Tag Archives: job interview

3 Ways the Job Interview Process Has Changed

Posted on March 30, 2016 by James G. Lenhardt, CPC, CTS

Man And Woman Waiting To Enter A Job Interview

The past decade has seen big changes for how employers hire for their open positions. One of the biggest entities that saw the most dramatic change is the job interview. Gone are the days where you show up to an office and have an one-on-one talk with your potential boss. Below we have listed the top 3 ways the job interview process has changed so you can be prepared to land that next open position!

1. Skype and other Video Screening Applications

Employers have begun to understand that judging a person’s people skills can’t be done by looking at their resume, however it is the biggest pre-screen for potential applicants. To efficiently filter people out that are not a good cultural fit, hiring managers use applications such as Skype to virtually meet an applicant in the early stages before asking them to come in for an in-person interview. Be prepared for this by practicing on Skype with a friend so you feel comfortable when using it with your potential employer. You don’t want a lack of familiarity with technology to be confused with a lack of self-confidence.

2. Interviews with Multiple People

In the old days there was one hiring manager that was responsible for acquiring new talent. Today, corporate culture dictates a candidate must be a good cultural fit to be hired and trained successfully. To achieve this assessment of a job applicant, multiple employees of a company are required to meet and give their opinion on whether they would like to work alongside the job applicant. Be prepared for these interviews by researching who you are meeting with, not just the company, so you can tailor your conversation to the individual interviewer. A sales manager does not necessarily care about the same things as a human resource manager. LinkedIn is a great tool for this type of research.

3. Personality Tests

The dreaded personality test. We all hate them and feel like no matter what answer we give, it will be wrong. These tests have now become standard screening tools for companies because of their accessibility (thank you internet). Search engines can actually help you with this interview hurdle as well as they help your employer find and use them. Search for “sample personality tests” or “personality practice tests for job interviews” and you will find a slew of free tests you can take to be prepared for the type of questions these tests ask and what the results are with your answers. That being said, it is important to be honest on these tests when taking them with your future employer. You don’t want to get hired by a company you are not going to thrive at.

Being prepared for a job interview may look different today than it did 10 years ago, but all of the changes actually work FOR the applicant instead of against them. A resume can never convey the most valuable attributes a person has to offer in a profession: their personality, passion, and ability to learn. Let those things shine through to your potential employer during the interview process and you are sure to be successful!

Posted in Career Advice | Tagged job interview |

The Top 7 Things Not to Say in a Job Interview

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Hire Priority

The Top 7 Things Not to Say in a Job Interview

Job interviews are nerve-wracking. Even the most prepared of candidates can find themselves rambling or stuttering once they are face to face with an interviewer.

But no matter how nervous you get, there are many things that you should never say in a job interview. These phrases are automatic red flags to an employer, signals that they should move on to the next candidate as quickly as possible.

Especially in the case of apartment jobs, acing your interview is crucial. Leasing positions require candidates who are outgoing and able to communicate well. If you are committing the following faux pas in your interview, an employer is likely to assume you will make similar mistakes while on the job. Make sure to steer clear of the phrases:

“I don’t like my job.”

Bad mouthing an employer or job will make you look unprofessional. If possible, try to maintain a positive attitude and avoid discussing situations where you may sound negative during your interview.

“I can’t think of a weakness.”

Not being able to list a weakness when asked can come across as boastful. No one is perfect; and your employer needs to know how your strengths and weaknesses will fit with their team.

“%$*@!”

Swear words should not be used when applying for a job…no exceptions.

“I don’t have any questions.”

Not having any questions for your interviewer can rub them the wrong way. When an employer asks all of the questions and you have none in response it can look as if you don’t really want the job.

“What position is this for?”

Make sure you have researched the company or property you are interviewing with, as well as the position, before your interview. If you have any uncertainty about which position you are applying for, it will be difficult to convey that you are right for the job.

“Sorry, I am so nervous!”

