.

Although Leah had never used a recruiting company, she decided to test her luck with temporary employment. “I called the [Apartment Staffing Division of] Hire Priority, and after my first interview, I received a temporary leasing consultant position [at a downtown Austin Apartment Community],” Leah said. Through her keen sense of professionalism and aptness for hard work, Leah quickly turned her temporary employment assignment into a permanent position. After a short period, Leah was promoted to Assistant Property Manager. Leah attributes her quick advancement to her diligent work ethic. “Apartment communities often consider temporary employees for permanent assignments,” Leah said, “and the best indication of a good employee is hard work.” Even if a temporary assignment does not transition into a full-time job, the word-of mouth recommendations between Apartment Communities can benefit your reputation in the Austin Apartment Industry. Leah’s advice to job hunters and temporary employees is to work hard, remain dedicated, and go above and beyond the community’s expectations.

After a tiring job search, Leah’s relationship with the Apartment Industry at Hire Priority Austin provided the catalyst her career needed. A year and a half after her original position, Leah is still excited about her career. “I love my job now”, Leah said, “The daily interaction with people is exciting and I get to help them with their move to the area.” Faced with a difficult job search, Leah did not allow frustrations to hinder her career. Instead, she took initiative, applied her diligent work ethic, and eventually found her ideal career.

According to McClenny, the 2009 economic challenges held almost every industry hostage, including the Austin Apartment Market. He said 2010 was an upward year for the Austin apartment market, with apartment rental rates increasing by 4.1%.  Bruce attributes this increase to the absence of new apartment development and the difficulty for buyers to secure a home loan. “Because of the lack of new apartment construction and challenges to obtaining a home loan, renters stayed renting.

McClenny went on to say that the 2011 Austin Apartment Market could see overall rent growth of close to 8%.  He attributes this to the same absences as 2010 as well as a rebounding Austin job market and stronger Austin economy.

Hire Priority is a privately held staffing and recruiting company that specializes in the placement of apartment industry professionals.  Hire Priority is a leader in finding Austin apartment jobs, Houston apartment jobs and executive apartment jobs.  Visit us today at www.hirepriority.com.

1. Be on time, whether it is with showing up for work, returning from breaks, going to meetings, or turning in assignments.
2. Call in if you know you will be tardy or absent. Most companies treat absences or tardiness without notice much more seriously than simple absence or tardiness.
3. Try your best always finish an assignment, no matter how much you would rather be doing something else. It is always good to have something to show for the time you have spent.
4. Anticipate problems and needs of management – your bosses will be grateful, even if they do not show it
5. Show a positive attitude – no one wants to be around someone who is a “downer”.
6. Avoid backstabbing, office gossip, and spreading rumors – remember, what goes around comes around – joining in the office gossip may seem like the easy thing to do, but almost everyone has much more respect for people who do not spread stories around.
7. Follow the rules. The rules are there to give the greatest number of people the best chance of working together well and getting the job done.
8. Look for opportunities to serve customers and help coworkers. Those who would be leaders must learn how to serve.
9. Avoid the impulse to criticize your boss or the company. It is easy to find things wrong with others – it is much harder, but more rewarding, to find constructive ways to deal with problems. Employees who are known for their good attitude and helpful suggestions are the ones most often remembered at performance evaluation and raise review time.
10. Volunteer for training and new assignments. Take a close look at people in your organization who are “moving up” – chances are, they are the ones who have shown themselves in the past to be willing to do undesirable assignments or take on new duties.

William T. Simmons | Legal Counsel to Commissioner Ron Lehman,Texas Workforce Commission | Excerpted with permission Second & Third Quarters|1998 of TexasBusiness Today

In today’s market it may not seem that employee retention is a key factor for consideration in our business models, but in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The cultures or work environments created today are the core to retaining people that other companies would like to have. Employers must always be vigilant to keep the top performers, in good or bad economic times.

So, how is it done? Creating an environment that is fun, comfortable and encouraging is critical to employee retention. Keeping an employee once they are hired is a purposeful effort and it takes work to make it happen. Most people can recall a time when they were completely caught off guard with an employee’s resignation. Or perhaps they recall a time when they wished for a resignation, and ultimately it resulted in an involuntary termination. Most managers who have experienced this situation still experience the emotion from that memory.

