Renoir Staffing Blog

There has been a lot of positive movement and strong indicators of growth and opportunity that we have seen recently in that past few months in both the staffing and property management industries.  As the demand for rentals has increased in the housing market, the need for more qualified staff on both a temporary and direct hire basis is becoming even greater.  While this news is exciting, it is also very important to not only keep residents and tenants happy, but also to attract and retain qualified staff    There is a direct correlation between resident retention and  on site management staff.  In order to retain residents and tenants, it is critical to remember that it starts with customer service and the quality of staff members.   Some of the ramifications of not having the right staff on site include loss of productivity, low morale, overworked staff members, and most importantly, unhappy residents.

 Here are some ideas to help improve resident and tenant relations to consider:

Tenant Relations

 The cost of retaining satisfied tenants through a proactive appreciation program is much less than the cost of finding a replacement to fill a vacancy.

 Below are some of the ways that Renoir clients have created effective tenant relations programs.

 Activities that build unity and encourage involvement contribute to a successful community.

• Bring your tenants together at events to celebrate holidays or kick-off the summer BBQ season.
• Offer a kid’s movie night once a week during the summer and set aside a place for parents to gather and talk during the film. 
• Put together a team to participate in an event to support a non-profit organization.
• Join your city’s softball league or organize a community tennis, Frisbee or other sports tournament at your complex.
• Invite health professionals to an on-site health fair or plan a career advancement event with colleges and employers.
• Host informal happy hours on your patio or in your lobby with music and snacks.

Loyal tenants feel connected to their community.  Don’t be afraid to get your current staff involved in the creative planning process as well.  You never know what great ideas you might find by reaching out to your staff members!

So, now that you have great ideas for keeping your residents happy, how do you find and keep the right talent at your community and/or office to ensure that your residents and tenants are handled with the care and attention that they deserve?

In order to retain your valued staff members, it is important to remember that they need motivation and encouragement to keep up morale.   Management staff  should try to keep things fun and enjoyable in the workplace as well as  offer activities or incentives that will keep your leasing and maintenance staff engaged and excited.   This will not only keep up morale but also increase performance levels critical to the overall success of the company as well as to ensuring the retention of your valued residents or tenants.

When faced with the task of hiring for an open position, remember that it takes more than just a simple review of the resume.  It is important to effectively screen potential candidates thoroughly with detailed, open ended questions to allow the candidate to expand on their skills and qualifications as well as provide examples of how they  handle workplace situations.   You should also remember to evaluate skills through various assessment programs and verify any credentials that the candidate might have as well.  The cost of making the wrong hire could be enormous if you don’t have a systematic and detailed screening and evaluation process when hiring.   

Here are some things to keep in mind to assist you in making the right hiring decisions:

The Cost of Making the Wrong Hire

Filling an open position appears to be a relatively easy task. The challenge for hiring managers is that they just don’t have the time to effectively screen, interview and hire staff. And, hiring the wrong person can be an expensive waste of time. Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk and even consider using Renoir’s recruiting services.

 ·         Take your time – Interview several people to find the right candidate. Fill in with a temporary employee rather than rushing to hire someone.

• Write a Job Description- Written criteria will help you define your needs, attract appropriate applicants and be consistent in evaluating skills.
• Research Salaries – You’ll gain an advantage in negotiation if you know typical salary ranges.

Here’s a great way to reduce the costs and risks of making the wrong hire

Temporary to hire or direct hire

Have you ever considered hiring through a staffing agency on a direct hire basis?

Trying to recruit on your own is an expensive and time consuming process. Having to read through hundreds of resumes, trying to match skills to job descriptions, and endless interviewing can cause frustration and anxiety. However, there is a solution to the hiring madness. Turning to Renoir for your real estate and property management staffing needs will not only save you time, but it will also save you money.