Most people are nervous when they walk into interview, and your employer knows this. If you are stumbling for the right word or don’t know what to say, don’t use nervousness as an excuse; instead, take a breath and start again with confidence.

“How much time do I get off?”

An employer will probably mention how many vacation and sick days you get, which means that you don’t need to bring it up first. Asking this question during an interview can give the impression that you are already looking for ways to slack.

Apartment jobs are competitive enough as is—don’t give yourself a disadvantage by letting one of these phrases slip during an interview. Not all candidates are aware of how these phrases can rub employers the wrong way; but making sure that you don’t say them will get you one step closer to landing the job.

Looking for an apartment job? Submit your resume for open positions in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

6 Ways to Interview with Confidence

Posted on March 28, 2014 by James G. Lenhardt, CPC, CTS

How to Interview with Confidence

Exuding confidence is key to acing your job interview! Whether you are feeling confident or not, your interviewer will be looking for signs that you are comfortable in your own skin and can handle the pressure of a professional setting.

The good news: confidence is a tool that can be sharpened just like any other skill. Here’s how:

1. Focus on Your Interviewer

By focusing on your interviewer you will both show them that you are paying attention and also force yourself to stay present. If you are hanging on to the words your interviewer is saying you won’t have time to let your nerves get the best of you.

2. Posture

As humans, body language is one of the top ways we assess someone when we first meet them. To embody confidence in your posture do the following: sit up straight with your shoulders back, smile, don’t fidget, and make eye contact.

3. Shake Hands

Shaking hands when you first meet your interviewer is a sure way to show them that you are confident. It’s hard to go wrong with a handshake—and going for it will make you stand out as polite and professional.

4. Stay Positive

This tip includes staying positive both about yourself as well as about your work experience. Whether you have years of experience in the apartment industry, or none at all, stay positive about the skills you do have and how they can contribute to your next job.

5. Prepare

Preparation is one of the greatest keys to confidence–How can you be confident proving you should work at an apartment job when you don’t know anything about the property? Make sure you’ve got the basic facts about the property and job down before your interview.

6. Take a Breath

The apartment industry is dynamic, fast moving; but this doesn’t mean that your interview has to go a million miles a minute. If you feel your confidence lagging, slow down and take a breath. Often, when we are nervous we tend to over-talk and ramble, but pressing pause for a minute will stop this.

Even if you walk into your interview without confidence, practicing these few things will convince you and your interviewer that you’ve got it. There’s no need to over-do it or force these habits; but you will find that they will come naturally once you give them a try.

Posted in Career Advice | Tagged apartment industry, apartment job, Austin, career advice, Houston, job interview, Job Search, san antonio |

How to Follow Up After an Apartment Job Interview

Posted on February 13, 2014 by James G. Lenhardt, CPC, CTS

Habits of Successful Job Hunters: Following Up After Your Interview

Even if you ace your interview, you could still miss out on a job offer if you don’t take the opportunity to follow up with or thank your interviewer. In fact, this is becoming such standard practice that you should not only follow up with your interviewer, but you should do so in a creative way. Think outside the box and you could stand out from the rest of the job applicants.

Here are some of the best practices for following up after an apartment job interview:

1. Thank Your Interviewer

Whether via e-mail or handwritten note, you should send an thank you out to your interviewer ASAP. The more personal you can make it, the better. Beyond a simple “Thank you for your time,” perhaps re-iterate your interest in the position and express how much you would like to join a property’s team. If there was something that happened in your interview that sets you apart from other candidates you could mention this as well. For longer interview processes you may come into contact with multiple people at a property, and in this case it is appropriate to send a thank you to everyone who helped you in the job search process. People like to feel appreciated, and a thank you is a good way to show your gratitude and genuine interest in a position.

2. Ask about the Next Step during Your Interview

Avoid the awkward ‘am I calling them’ or ‘are they calling me’ debate post-interview by clarifying what should happen next at the end of your interview. If an employer says they will have a decision made within a week and it has been a week and a half, then it is acceptable to call and politely check in. Asking about what happens next will also put your mind at ease after the interview, instead of wondering when a manager will be making a decision or if there is something else you could be doing to land the job.

