South Florida position wanted

I've been out of the property management industry for the past 12 years. I have over 12 years experience as a Property Manager in So FL, Atlanta, and Indianpolis. I would also like to relocate back to Florida. I'm finding this impossible to do. I've sent out hundreds of resumes to company's web sites, applied online and tried to connect with others on Linkedin.
Do anyone have any advice for me?
:cheer:

Hi Paula,

I'm not sure what your biggest obstacle has been, but I relocated once from Florida to Washington, and again from Washington to Arizona in the property management industry. My biggest obstacle was not being in the area/being able to start right away.

I know it's a catch 22, but the first time I left where I was located off of my resume so that it wouldn't deter from contacting me. I knew that if it was a good opportunity, I could be there right away.

The second time, I didn't have as much flexibility, so I was honest about it in my cover letter. We had two Skype interviews (at my suggestion), and they hired me.

Both times I paid my own relocation expenses (not many places paying relo right now) and made sure I could get started as soon as possible.

I think with so many people available right now, flexibility is the key.

What are you finding is an obstacle? Or are you not getting any response at all? When I left Florida the economy was struggling significantly. That could be part of the issue as well.

My two cents, hope that helps.

Aaron

Hi Paula,

Welcome back to multifamily! A lot has changed in our business over the past 12 years... as I'm sure you'll find.

Have you been out of the workforce for 12 years, altogether, or just property management? Have you considered (if it's feasible, financially) coming back in a more entry level position, like leasing or assistant manager? I ask because, one of my thoughts is that perhaps those reviewing your resume are concerned that you've been out of the business so long, that you wouldn't know how to run an asset anymore. It may seem like an old hat... but we don't use ledger cards or dos based programs anymore, a lot of training is held online, laws have changed, etc... I wonder if you came in at a different level than you left, if perhaps you'd get better reception (along with stating this in your cover letter).

You also mentioned that you've sent hundreds of resumes... that could also be an issue. Are you just blankly applying or applying for a specific need advertised? Sadly, a lot of resumes that were submitted prior to a need being available, might be overlooked once an ad for a position is placed and HR is flooded with those targeted resumes. Also, don't just look for anything... because long term, you and your new employer won't be happy. Look for the kind of job you want and apply. I know it can be frustrating, especially when you just want to move already, but trust me... the happier you are, the better!

Have you carefully reviewed your resume/cover letter for typo's, grammatical errors, explained gaps in employment (if any), made sure that it's modern and in "today's" multifamily language?

Are you stating your salary history or expectations? If so, are you inline with the market and the times? Again, a lot has changed in the business.

Finally... you're on MFI, this is a great place to network and make connections... but are you also on LinkedIn? Facebook? Twitter? There are a lot of different ways to connect with industry insiders, make sure you take full advantage

I'd love to connect with you! Find me on Linked at: www.linkedin.com/in/tarafuriani , on facebook at www.facebook.com/tis4tara , on twitter at: twitter.com/tarafuriani or right here on MFI :)

I hope this helps and if you need any help with anything, I'd be happy to lend a hand (resume review, connecting you to others who could help you find a job, or just being a sounding board)... door is always open!

Best of Luck Paula!

Tara

Hi Aaron,

Thanks for you advice! I'm having trouble getting responses from job postings on Career Builder and on individual company's web sites. When I moved to South FL in the 90's it was so easy, then I did it again and moved to Atlanta, again an easy move.
I'll keep trying!

Paula

Hi Tara,

Thank you for your response. I've been in Outside Sales for the past 12 years in the motorcycle industry. I've traveled most of the county and was even Regional Sales Manager at one point.
I think I was exaggerating when I said I've applied for "hundreds" of jobs, it just feels like it! I've recently started applying for Assistant Manager positions but I don't think I could survive on a Leasing Consultant's salary. I've applied online on company's web sites, I've applied on Career Builder and I've targeted specific companies that I admire and emailed resumes directly. I'm on Linkedin and have made a few good connections there.
I moved to South Florida in 1991 from Indianapolis. I sent resumes to targeted companies, followed up with phone calls, then made a trip down there. I scheduled interviews while I was there and came home with several offers. I then did the same thing again when I moved to Atlanta. That was before the internet and it was so much easier!

I've requested to connect with you on Linkedin. I really appreciate your time!