•  Save Time- By using your human resource professionals at Renoir to screen candidates for your. we do the recruiting for you, then send you only the most qualified candidates to interview

• Depend On- Each candidate you see on having the specific skills you are looking for to fill your open position. We test our candidates.
• Save Money- By reducing the cost of advertising for your open positions. Simply let us know what you’re looking for and we take care of the rest- including the advertising costs.

Save Money Still- When you make a hire that is actually the right fit. We make sure that each candidate we send for you to interview “fits in” from skill set to company culture. We reduce the likelihood of making a “bad hire”; which positively affects your bottom line.

Arisha Williams, Director of Sales

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Making a promise to your clients and candidates, and sticking to it, not only makes their business run smoothly but also helps yours to grow! This is a philosophy that Renoir Staffing sticks to: we promise to do implement the best practices in finding qualified candidates, bringing our clients, and the candidates themselves, the perfect match for their needs.

Another promise we fulfill is our guarantee: if a client is not satisfied with the candidate we have placed for them, they are under no obligation to keep that individual at the property, and will we right the wrong by finding the best possible replacement. And that promise is the same to candidates should they discover that the position in which they have been placed is not for them, we will find them a better fit.

Temporary agencies not only have the privilege of strengthening the community through employment services but we also make promises to that community which we want to live and stand by.  The saying goes “treat others how you would want to be treated,” and case in point: we have plenty of candidates who are now clients and vice versa. That means we’ve done our job, kept our promises, and the community that we are honored to serve is stronger for it. This is the level of professionalism and service our clients and candidates should receive from any staffing agency.

Connie White, Account Executive

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One of the primary reasons for Renoir’s success is that we truly care about our employees and the companies that we serve. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk. Because of our thorough screening process and our recruiting teams’ ability to ask the questions that will help us identify what our employees and clients need, we can take pride in the fact that we have been successful in making great employment matches. Renoir also has a strong value system that we live by both as part of our internal culture and in how we treat those that we assist in the employment market. Our ability to stay true and consistent in our business practices as part of this value system helps us to continually be recognized as one of Northern California’s premier property management and real estate staffing firms. With intrinsic values that we live and operate by such as integrity, teamwork, accountability, professionalism, quality, dedication, and respect, companies can depend on us to be there when they need us.

The success that we have had over the past 25 years has now laid a strong foundation for our expansion into Southern California with offices now in Phoenix, Arizona and Newport Beach, CA.  Since we have built a strong reputation of meeting the staffing needs of our customers and forging solid business relationships, our referral network will make for a very easy and logical transition to these new markets. With the expertise and resources to not only evaluate but effectively respond what our customers and candidates day-to-day challenges are, we can be confident that we will continue the success we have had in Northern California to a client base in Southern California and Arizona as well.

We are considered the ultimate resource for employment matchmaking as we take the time to really understand the needs of the candidates that we represent and the client companies that we serve.  It is with our commitment to strive to be the best of the best and to execute on the delivery of our service offerings that Renoir Staffing will continue to uphold its’ long-time reputation of being the most reliable option for responding to the demands of employment challenges in the property management and real estate industry.

Arisha Williams, Manager of Staffing Services

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Many Recruiters have chosen their job because they love customer service and making people happy. On top of that, the job is extremely fulfilling as they are putting people who are often financially struggling to work!  However, it’s a position that is demanding: recruiters jump through hoops every day, multi-tasking like mad to make our client’s and candidate’s lives easier. Unfortunately, they catch a lot of flak from job seekers, who often wonder what their recruiter does all day. This week’s blog will be illuminating to all who wonder what it would be like to be a recruiter for a day!