3. Check-in

If a hiring process is drawn out, checking in with your interviewer is a good way to stay at the top of their mind. In high-competition cities such as Houston or Austin, the more steps you can take to stand out in your job search the better, because job openings receive so many applications. While you don’t want to pester a hiring manager, checking-in a few days after your interview can communicate that you are still interested. Keep any strong emotions–disappointment at not being hired yet, or anger that they haven’t already contacted you–aside, and focus on demonstrating the value you can bring to a property. Property managers are busy at work, so don’t ever seek to be too demanding or take up too much time.

Impressing hiring managers isn’t over when the interview is–following up can make or break your chances of getting hired. Be creative, personal, and seek to add value in each of your interactions with a potential employer and make sure you follow any post-interview instructions they give you in order to land the job!

Posted in Career Advice, Career Blog Categories, News | Tagged apartment job, Austin, career advice, Houston, interview, job interview, Job Search |

Interview Mistakes We’ve Seen & How to Avoid Them

Posted on February 5, 2014 by James G. Lenhardt, CPC, CTS

Common Interview Mistakes We’ve Seen & How to Avoid Them

Most interview disasters can be avoided with preparation. That’s not to say that accidents never happen—spilled coffee on your best shirt or car troubles on the way to the meeting—but you should always prepare in order to avoid mistakes that signal a red flag to employers. Here’s our list of the most common:

1. Arriving Late

First impressions are crucial, and if you are late to your interview you will be starting your interview off with a setback. Arriving on time communicates that you are professional and respectful of your potential employer’s time.

2. Dressing Unprofessionally

Dressing too casually is likely to leave a lasting impression in your interviewer’s mind—sometimes more than arriving late or saying the wrong thing; an unprofessional outfit can set you back. Always dress one notch up from the expected dress code in order to show a professional attitude.

3. Not Knowing the Position You’re Applying For

Too often candidates walk in to an interview unsure of the type of apartment job they are applying for or what it requires. If you are unsure of the position you are interviewing for then it is going to be difficult to convince your interviewer that you truly want it. A simple way to avoid this is to research the position and the company beforehand.

4. Giving Away Too Many Weaknesses

When asked “What is your greatest weakness?” you should give an a weakness; but it doesn’t have to be one that could be held against you as a candidate. Some interviewees will list several of their genuine flaws, which can convince an interviewer that they aren’t right for the job.

5. Talking Too Much

Perhaps due to nerves or an eagerness to prove themselves, some people have a tendency to talk the entire time of their interview. If this is you then take a breath and focus on listening and responding to your interviewer, whose job it is to lead the interview.

6. Not Asking Any Questions

While talking too much is a bad interview habit, so is not talking enough. Your interviewer will expect you to ask questions, so come with a couple prepared. Not asking questions will make you seem uninterested or unmotivated to get the job.

7. Talking Negatively about Previous Bosses

An interview should be a time to showcase you most positive aspects, and talking bad about a previous boss is a quick way to damper the atmosphere. Even if you feel strongly about a previous boss, an interview is not the place to discuss it.

8. Poor Body Language

Beyond the words that are coming out of your mouth, pay attention to what your body language is communicating. Apartment jobs are usually fast-paced, so try to stay focused, upbeat, and confident during you interview and let your body language follow. If you appear tired or unsure during your interview an employer could assume that you will behave the same on the job.

Take measures against making these common mistakes and you will be at the top of the pack of applicants who are walking in to an interview for the same job. Remember–once you’ve prepared don’t worry about everything that could go wrong; stay focused on showing that you are the best fit for the job.

For more tips on how to improve your interview skills, check out 6 Tips to Leasing Interview Success.

Posted in Career Advice, Career Blog Categories, News | Tagged apartment job, career advice, interview tips, job interview, Job Search |