Working as an apartment manager is challenging, as there are many duties that you have to perform, and many people depend on you.
That is why, when you apply for an apartment manager position, you must prepare for the interview process quite thoroughly.
During the interview process, you will be tested on your ability to stay organized at all times and communicate effectively with residents.
Interviewers will also gauge your experience in handling the daily operations of an apartment building.
Your administrative skills should be highlighted during the interview process to help interviewers determine your suitability for this position.
As an apartment manager, you should focus on your knowledge of handling complaints, and resolving issues, during the interview process.
Also, it is important to mention your ability to ensure that apartments meet safety codes so that interviewers know that you are a caring individual.
A set of interview questions and answers for an apartment manager position is provided here for you to go through:
19 Common Apartment Manager Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell me a little about yourself.
I possess an associate’s degree in finance and have 5+ years of experience working as an apartment manager. My interest in this work stems from the time that I was living in an apartment complex that was not very well-managed. A short volunteer stint later made me realize that my potential was great in this area.
2. What are some of the duties that you have performed in the role of an apartment manager?
I have performed many duties in the role of an apartment manager over the years. These include operational management, tenant relations, and maintenance work. Specifically, I have been busy preparing and managing budgets, showing apartments to prospective tenants, and interviewing prospects to ensure their suitability. Furthermore, I have been responsible for setting rental rates, and negotiating and enforcing lease agreements.
3. Tell me about the one skill that you have which makes you a cut above other candidates for this job?
I am a highly approachable individual, which makes it easy for me to retain tenants, even during crisis situations. I believe this quality is rare in people working in this role, as the work is immense, and one is bound to lose control of things, and seem unapproachable at times.
4. What do you like most about this work?
I love working in a family-like environment, which is what working as an apartment manager eventually becomes. You get to meet so many people, who welcome you with wide smiles and open hearts.
5. What do you dislike about this work?
Nothing at all. The work has so many tangents, and all of them are quite fun to work with.
6. How do you handle conflicts between tenants?
Conflicts are obvious when many people live in the same place. But I try to minimize the impact of conflicts, as I do not want any adverse consequences. My method is to always listen to what the other is saying, and then resolve problems as quickly as possible.
7. What is your greatest strength?
My greatest strength is my ability to get along with everyone.
8. What is your greatest weakness?
I have a lot of trouble saying no to people, which is why I sometimes go beyond the call of duty to do things for them.
9. What is the most challenging part of working as an apartment manager?
I feel that ensuring all tenants get along with each other, and live in harmony is quite a challenging feat to achieve.
10. Have you ever had to deal with an emergency?
Many times. However, nothing was as big as the fire that erupted in a tenant’s apartment. Initially, we all thought it was a malfunctioning wire. Later, we found out that a child had access to a box of matches, and lit up curtains in the living room, which eventually led to the fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt, as I called in the fire truck immediately, and put out most of the fire before it reached the apartment building.
11. On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you rate your administrative skills?
I am an excellent administrator, which is why I would give myself an 8.
12. Do you have any specific methods to perform evictions?
I follow set protocols and procedures to perform eviction procedures. As far as my own input is concerned, I make sure that I handle the procedures politely, and remain as calm as possible throughout the process.
13. What is your experience in renovating premises?
I am highly experienced in renovating apartment buildings. From having extra construction work done to ensure that interiors are aesthetically handled, I am experienced in all areas.
14. How do you handle irate residents?
From where I see it, being irate is a state of mind that stems from something. I try to determine the root cause of the problem, and then try to resolve it as best as I can, so that the residents remain comfortable and safe at all times.
15. How important is safety to you?
I rate safety at the top of everything else, as I feel that there is nothing more important than ensuring residents’ safety.
16. Why do you want to leave your present job?
The apartment building where I am currently employed is being torn down by the authorities, as the government has bought the land for tree plantation.
17. And why do you want to work for us particularly?
I had always wanted to work for an organization as well put together as yours. The systems that you have in place attract me highly, and I want to be able to contribute to your organization with the skills and experience that I have acquired over the years as an apartment manager.
18. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I hope to be working as an apartment director, with more than 5 buildings under my wing.
19. Do you have any questions for me?
I am interested in knowing more about the apartment properties that are owned by your company.