“The race against time is what will make or break a recruiter.” This quote, included in an article for CareerDFW (see link at the bottom of this blog) describes perfectly what unfolds each and every day for a recruiter: a race. And in order to be successful, crossing the finish line must mean that a relationship has been built, either with a client or a candidate. Recruiters that do temporary placement have the added task of maintaining these relationships perfectly with their clients so that they are relied upon to fix an emergency situation at a property. Trust is key. Therefore, relationship-building is not something that can be achieved with automated systems. And it starts with the candidate. Once a recruiter begins to represent an employee, regular weekly communication to maintain their relationship is important. Employee satisfaction, including trust and loyalty, are built into the relationship over a period of successful assignments, but even before assignments begin, it is important for a candidate to understand their role in building a relationship with their recruiter.

To begin, a once a week check-in call is a perfect opportunity for a job seeker to update their contact information and stay fresh in the minds of their recruiter. It takes an average of 15-30 and is an invaluable way for a recruiter to get to know their candidate. Unfortunately, often candidates will call their recruiters but neglect to leave a message. Messages are documented, another great way to showcase your interest in being placed on assignment. Keep in mind, however, that candidates may not get a return call until the next day. Try not to let the frustration set in. The popular statement, “there is never enough time in a day,” is a reality for most recruiters. To build a rapport between job seeker and recruiter takes trust. To gain trust, takes time. Patience and communication will get you far with a staffing agency.

Here’s a quick glimpse at the duties of a recruiter: time sheets, schedules, assignment extensions, interviewing, referral calls, payroll issues, file compliance, renewals and complaints requiring additional problem solving, as well as going out in the field and bringing in more business.  Approximately 50% of these tasks will be pre-scheduled in advance and the other 50% will be unplanned and worked into the week as needed. Again, communication combined with patience is the most important ingredient for a successful relationship with busy recruiters!

Keep in mind we open the door for you as a new face to the client. Once we get you that interview or temporary assignment, it is ultimately the candidate’s job to prove that they are the person for that job, whether it is for one day or is a direct-hire opportunity! The candidate’s behavior is a direct reflection on the recruiter’s ability to weed out poor employees, bringing us back to skillful relationship-building. The more a candidate participates in the process, the more a recruiter will gain the trust needed to put them on assignment. As a recruiter, one must be very proactive and personable, meaning that they are always on the phone! It is wise for candidates to remember this tip: please be patient and keep in mind the service you give to your recruiter is the service you will get in return.

Connie White, Recruiter

Special thanks to CareerDFW.org for the following article: A Day in the Life of a Recruiter

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Recruiters in the property management staffing industry often receive resumes with no experience for a leasing position they have available.  This may be the case because over the years a leasing position has been seen as a gateway or entry level position in the Property Management industry.  While at one time that was true and in some instances still is, there are many things that our clients are looking for when selecting a person to be on the front lines in one of their offices. Qualities that entry-level job seekers often don’t possess.
Most people believe that a leasing agent is just another sales person.  Over the years this is less and less true.  The Leasing professional is so many things and just like any other property management positions, you wear many hats. And, more frequently than not, at the same time!  Anyone that has leased before can tell you that at any given time you will need to learn how to shift gears and do so quickly while providing the highest level of customer service possible.  
Ask yourself the following questions:  Do you like people?  Are you a good listener?  Do you communicate well?  Can you multi-task like no other?  Is customer service a high priority?  Does paperwork scare you?  Can you close the deal?

Do you like people?  
As a leasing professional, you will have to interact with many diverse groups of people from all walks of life.  The key is treating everyone in a fair and consistent manner to help them find the best home suitable for what they a looking for.

Are you a good listener?  
The leasing person is often referred to as the local counselor of the community.  You are on the front-lines literally and that means several things.  You are the first impression of the community so it is very important that you listen to your prospective renter about their situation and what they’re looking for.  As opposed to real estate sales, you have become a part of their day-to-day interaction long-term.  Multi-family communities pride themselves on resident retention and therefore maintaining fewer turnovers means that you will see this person again and again.  When they have a service issue, pay their rent, and hopefully renew their lease, they will expect to see that familiar, friendly face and sometimes even need an ear to release their woes.

