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Home Insider Blogs Brent Williams's Blog Apartment Jobs: How Social Media Is Affecting Recruiting and Hiring
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Dec 06
2011

Apartment Jobs: How Social Media Is Affecting Recruiting and Hiring

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Posted by: Brent Williams on Dec 6, 2011 12:35

I have been having a discussion more and more with employers about how they fill their job openings, and each time, they give me a “wow, I haven’t thought of it like that before” moment!  So here is the revelation on how social media is affecting the recruiting process for apartment jobs.

I was talking with Patrick Morin the other day, and he mentioned that one of his top hiring questions is what self education has the job seeker done over the past year.  In other words, he’s not asking what education the person’s prior company required them to do, but rather what education they went out on their own and completed.  That speaks volumes, right?  If someone is willing to spend their own time, or even their own money on education, what type of employee will that person be?

When you see people interact on Multifamily Insiders blogs or discussions, or on an industry LinkedIn group, for example, you are not seeing a random sampling of the industry.  Instead, you are seeing the most dedicated and career oriented people our industry has to offer.  The Insider community is the most driven and self-motivated group in the multifamily space, and they prove it every day by participating on this site, attending industry webinars, and showing they are more than just the average worker.  On the other hand, do you think someone who sees their job as "just a job" is going to take the time to read a blog post about Fair Housing on their own time?

So for all the employers out there, if you are trying to find people that might be a good fit for your company, simply look at those that are active in these industry social networking sites!

And for all those who are actively looking for a job, or maybe just wants to be available for opportunities that come around, it is incredibly easy.  Simply 1) Make sure you are registered!  If you do not have a current account, how are employers supposed to find you?  2) Submit your resume.  And the most important of all, 3) GET INVOLVED!  Comment on blog posts, ask questions in the discussion section, or get involved in your state group.  Use this site and others like it to market yourself!

Good luck everyone in the job hunt!


Comments (8)Add Comment
5904
written by Tara Furiani, December 06, 2011
Very well said Brent, I'm clearly on the same page as you, since my advice to Britt is similar to your post (great mind, right?) smilies/smiley.gif

Tara
6212
written by Britt Corby, December 06, 2011
I feel that "Wow, I haven’t thought of it like that before" moment coming on! You are right on the money Brent. We want employees who come in every day to not only do their job, but who take ownership of their role in our company and it's success. Social media sites are a great place to find these employees. Thank you so much for your insight.
0
written by Chaz Chambreux (Apt. Assoc. NM), December 06, 2011
Brent, thank you for sharing this information. Social media is constantly changing and I believe that more and more employers are viewing these sites before making a hiring decision with a potential candidate.
4470
written by Jolene Sopalski, December 07, 2011
I can tell you from a recent personal experince that I just received a position and feel 100% that it came about from networking on MFI and Linkedin. My goal is to conect with so many people and show you what I can do. I'm currently paying for my CAM, won a scholarship with The Training Factor for a years worth of training, and am saving up to attend some industry events in 2012-hopefully I can start presenting webinars etc...The point is those of us who actively participate on MFI,Linkedin or any other social site that is industry related are motivated to make an impact on the industry in some way or form. I for one am very greatful to having a site like MFI it open up a whole new world to me and I get to interact with others who are as passionate as I'am for the Multifamily Industry-when I'm on here I don't feel like such an outsider as when I'm at work. Thank you Brent for MFI!
5492
written by Lia Nichole Smith, December 07, 2011
Thanks Brent for this post. I can attest that I would not be where I am today if I had not actively participated in sites such as MFI, attended/presented at industry conferences (shout out to MultifamilyPro) and networked with all of the amazingly talented people in our industry (too many to mention).

I think Patrick's question to his interviewees is essential when hiring for our industry because many companies have tight budgets for employee development which some could see as a roadblock to their success. But as Jolene pointed out, you can never go wrong when you invest in yourself.
8771
written by Julie Crichton, December 09, 2011
I agree Brent. I have 108 positions available within Apartment communities all over the United States, and we receive 1000s of resumes a day, but I am REALLY looking for that one person. The one you know will be truly phenomenal!!! Someone that is committed to their development, and understands that you have to work and learn in order to be ready for the next level. My favorite quote is "What got you here, won't get you there". In other words, everything you have done to develop into your current role, won't be enough for the next level role so you have to continue to learn and develop. And the only person that is responsible for investing in your development is yourself!
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written by Brent Williams, December 09, 2011
Thanks for the comments everybody. I get to do a lot of pretty cool things in my job, but I have to say, the absolute most rewarding aspect is when I hear that someone has found their job somehow through MFI. Hearing stories from people like Jolene and others who were able to connect is just simply amazing, and I can't get enough of it.

And Julie, I LOVE that quote. It's amazing to hear people talk about "seniority" as if simply keeping your job makes you qualified for a more challenging position.
4247
written by Lisa Odle, December 13, 2011
So true! I find the best candidates through social networking or apartment association involvement. It demonstrates savvy and industry committment to be involved at this level and those who take the time deserve to be recognized.
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