DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A MAINTENANCE MANAGER?

A couple of weeks ago, Ike posted a nice piece on the basic job description and requirements of a property maintenance professional. After I read the post, I decided to do some research to find out just what it is that property management is looking for when they have you in for an interview. Turns out that there are some “unsaid” requirements, so that means pay extra attention- these are the most important. If you’re looking for a job in the multi-housing industry, here are 8 questions to ask yourself before you apply:

1. Are you experienced?

One thing that people sometimes forget is that property maintenance is so much more than fixing toilets or cleaning the pool. Properties such as apartment complexes are big so this job requires that you have a broad understanding of how maintenance is managed on a large-scale. It helps to have some experience working for an agency before trying to tackle an entire property on your own.

2. What is your skill level?

Maintenance is not a specialized field. If you only know how to take on HVAC, you’ll be in big trouble when the pipes start to burst in the winter months. Experience is everything when it comes to maintenance. Spread yourself out as much as possible but make sure that you are knowledgeable in areas such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. Basic drywall skills would also be very useful.

3. Does your expertise match their problems?

It pays to do a little research before you apply with a certain property. Oftentimes, an apartment complex will have one certain area (such as plumbing) that has chronic problems. This is typical for older complexes. Just like #2, a jack-of-all-trades is preferred but remember that places have their own specialized problems. Ask around and use it to your advantage.

4. Where do you live?

Sometimes, properties will hire maintenance managers who live right there on-site so. This is so that they will be in close contact in case something happens in the middle of the night. This is also quite rare. With that in mind, how close do you live to the property that you will be maintaining? Would you be readily available in case of emergency?

5. Will you be full- or part-time?

Again, this depends mostly on the property. Most properties in the greater Phoenix area and most parts of the Valley are generally very large and will require a full-time maintenance manager. It is a huge plus to property managers to have a maintenance manager who is on-call.

6. Can you provide references?

Also a huge plus. You should have some employer references attached with your resume. Properties are usually very familiar with other properties and if they notice that you used to work for a well-known property, they will be more likely to consider you for the job. References should be in letter form.

7. Do you have a Crimshield background certification?

Don’t know what Crimshield is? Crimshield is an Arizona-based company that performs background checks for service providers. Certified employees receive an identification card that lets tenants know that maintenance and other service providers are crime-free. Many companies are now demanding that employees are certified with Crimshield. Check it out: http://www.crimshield.com/pro/our-check.php

8. Can you keep up with demand?

Some properties will want to hire maintenance manager to be responsible for more than one property. Would you be able to meet the demand of such a position?

Good luck and happy hunting!