Do you communicate well?
Communication is the key in about every industry, but for Multi-family personnel it’s even higher.  If there is a possibility of doubt about day-to-day communication, it can be disastrous.  Meeting and exceeding the customers expectation is priority one, there is no half way.  If you make a commitment, you had best keep it.  If you can’t, communicate in a way that others can understand.  You will save you a lot of headaches on the back end.  Not to mention you must be consistent in that communication otherwise you open the door for a Fair Housing complaint.

Can you multi-task like no other?  
As a Leaser, you are not simply expected to do sales.  It is your responsibility to maintain files accurately, follow up on all phone activity, walk your tour route, and act as an assistant at times.  The most successful leasing people I have ever met have this down to a science.  They plan their days effectively into segments, always leaving time for the inevitable walk-in and daily surprise.  

Is customer service a high priority?  
Without the customer, why have someone to maintain them?  Each person should feel welcomed at your desk.  Whether it’s the first time or the fifteenth time they have been at your desk that day.  Remember that they moved here in part because of you.  They will choose to renew or move based on the value you place on your customers.

Does paperwork scare you?  
Here is where most people get lost.  They believe that leasing is just sales. It’s so much more! You must maintain your guest cards and keep your follow-up documentation up-to-date.  You will have to put together your files for approval.  You will need to update and manage all interaction with your residents in their files and sometimes in the computer database.  Most companies have checklists for their files.  Make sure that you are following this as one missing piece of paperwork could lead to a file not being approved or inconsistency in your business practices.

Can you close the deal?
You may say to yourself, of course I can!  But could you do it consistently and not sound like a used car salesperson?  There are subjective ways to subtly close and have a future resident emotionally attached to their home before they sign the dotted line.  Are you savvy enough to ask the right questions, listen to their needs, and catch the special moment so that they can visualize themselves in the space?

A leasing person is someone that is highly relied upon to keep the community full.  As you can see it’s not just close the deal and move to the next.  It’s a commitment to your community to be the expert on your resident’s needs and keeping them happy!

Jacquee Landry, Recruiter

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Happiness has wide ranging effects- Like improving your motivation. A study shows that adults and children who are put into good mood select higher goals and perform better than those that are unhappy. The GREAT news is that recent scientific reports show your happiness level is something that can be increased with a minimum amount of effort and that a full 40% of your happiness level is completely within your control. You may have suffered unfortunate life events, but you get a clean 40% at YOUR command. Don’t you want to be happier and in a better mood?

The Myths of Happiness:

1.       Happiness is something we find. This is not true, so don’t wait around for a magical occurrence.

2.       Our circumstances determine our happiness. This is not true, so don’t think, “IF only this would happen, THEN I would be happy.”

3.       You either have it or you don’t. This is also not true. As you read above, you’ve got 40% to develop. You CAN make improvements.

Here are some simple tasks that anyone can do to improve their level of happiness:

1. Express Gratitude- You can tell others or you can write it down.

2. Avoid Over Thinking And Social Comparison- Cut down on how often you rethink your problems and compare yourself to others.

3. Practice Acts Of Kindness- Practice this at least once a day. Hold the door someone, give a compliment, etc. Putting a smile on someone’s face will naturally make you smile too.

4. Nurture Relationships- Spend time and energy in cultivating and enjoying a relationship, or healing an ailing relationship.

5. Develop Strategies for Coping- Practice ways to handle or get over stress, hardship, or trauma.

6. Learn To Forgive- Write a letter in which you try to let go of anger or resentment of someone. It’s necessary to write it, but NOT necessary to mail it.

7. Do More Activities That Truly Engage You- Get involved in something that really takes your mind away from things. Get in the “Flow Activities” – You know you’re in a flow when you lose track of time.

8. Savor Life’s Joys- Pay close attention and repay life’s momentary pleasures and wonders.

9. Commit To Your Goals- Pick one or several of your goals and devote time and effort to pursuing them.

10. Take Care Of Your Body- Engage in physical activity, meditating, smiling, laughing and some “ME” time.

Being happy with yourself will reflect on your work and at home so put a smile on your face and don’t worry yourself with things that you have no control of.