How do you set the proper stage for a new employee?
Setting the right stage or tone is seventy five percent of retaining an employee. When you consider that time spent hiring the right employee is an investment, protecting that investment becomes more of a goal. Cultural considerations are an important first step in setting a tone for the new employee. To begin with, an employee will want to know the company’s vision and purpose, what it is all about… if you will. Since this is an important item for your newly hired employee, be prepared to discuss your company’s philosophy with your new employee in some detail. Employees want to know the “whys” behind what they are asked to do.

How to communicate when expectations are not being met – Important keys

1. Honesty

Reflect on your behavior and know the importance of acting ethically

Speak frankly, respectfully, but always truthfully

Refrain from gossip or discussing other employees with those who have no need to know

Avoid conflicts of interest

2. Timeliness

• Never let it wait
• Address behaviors when they occur

3. Follow through and options

• Suspension vs. Termination
• Documentation needs
• Importance of exit interviews

Understanding your role in retaining key employees enables you to reduce costs and avoid lost productivity. With NOI a real concern for each of us, productive work environments are a must have. By enhancing your skills in retaining key employees you also gain respect of others and are recognized as a mentor and leader for others.

Tanya Dusek is HR Manager for Davis Development and has won the Industry Achievement Award at HAA for HR in both 2000 and 2003. She is a guest blogger for Hire Priority.

About Hire Priority
Hire Priority is a privately held staffing and recruiting company that specializes in the placement of apartment, healthcare and administrative professionals. We provide local and national searches from our offices in Houston and Austin. Visit us today at www.hirepriority.com and see how we can help you!

1. List Career Goals
Make a list of what you liked and disliked in your previous (or current) position and what you desire is in a new position. For example, office location, travel requirements, compensation, company reputation, and growth potential.

2. Get YOUR Name Out There
Begin posting your resume on industry-specific online job boards like, monster.com, careerbuilder.com, craigslist.com, or hotjobs.com. Scan the newspaper classifieds for open positions and submit your information. Update your LinkedIn profile with the most relevant experience and reach out to industry connections.

Select a few target companies you would like to work for and contact them. Even if there isn’t currently an opening, it’s always a good idea to forward your resume; sometimes they may be planning a change, but have yet to post the position.

3. Create a Personal Network
Start by compiling a list of former colleagues, friends, family, industry contacts and previous classmates. Contact these people directly and share the specifics of the job you are looking for. Ask them to tell you about open positions and to share other contacts that may support your search efforts. Always follow up with everyone who helped and send thank-you cards to express your gratitude. You never know who will be the connection to your next job.

4. Prepare a Strong Resume
Your resume makes your first impression. Aside from being concise and error-free, your resume should be accomplishment-oriented. Include awards, honors, certifications and specific ways you saved or made money for your company. For example, in a HealthCare manager’s resume, you might include “increased office revenue by 15% in a nine month period.” Previous accomplishments are usually an indication of future successes.

5. Prepare for Interviews
Interviews can be intimidating and stressful, but practicing and role-playing with friends can lead to more confidence and success. Be prepared to discuss at least five specific accomplishments. For instance, if you’re an office manager and you increased overall revenue by 15 percent, you need to be ready to discuss the details. Also, be sure to diligently research the company beforehand.

6. Hone Professional Skills
Obtain a certification in your area of expertise. The HealthCare field offers many courses to obtain certification such as the Certified Professional Coder or Certified Medical Assistant. Local community colleges and online educational courses provide opportunities for professional development. Seek advice on professionalism from former employers, friends and family. Let them know that their sincere and honest feedback will have a positive impact on your career and professional growth.

7. Consider a Recruiter
Professional recruiting companies typically have well established relationships with the companies you’d like to work for, making it easier for them to put you in front of the hiring authority. Recruiters often know what the company is looking for and will present you if you’re a fit for the position. Recruiting and staffing firms can set up interviews for permanent positions or provide temporary assignments, frequently leading to full-time employment. A list of local recruiting companies can be found at www.haapc.org, the Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants.

