Asset 1-4

Preparing for Your Service

Congratulations on making it to the community interview stage! Your talent acquisition member will let you know whether a community interview is part of your next step. This page will help you prepare by walking through a few important details before that meeting. As you review the information below, remember that the two required trainings in this step must be completed either way, and your responses must be submitted to your program director before you can move forward.

Before you begin serving, you'll want to do some research on the apartment community and the surrounding area. While the purpose and structure of our services are the same, each community is unique, and we want to meet the needs of each community we serve.  

Things to discover:

  • Are there any major employers near the apartment community? Colleges? Military bases?
  • What businesses are nearest the property? Restaurants? Gyms? Bars?
  • Which businesses look like they would have something to offer residents in the community? You'll likely be connecting with local vendors for events.
  • What amenities does the property offer?
  • What is the current resident experience at the property?

Information gathering strategies:

  • Go to the property website.
  • Drive by the property (it is VITAL that you do not go inside).
  • Reference an online map.
  • Scan social media/review sites to learn about the current resident experience.

Brainstorm Event Ideas

You'll have homework at the end of this session to brainstorm some event ideas. Take what you learned about the apartment community and the surrounding area and think of what would be fun to plan and host. *Your program director and trainer will help with the actual planning. This exercise is to get the juices flowing!

As you think of event ideas, keep in mind:

Know the Audience

Are there lots of kids, pets, young professionals, retirees, or people who engage online? The more you listen and notice, the easier it becomes to create events that feel meaningful and relevant.

Offer Variety

Mix up the types of events you offer. Fun large gatherings, interest-based niche activities, grab-and-go events, or offsite outings are all great options. Variety helps more people feel included and creates different ways for relationships to grow.

Use What’s Around You

Look at the spaces and opportunities already available in your community and surrounding area. Clubhouses and pools are obvious gathering spots, but think about other amenities, local businesses, parks, and restaurants.

Let the Seasons Inspire You

Holidays, themed days, local happenings, or sports seasons, can all spark ideas. Don’t be afraid to borrow and build on ideas from other coordinators, social media, or the Apartment Life blog - often the best events come from adapting a simple idea to fit your own community.

Consider Your Experience

The manager may ask you what kind of experience you have that makes you a great coordinator for his/her community. Consider personal and professional experiences:

  • Have you planned or hosted events for work, church, or school?
  • Have you planned social events/showers for friends?
  • Do you organize details or communicate with vendors or businesses for work functions or gatherings?
  • Do you manage communication, budgets, or organizational details?
  • Think through intentional opportunities you have to care for those around you.
  • Are you creative or have personal skills/talents in social media, marketing, media, video editing, etc?

Consider any skills, gifts, and talents that you could use to create events that make an impact. (Baking, connecting with businesses, marketing/social media experience, hand-lettering, etc.)

Preparing to Serve 

Whether you are going to be living onsite or offsite, you may still have a few remaining questions. Please ask your program director before your community interview so you feel prepared. Possible questions include:

  • What is the Manager's communication style?
  • What is Apartment Life's experience with this manager or management company?
  • Is there anything else you're wondering about the property itself or the service expectations?

Email or text any questions you have for your program director, and be sure to connect with them at least 48 hours before your program starts to get your questions answered. If you don't have an interview, jump to the final section, called Your Next Steps.

Before, During, and After Your Interview

Before the Interview Suggestions/Requirements:

  • You'll meet with your program director before your community interview for a brief prep call.
  • Business-Casual attire is expected, whether virtual or in person.
  • The interview will be 30-45 minutes.
  • If the meeting is virtual, arrive early and ensure there are no technology issues.
  • Arrange for childcare. Having kids around, no matter how well-behaved, is not an option. This goes for virtual or in-person interviews.
  • If in person, do not go into the leasing office without your program director. They have a business relationship with the manager and will introduce you.
  • Pray before your conversation with the community manager.

During the Interview: 

  • Your program director will facilitate the interview
  • Come ready to show your excitement and readiness for the role. Be positive! Avoid negative comments.
  • Do not use spiritual language. Even though the community manager may be a Christian, they will want to know that you will abide by fair housing and accept/respect people of all religious affiliations.
  • If you will be living onsite, and are in person, the manager may decide to show you an apartment or discuss moving details. Alternatively, they may also schedule a time for you to come look at units. Note: the community manager may not do this at all during this meeting. Do not be discouraged; your program director will follow up on those details.

Here is how the interview is structured:

  • First, the manager will share about the community, and what they'd love to see from the program.
  • Then you'll get to share about yourself. Your professional background as well as why you're excited about this role and believe it is a great fit.
  • The program director will review the program elements, and you'll both share some event ideas. The manager will offer ideas too.
  • Finally, will give everyone a chance to ask questions and talk about potential next steps.

Optional Questions for Your Manager:

  • What are some ways we could support you and your leasing team?
  • What programs or events have worked really well in the past? What's something you'd love to see offered for the residents?
  • What are the most important things we should know in order to succeed here?
  • Tell me about your residents - what kinds of things would be helpful for me/us to know to meet their expectations and serve well? (Do not ask - "what kind of people live here" as the manager typically can't answer a question like this).
DO NOT Ask:

  • Don't ask to see an apartment.
  • Don't ask for upgrades to your unit like granite, new carpet, or first floor. Share any upgrade requests with your program director.
  • Don't ask about ages/ethnicities of residents. If the manager feels comfortable, they will share on their own when they talk about the community.
 
After the Interview:

  • As with any interview, send a follow up Thank You email - this is always a good practice!
  • Your program director will be the one to contact you with next steps. This could take up to 48 hours.
  • Remember the manager can interview multiple coordinators, so the interview is not a guarantee that you will serve this community. Your program director will communicate well with you.

Your Next Steps

Please email your program director your answers to the following questions and statements.

  • List what you discovered about that community and the surrounding area.

  • Brainstorm three events you believe would be a good fit for this community within the next month. Briefly paint a picture of what residents would experience at each event (theme, decorations, menu, activities, atmosphere). Again, your program director and trainer will help with the actual planning. This is an execise to help you begin brainstorming. 

  • Practice answering for a regional manager. What event planning experience have you had? What talent and skills would you use to make your events stand out?

  • Do you have any other questions you'd like to ask the property manager?

Feel free to share any other questions you might have, and we will connect with you before your next steps.