Working in the field of property management can be very rewarding, and it offers a lot of opportunity for advancement. This industry will continue to see job growth over the next decade. In contrast to other industries, there are many different types of property management jobs available at any given time throughout every region in the country. If you’re looking to get into this field but don’t have experience yet, there are a few things that you can do to enhance your appeal as a job candidate. Here are 3 things that you can do to improve your ability to get a job in property management.
- Obtain a Certification
Depending on where you live and what type of building you’d ultimately like to manage, you may need to get a professional certification. Not all managers of apartment buildings are required to be professionally certified, but managers of condominium buildings typically need to be licensed as a community association manager or a certified property manager. However, managers of apartment buildings should also consider getting accredited in property management because many rental management companies have a strong preference for certified applicants. Also, depending on where you live, you may need a real estate agent’s license in order to conduct rental transactions. Ultimately, a professional certification will make you a much better applicant, and it will impart very useful knowledge with practical on-the-job application.
- Learn the Tools of the Trade
The majority of property managers and their administrative staff use specialized software programs to manage their residents’ information and accounts. Some job postings list knowledge or experience in a particular program as a required qualification. Taking a course or pursue a certification in one of the most commonly used programs will make you a stronger applicant for many positions. Learning how to use Yardi property management software will make you better positioned to land a job in a property management office, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running once you start working.
- Become a Notary
Many property management or rental offices need to use notaries in the regular business activities and need to have a notary on-site, so getting a notary license can give you an advantage over other job applicants. Getting licensed as a public notary is relatively easy compared to other forms of licensure. In most states, you do not need to receive specialized training. In states that do require training, a course is typically only a few hours.