“Smile- it’s the most generous thing you can do and an inexpensive way to improve your mood”

Maria Torres, Staffing Associate

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This week check out the newly released Renoir Staffing newsletter! We’ve had a busy summer this year: new office and recruiter, amazing events, and great new clients who love our rock star employees!

Check it out here: Renoir Newsletter

The team at Renoir Staffing would like to thank all the clients and candidates that make this company the leader in the real estate staffing industry-we appreciate you!

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Employment through a temporary service creates many unique challenges for the safety of the employee that may not occur in a traditional employment relationship. It is the responsibility of the staffing company, the client, and the employee to create a safe place for the employee to work.

The staffing company is responsible for ensuring the employee is covered under a Workers Compensation insurance policy and to manage any claims of injury that occur. To minimize claims, the company needs to know as much about the job assignment and workplace where the employee will be working, since it is not possible to observe the employee on a daily basis. In order to gather this information, the company will perform periodic visits to the client worksite to check for anything that could be a potential hazard for the employee.

For a temporary employee, it is very important that he or she maintains communication with the staffing company, especially where safety is concerned. If the employee is injured or feels that he or she is working in an unsafe environment, the first call should be to the recruiter at the staffing company. The company should respond swiftly to any concerns to ensure that the employee is safe and any injuries are treated immediately.

It is the employee’s right and the employer’s (both the staffing company and the client company) obligation to have a safe place to work, but it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that this happens. With open communication everyone can a safe and productive workplace!

Sara Skowronski, Manager of Operations & Human Resources

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Keep up on what’s happening at Renoir Staffing, LLC., including Recruiter Updates and who’s made the Employee All-Star List so far this year!

To view the newsletter, click on the following link:

Renoir Staffing Newsletter

Thank you for being the reason that Renoir Staffing, LLC. is the premier source for Real Estate Staffing Solutions!

In asking ourselves the big question, “how do we grow our business?” there are many times that we miss the mark.  No matter what industry you are in there is always the push for profitability and growth no matter what industry or company you are with.  Sometimes we spin our wheels trying to get those numbers and we forget the big picture and our greatest asset.  Our current clients, residents, employees and vendors are seen as dispensable.  Our main focus is to replace those that have given us their loyalty over time and worked with us during changing times.

In an ever changing economy and world, it is very important to look within.  Look to your current employees for ideas that they may have to strengthen your strategy from their experiences in the field.  Inspire open communication; you would be surprised at the volume of feasible and attainable recommendations you have at your disposal without having to spend money to find the ideas.  Your employees are customers, the biggest way to ensure their loyalty is to listen to them fluidly.  This is where your feedback and implementation will begin.  Without their buy-in you are headed down a shaky path or a difficult transition.

Often times when we seek to increase profitability we look to find new clients, residents and vendors to start the process over again from scratch.  While this may be a viable thing, I would never recommend placing all of your eggs in one basket.  Don’t forget that it’s easier to maintain an established, trusting relationship than to start from scratch.   Many times companies wish to grow but do not consider the potential growth from established relationships.  The best way to do this is to get to know your clients and residents on a level that does not include the “sale.” Show a personal interest that will build value for them individually and gain their loyalty.  These loyal relationships will build referrals which will increase your bottom line and establish long-term relationships.

Work together with current vendors to negotiate costs to ease the budget pains and maintain quality.  It can sometimes seem less costly to go with a lower price but in reality sometimes you get what you pay for.  Is your good name worth the reputation of below-expectation results?  Do you really want to have the job done twice, now exceeding the original cost?  A good vendor that you have built a relationship with will be willing to negotiate what they can to maintain the relationship and loyalty of their customers too.  In many ways it’s all about the asking.

Jacquee Landry, Recruiter

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