8. Prepare for Setbacks
Remember some of the most successful people heard hundreds of “nos” before a “yes.” Hearing a “no” or not hearing back at all can trigger stress and hopelessness. Plan for these obstacles with a strong support network and an understanding of your marketable skills. Don’t give up. You may be just the person your dream job has been searching for.

-

In order to beat out their competition, companies are setting their hiring standards higher than ever. Simply stated, companies are slowly pushing out their existing non-performers and interviewing and hiring more productive and efficient employees. They have become more selective with hiring.

Scrutinizing potential employee backgrounds, checking references, and even sometimes visiting Facebook to see what type of person the individual is: this is all a reality now. Companies are looking for the “best of the best” and aren’t accepting mediocrity.

As a job seeker, how do you prove that you are the “best of the best”?

3 TIPS to stay afloat in this fierce market:
1. Resume – focus on performance:
Your resume is the gate to get you in the door: make it more than great. Just explaining your talents isn’t enough. Resumes need to focus on performance based accomplishments. Highlight how you increased sales during the past 6 months or how you raised efficiency by 15%. Did you receive any awards or recognitions? Add those in! There are many qualified apartment, healthcare, and admistrative support professionals in the marketplace; the accomplishments differentiate them.

2. Add value to your resume with your letter of reference:
When sending your resume to a hiring authority (with all those performance based accomplishments, of course), be sure to include a letter of reference to authenticate the resume. Before walking out the door of your current job, make sure you ask for that reference letter. Don’t wait for the letter to float from out of nowhere and happily land on your desk. Ask for it! Ask your boss to specifically state the quantified accomplishments, not just that you were a wonderful person. There’s always a chance they won’t give it to you, but you owe it to yourself to ask!

3. Get clear expectations of the job from the beginning:
You may be extremely talented with reciting your ABCs backwards while riding a unicycle, but that might not be what the hiring manager is looking for (I know, shocking). Early in the interview, find out exactly what the hiring manager is looking for. Don’t assume that you already know. Candidates need to take it upon themselves to find out what’s important with the hiring authority and what his or her expectations are. Ask, “What specifically are you looking for? What expectations would you have of me in this position?” You may need to ask multiple times, but once you know, it’s that much easier to ensure you’re highlighting your talents that are needed in the job.

About Hire Priority
Hire Priority is a privately held staffing and recruiting company that specializes in the placement of apartment, healthcare and administrative professionals. We provide local and national searches from our offices in Houston and Austin. Visit us today at www.hirepriority.com and see how we can help you!

While some people have an innate talent for landing the perfect job, the art of the interview is a skill that can be learned. Remembering a few key points will help you find success in your endeavors to advance your career. Consider the following tips to do before the interview as you prepare to search for your next job:

1 - Organize the night before. Lay your clothing out and prepare your portfolio with resume and reference letters before you go to bed so you won’t have to worry about it in the morning.
2 - Confirm the location, time and date of the interview. Drive by the location the night before the interview if you are not certain of your route or how long it will take you to get there.
3 - Research the company and find out as much information as you can. Use the Internet to search the company Web site for general product and service information. Search for information about the company in the online archives of your local newspapers and news media.
4 - Find out what you can about the interviewer, including full name, designations, title and the correct pronunciation of the individual’s name.
5 - Be prepared to ask a few questions of the interviewer. Ask questions that show you’ve done your homework on the company and the position. Don’t ask questions about compensation or benefits. What follows are a few recommended questions:
“What are your expectations of me in this position?”
“When I come on board, what are two or three things you would have me address right away?”
“Where do you see the company in the next three to five years?”
6 - Present yourself appropriately. Office employees should wear a black or navy suit, and maintenance employees may dress more casually but professionally. Clothes should be pressed, hair neatly styled, nails trimmed and jewelry worn conservatively. Also, fragrances must be used lightly or not at all.
It’s suggested that men wear a white shirt with conservative tie. It is appropriate for women to wear a light-colored blouse with closed-toe dress shoes that match your suit.
7 - Practice answering interview questions. Role-play with a friend to simulate the interview experience.
8 - Be able to describe clearly at least five specific job-related accomplishments. Think of a time where you saved or made your company money or where you were recognized for your success.

