Question Overview: Leasing consultants are often the first point of contact for potential renters, so they must be able to deal with difficult situations. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with difficult customers and will be able to provide a solution to the problem.
Sample Answer: I once had a renter who was upset because he was unable to get in touch with his leasing consultant. I was able to calm him down and explain that his leasing consultant was out of the office. I then scheduled a meeting with him for the following day.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants are often asked to make decisions on their own. They may be asked to choose between two potential renters or decide which apartment complex to market to a potential renter. The ideal candidate will be able to explain how they handle situations where their opinion differs from someone else.
Sample Answer: I believe that it is important to have an open mind when dealing with others. I always try to listen to other people's opinions and take them into consideration before making a final decision.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants are responsible for hiring and firing staff members. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with staff members who are not performing to the company's standards. The applicant's response will allow you to gauge how they handle difficult situations, their ability to follow the company's policies and their interpersonal skills.
Sample Answer: I have had to fire a leasing consultant who was not meeting the company's standards. I was able to work with her to find a suitable replacement and ensure that she was able to find a new job.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants deal with angry clients on a daily basis. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with angry clients in a professional manner. Focus on the methods that the applicant uses to calm the client down. Does the candidate offer to help find a solution? Does the applicant try to find out what is causing the client's frustration?
Sample Answer: I always try to remain calm when dealing with an angry client. I ask them what they are upset about and try to find out what I can do to help. I also offer to help them find a solution or suggest they speak with their property manager.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants deal with a variety of different people every day. The ideal candidate will be able to handle difficult situations with grace and ease. Focus on the methods they use to calm a situation and their ability to resolve the issue.
Sample Answer: I would try to understand the customer's needs and work with them to find a solution that works for everyone. I would also try to find out what caused the customer to be upset in the first place and try to rectify the situation.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants need to have a strong understanding of the apartment industry. The ideal candidate will have experience working in the industry for at least a year. Focus on the applicant's knowledge of the industry, such as their understanding of the current rental market and their knowledge of local laws regarding renting.
Sample Answer: I have worked in the apartment industry for three years. I am familiar with the current rental market and understand how to market an apartment complex to potential renters.
Question Overview: Merchandising is a process that involves placing items in a way that attracts the attention of consumers. The ideal candidate will have experience merchandising items in a way that draws attention to them. Focus on the applicant's ability to place items in a way that makes them stand out.
Sample Answer: I have experience merchandising items in a way that draws attention to them. I have placed items on tables and shelves in a way that makes them stand out. I also have experience using signage to draw attention to certain products.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants are often the first person that a resident sees when they have an issue with their apartment. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with angry residents and will have a plan to resolve the issue.
Sample Answer: I would try to remain calm and listen to the resident's concerns. I would then explain the steps that I would take to resolve the issue and ask if they would like me to follow up with them after I have taken care of it.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in your company and the position. They will be able to provide you with specific reasons why they want to work for your company. Focus on the applicant's answer to this question to determine their level of interest in the position and how well they can sell themselves.
Sample Answer: I have been a leasing consultant for three years and I am looking for a new position that offers more opportunities for growth. I have heard great things about your company and I am very interested in working with you.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants are responsible for a variety of different tasks, from marketing to scheduling appointments. The ideal candidate will have experience juggling multiple tasks and completing them on time. Focus on the applicant's ability to prioritize their work and manage their time efficiently.
Sample Answer: I have experience juggling multiple job tasks and ensuring that they are completed on time. I am able to prioritize my work and manage my time efficiently due to my previous experience as a leasing consultant.
Question Overview: The applicant's response to this question will help you understand what they like most about their current job and if their interests align with your company. The ideal candidate will enjoy the flexibility of the job and the ability to work independently.
Sample Answer: I enjoy working independently and being able to schedule my own hours. I also enjoy the flexibility of the job as I am able to work around my school schedule.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in working for Sequoia. Focus on the applicant's reasons for applying and how they can contribute to the company.
Sample Answer: I am interested in Sequoia because I have heard great things about the company and I believe that I can contribute to the growth of the business.
Question Overview: The applicant's response to this question will help you understand how they handle difficult situations. Focus on the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. Did they have to deal with a difficult renter? Did they have to work with a difficult coworker? How did they handle the situation?
Sample Answer: The most challenging thing I faced in my prior job was working with a difficult coworker. I was able to resolve the conflict by speaking with my supervisor and explaining the situation.
Question Overview: The applicant's response to this question will help you understand their work ethic and their drive to succeed. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic and will be motivated by the desire to help others.
Sample Answer: I am motivated to work hard because I enjoy helping people find the perfect apartment for them. I love seeing the look on their face when they find the perfect place.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of their strengths and how they can benefit the company. They should be able to explain why they are the best candidate for the position.
Sample Answer: I am a strong communicator and I have experience working in a team environment. I am also very organized and I am able to work well under pressure.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants deal with a variety of different situations. The applicant's response to this question will help you understand how they handle difficult situations. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with difficult situations and will be able to provide a detailed example of how they resolved the issue.
Sample Answer: One of the most difficult situations I have encountered was when a renter's dog bit another tenant. I had to work with the police and the renter to ensure that everyone was okay. I was able to resolve the issue by having the renter sign a waiver stating that they would keep their dog on a leash at all times.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question can help you understand how they approach their work and what drives them to succeed. The ideal candidate will be driven by a desire to help others and a passion for their work.
Sample Answer: I am motivated by the opportunity to help renters find the perfect apartment. I enjoy the challenge of finding a place that meets their needs and budget.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants are the first point of contact for potential renters. The ideal candidate will have experience providing excellent customer service, whether it is answering questions over the phone or in person. Focus on the applicant's ability to handle customer service and their interpersonal skills.
Sample Answer: I always make sure to greet each person who walks into my office with a smile and a warm welcome. I also make sure to answer any questions they may have in a timely manner.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants are often put in the middle of situations between tenants and property managers. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with difficult situations and know how to handle them in a professional manner. The applicant's response will allow you to gauge how they handle conflict, their communication skills and their ability to remain calm under pressure.
Sample Answer: I would ask the current tenant to come back in thirty minutes so I could finish my current meeting. I would then ask the potential renter to fill out an application and return it to me at a later time.
Question Overview: Leasing consultants are human and make mistakes. The ideal candidate will be able to provide an example of a time they failed and how they overcame it. Did they learn from their mistake and move on? Did they take the time to understand what went wrong? Focus on the applicant's ability to learn from their mistakes and grow from them.
Sample Answer: I once had a potential renter call me and ask about the amenities in the community. I was not aware that the complex had a pool, so I told him that there was no pool. Later that day, I found out that there was a pool and that I had given him incorrect information. I apologized for my mistake and offered to meet with him at the complex to show him the amenities.