Is Student Housing 'THAT' much different from other housing types?

Good morning! This question, particularly the emphasis on "that" is in regards to the daily operations/functions of student housing. Long story short:

I was seeking employment in student housing, one of the minimum requirements was that the candidate had to have at least 1 year of student housing experience. I've never worked in student housing but I do posses experience in (LIHTC, Senior & Conventional housing) I've been a Leasing Manager responsible for the Marketing, Retention, Leasing, Renewal, etc of 900+ units. I called H.R. directly and asked how strict were they about this requirement and provided them with a brief overview of my experience. I've been in this industry a little over 2 years now. She stated they would not even interview for lack of 1 year of student housing experience...

So my question is, even with the experience and skills I've gained, I am so confused to why I wouldn't even be considered for an interview at least. Is student housing that much different? Student housing still falls under conventional, correct? This is puzzling.

This may be over simplifying the question, but I would simply ask them why not considering anyone with less than a year? They may have had some bad experiences or have listened to others in the industry. The big one though is when they make this statement is to get the reasoning behind it. Then, you have the possible opportunity of overcoming this obstacle.

A lot of companies create hiring criteria to weed out people they feel are less qualified and because their time to interview candidates is limited. It's arbitrary in many cases. For example, the age old debate requiring all upper management people have a 4-year degree (doesn't matter the subject matter.) But I can tell you that student housing is very different from LIHTC or conventional housing.) It is VERY FAST PACED. Until you have been in it, it is hard to fathom how fast paced it is. Instead of filling 900 apartments, you may be asked to lease 2500 "beds" to fill up those 900 units.

The key for you may be in networking. Once you meet someone in that part of the industry, and they understand how you are handling your challenges where you are and can trust your thought process, they may be able to assist in opening the door. You also might try a smaller company if you are really super at leasing, and I hate to bring this up, but if you are the same demographic as the student renter, it might help to break into this area with that smaller company. You might also try earning an industry designation in leasing. That alone can help open some doors.

Thank you for all the responses. I have one industry designation, but it's applicable to Affordable Housing, I am however in the final stages of obtaining my NALP.

Additionally, I know fast-paced. I was a dispatcher for 3 years in a VERY high-crime city. A 12 hour shift was nothing because literally at the end of the day you'd feel like you've only been to work for about 30 minutes to an hour, lol. Maybe I should inform them about that.

William, sorry for the late reply but I just had a thought while reading this. You will be better off identifying who you will report to if you were to get the job and call them directly. HR is going to be black or white. Win over the people you will work for and you will have a better chance of getting the job regardless of your lack of student housing experience.

good luck!