James G. Lenhardt, CPC, CTS, of Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search is in his second decade of staffing and recruiting in the property management industry. His experience includes managing executive searches, staffing, and corporate consulting. James has placed hundreds of property management professionals.  He received the CTS of the Year for Texas and recently published articles on topics such as resume writing, interviewing, and hiring smart.

About Hire Priority
Hire Priority is a privately held staffing and recruiting company that specializes in the placement of apartment, healthcare and administrative professionals. We provide local and national searches from our offices in Houston and Austin. Visit us today at www.hirepriority.com and see how we can help you!

Concluding the Interview

1. Thank the interviewer.
2. Express interest in the apartment industry position at the very end of the interview. Saying it more than once may make you look desperate. For example, say “It would be a pleasure to work for you.”
3. Refrain from turning down or accepting the job at the first interview. Take time to reflect and evaluate.
4. Ask what the next step is in the interview process. You need to know how and when to follow up with the property manager or supervisor on the position.

After the Interview

1. Write down important notes from the interview. They’ll be helpful when writing the thank-you letter and preparing for the next apartment industry interview.
2. Send a thank-you letter within 24 hours after the interview. Express interest in the position and summarize key points discussed in the interview. It should be no more than two to three short paragraphs – keep it brief! Check carefully for spelling and grammatical errors.
3. Take time to ask yourself what you could have done differently in the interview. You can always improve on your skills.

Looking for more advice: Take a look at my tips for what to do before the interview and during the interview.

James G. Lenhardt, CPC, CTS, of Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search is in his second decade of staffing and recruiting in the property management industry.

About Hire Priority
Hire Priority is a privately held staffing and recruiting company that specializes in the placement of apartment industry, healthcare and administrative professionals. We provide local and national searches from our offices in Houston and Austin, Texas. Visit us today at www.hirepriority.com and see how we can help you!

We talked to the office here at Hire Priority to build a helpful list of top 4 biggest mistakes candidates make during the interview and followed them up with tips to provide you quick and easy career advice.

Mistake #1: Arriving late or unprepared:
One of the most frequent mistakes is often the most easiest to avoid. Arriving late or unprepared, such as not bringing an updated resume, can indicate that the candidate might not be able to manage the job tasks being offered. Showing reliability is a huge aspect of being hired. Be sure to print out an updated resume, bring a notepad and writing utensils, and map your route to the interview to determine the expected amount of time to arrive (always be sure to add extra time in case you hit traffic or you get lost).

Mistake #2: The resume has errors:
It’s very easy to skim past spelling or grammar errors when you have been staring at your resume for some time. Of course, be sure to spell check, but go beyond the computer checking system. Run your resume by a few friends or family members to have an extra set of eyes. A poor resume is sometimes a deal breaker for hiring authorities.

Mistake #3: References are not solid:
Someone’s word goes a long way, both good and bad. Ensure you have solid references that will highlight your accomplishments and encourage the new hiring manager to seriously consider you for the job. A smart candidate asks for a letter of reference from their employer before they leave their job.

Mistake #4: Giving too much personal information:
Telling the hiring manager about your date that went sour the night before may not help you land the job. While it’s wonderful to be friendly, be sure you are always being professional and not sharing too much personal information. Focus on how your skills and experience can help you perform the job duties, not about how your boyfriend forgot to do the laundry, which is why your clothes aren’t clean.

Ensuring you take the appropriate steps to lessen interview mistakes can greatly increase your possibility of landing that job you’ve been dreaming of.

About Hire Priority
Hire Priority is a privately held staffing and recruiting company that specializes in the placement of apartment, healthcare and administrative professionals. We provide local and national searches from our offices in Houston and Austin. Visit us today at www.hirepriority.com and see how we can help you!