Paula

Hi Paula,
Keep being active on here and other social media locations. I specifically know that management companies watch MFI for recruiting because it is a strong sign they will be a good employee. Think about it this way: if someone takes the time to visit and interact on an industry education site like this, they obviously care about their career, and that is the exact type of person every company wants to employ. Plus, once people start to get to know you, they will see you as a fellow Insider and will want to help.

Good luck!

Hi Paula,

I agree with a few of Tara’s comments, especially with the regards of being out of the industry for so long, and how much it has change in the past decade. I remember when I started; they were just coming out of ledger cards and started working on DOS system (RENTROLL) to track resident data. It seems just like yesterday, when in reality it was 12 years ago! However, I will tell you this. I strongly believe the managers of back then are much more productive than the managers now of days. I say this because back then we didn’t depend on so many resources to do our jobs, we did it all ourselves! I always said I would hire one manager of back then for four managers of today. With that said, below are my recommendations:

Resume:
Make sure that in your resume you list the amount of units you managed, and the accomplishment you achieved during your tenure. Keep away from writing a job description, and focus more into what you accomplished during your time at each community. Now of days, we the employers want to know more what you have to offer, rather than what your duties where. We all know what a Manager job duties are, but what did that manager accomplished during their time at a community.

Awards and Certifications a plus; If you received any awards or obtained designations/certification in the industry during your tenure 12 years ago, make sure you list them. A prepared and educated manager is extremely valuable, especially in the field affordable housing management.

Job Seeking:
Keep looking for that Property Manager position with possibly smaller management companies, which are the ones that can appreciate more the traditional property management rather than what we call management today. Larger companies seem to focus more on appearance and technology, and simply forget what truly management is. How to truly collect rent, knock on doors, calling numbers. Or how to create a relationship with your tenants face-to-face, know your residents and not just their email address. I remember when I was an onsite manager, I knew all my residents by name, and I never had a delinquency over 3%. I didn’t need all the fancy technology to accomplish my onsite goals, I simply went out there and got my hands dirty and got the job done!

As for applying for a leasing agent position, don’t knock it until you try it. I have seen some leasing agents bring home more than an onsite manager. Some companies pay good leasing bonuses and salaries, depending in the needs and size of the community. New lease ups are always great place to make good money!

Well, feel free to send your resume to our HR department for review at [email protected] and keep networking on here, this is a great place to network in the industry.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Pedro

Thanks Pedro for your great suggestions. I remember when I was a young leasing agent without a care in the world...all I had to do was lease! Those were the days! I would have no problem starting over as a leasing agent if I could earn commission/bonus. You've opened my eyes and I'm going to start applying for those positions as well. I've also reworked my resume and sent a copy to you as well.

If you hear of any positions in South Florida please let me know.

Paula

Paula,

Listen to everyone who has commented on this topic they know what they are doing. I'm going to repeat what everyone has already said NETWORK! I have made some amazing contacts from networking on MFI, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and Google+. You have outside sales which many onsite teams do not have. I mention this because that gives you an advantage for knowing how to sale & market a product and parts of FL are consider a soft market. I would highlight this in your cover letter and show your portfolio. Also while you are looking take some training classes on The Training Factor they are very affordable and easy to understand. List each class that you pass in your profile on every site you are on. Also Brent offers some great free webinars that are full of great information to help us be the best. Let's see hmmm you can start writing some blogs on here about how to sale and start discussions on MFI. I hope this helps some but you have been given some great advice by some of the best in this industry so listen!

Jolene Sopalski

P.S. Feel free to connect with me on linkedin, I'm not as influential as everyone else on here but when I see of leads I can send them to you. Oh and I'm an Assistant Manager on an LIHTC property, my leasing agents bonuses bring their pay up to mine. The key is finding the right company.

Hi Paula. Great info here from everyone!
A lot has changed in 12 years in our industry, but knowing how to deliver great customer service, a clean property and well prepped apartment are still the basics! (And probably the most important things you need to know!)
Employers have a ton of local folks to choose from, so it is more difficult to 'hire in' from out of state at the site level. If there is any possibility of relocating first, that might help.
Networking helps! Make contact with the Florida Apartment Association. They may be a great resource for you.
Good luck to you!

You might also check with the Southeast Florida Apartment Association. They have networking, meeting, education, and career information. Good luck.