James G. Lenhardt,
President, Hire Priority

Arriving at the interview

1. Fill out the job application completely. Always write out your employment history, don’t put “see resume.” Write “open” where it asks for your target salary.
2. Arrive to the interview at least 10 minutes early. Turn your cell phone off. Learn more about what you should do before the interview in this article.
3. Stand confidently, establish eye contact and greet interviewer by name. Smile and give a firm handshake (not a vice-grip or dead fish-grip).
4. Acknowledge everyone you come in contact with as their opinion may factor in the decision to hire you.
5. Go alone. If someone is giving you a ride, have them wait outside the apartment community or corporate office.

During the interview

1. Wait for the interviewer to sit before taking a seat. Maintain good body posture throughout the interview. Don’t slouch.
2. Reply to questions clearly and concisely and give more than a yes or no answer.
3. Speak confidently with enthusiasm and energy about your interest in and passion for property management.
4. Don’t chew gum. This might sound funny, but you’d be surprised the importance.
5. Don’t discuss problems or speak negatively about present or previous employers. Speak positively.
6. Refrain from talking about personal issues even if the interviewer brings the topic up.
7. Maintain eye contact. Don’t look away when answering questions.
8. Listen carefully! The interviewer is always giving you valuable information.

James G. Lenhardt, CPC, CTS, of Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search is in his second decade of staffing and recruiting in the property management industry.

About Hire Priority
Hire Priority is a privately held staffing and recruiting company that specializes in the placement of apartment industry, healthcare and administrative professionals. We provide local and national searches from our offices in Houston and Austin, Texas. Visit us today at http://www.hirepriority.com/ and see how we can help you!

1. List Career Goals
Make a list of what you liked and disliked in your previous (or current) position and what you desire is in a new position. For example, office location, travel requirements, compensation, company reputation, and growth potential.

2. Get YOUR Name Out There
Begin posting your resume on industry-specific online job boards like, monster.com, careerbuilder.com, craigslist.com, or hotjobs.com. Scan the newspaper classifieds for open positions and submit your information. Update your LinkedIn profile with the most relevant experience and reach out to industry connections.

Select a few target companies you would like to work for and contact them. Even if there isn’t currently an opening, it’s always a good idea to forward your resume; sometimes they may be planning a change, but have yet to post the position.

3. Create a Personal Network
Start by compiling a list of former colleagues, friends, family, industry contacts and previous classmates. Contact these people directly and share the specifics of the job you are looking for. Ask them to tell you about open positions and to share other contacts that may support your search efforts. Always follow up with everyone who helped and send thank-you cards to express your gratitude. You never know who will be the connection to your next job.

4. Prepare a Strong Resume
Your resume makes your first impression. Aside from being concise and error-free, your resume should be accomplishment-oriented. Include awards, honors, certifications and specific ways you saved or made money for your company. For example, in a HealthCare manager’s resume, you might include “increased office revenue by 15% in a nine month period.” Previous accomplishments are usually an indication of future successes.

5. Prepare for Interviews
Interviews can be intimidating and stressful, but practicing and role-playing with friends can lead to more confidence and success. Be prepared to discuss at least five specific accomplishments. For instance, if you’re an office manager and you increased overall revenue by 15 percent, you need to be ready to discuss the details. Also, be sure to diligently research the company beforehand.

6. Hone Professional Skills
Obtain a certification in your area of expertise. The HealthCare field offers many courses to obtain certification such as the Certified Professional Coder or Certified Medical Assistant. Local community colleges and online educational courses provide opportunities for professional development. Seek advice on professionalism from former employers, friends and family. Let them know that their sincere and honest feedback will have a positive impact on your career and professional growth.

7. Consider a Recruiter
Professional recruiting companies typically have well established relationships with the companies you’d like to work for, making it easier for them to put you in front of the hiring authority. Recruiters often know what the company is looking for and will present you if you’re a fit for the position. Recruiting and staffing firms can set up interviews for permanent positions or provide temporary assignments, frequently leading to full-time employment. A list of local recruiting companies can be found at www.haapc.org, the Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants.

8. Prepare for Setbacks
Remember some of the most successful people heard hundreds of “nos” before a “yes.” Hearing a “no” or not hearing back at all can trigger stress and hopelessness. Plan for these obstacles with a strong support network and an understanding of your marketable skills. Don’t give up. You may be just the person your dream job has been searching for.

Your career is our priority. When it comes to Healthcare, Administrative Support or Property Management Careers, Hire Priority is the recruiting and staffing company that will find the right employment for you. Our Apartment industry, Medical and Administrative job search professionals have the experience, knowledge and passion to take your career to the next level. Hire Priority is one of the leaders in job placement for medical jobs, administrative jobs and apartment industry jobs. Apply now for healthcare careers in houston, apartment industry careers in Houston, apartment industry careers in Austin and administrative support careers throughout Texas. Hire Priority specializes in job search for Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Texas and nationwide.

We talked to the office here at Hire Priority to build a helpful list of top 4 biggest mistakes candidates make during the interview and followed them up with tips to provide you quick and easy career advice.

Mistake #1: Arriving late or unprepared:
One of the most frequent mistakes is often the most easiest to avoid. Arriving late or unprepared, such as not bringing an updated resume, can indicate that the candidate might not be able to manage the job tasks being offered. Showing reliability is a huge aspect of being hired. Be sure to print out an updated resume, bring a notepad and writing utensils, and map your route to the interview to determine the expected amount of time to arrive (always be sure to add extra time in case you hit traffic or you get lost).

Mistake #2: The resume has errors:
It’s very easy to skim past spelling or grammar errors when you have been staring at your resume for some time. Of course, be sure to spell check, but go beyond the computer checking system. Run your resume by a few friends or family members to have an extra set of eyes. A poor resume is sometimes a deal breaker for hiring authorities.

Mistake #3: References are not solid:
Someone’s word goes a long way, both good and bad. Ensure you have solid references that will highlight your accomplishments and encourage the new hiring manager to seriously consider you for the job. A smart candidate asks for a letter of reference from their employer before they leave their job.

Mistake #4: Giving too much personal information:
Telling the hiring manager about your date that went sour the night before may not help you land the job. While it’s wonderful to be friendly, be sure you are always being professional and not sharing too much personal information. Focus on how your skills and experience can help you perform the job duties, not about how your boyfriend forgot to do the laundry, which is why your clothes aren’t clean.

Ensuring you take the appropriate steps to lessen interview mistakes can greatly increase your possibility of landing that job you’ve been dreaming of.

About Hire Priority
Hire Priority is a privately held staffing and recruiting company that specializes in the placement of apartment, healthcare and administrative professionals. We provide local and national searches from our offices in Houston and Austin. Visit us today at www.hirepriority.com and see how we can help you!

Having a professional mentor can provide career insight in all industry fields, including healthcare and apartment industries. It can allow you to learn from someone who has “already been there.” He or she can open doors, offer advice, and help you through a difficult situation. Elizabeth Freedman, author of “Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace Without Hanging Yourself” and “The MBA Student’s Job-Seeking Bible,” says that some benefits include shortening your career learning curve and improving your network contacts.

3 THINGS TO REMEMBER:
1. It doesn’t always happen instantly. Just like most worthy relationship, it takes time.
2. Come to your mentor meetings prepared and follow up with any to-dos.
3. Connect in a way that’s quick and easy for your first meeting. Time is of high value to most people.

WHERE DO I FIND A MENTOR?
Joining professional associates, networking organizations or online industry groups is a great way to identify individuals that potentially would be a good fit.

IT FEELS AWKWARD ASKING, “WILL YOU BE MY MENTOR
While some mentor relationships can be clearly defined, a label is not always necessary. Finding someone who is approachable is helpful. Try asking a potential mentor, “Could I buy you a cup of coffee sometime in the next few weeks? I’m very interested in how you became successful in what you do.” You might be surprised; flattery can go a long way.

Do you have any tips to share? What worked or hasn’t worked with mentor ship?

Hire Priority is a privately held staffing and recruiting company that specializes in the placement of apartment, healthcare and administrative professionals. Visit us today at www.hirepriority.com and see how we can help you!