Renoir Staffing Blog

As we head into a weekend of celebrating family and friends, and preparing for the New Year shortly thereafter, we’ve been reflecting on the history of the company. 2012 is Renoir Staffing’s 27th year in the property management industry, and the company’s path to present time has been quite exciting.

On October 31, 1985 Carol Kotewicz-Dencker started Renoir Staffing Services, Inc. to offer the highest level of service to the property management industry. By 1996, Carol had opened Sacramento Office and the company reached its’ first million dollars in revenue. From that point on, Renoir Staffing continued to prosper and grow, receiving such honors as Largest Woman-Owned Business and Fastest-Growing Private Company from the Business Journal Lists.

In 2010, Kotewisz-Denker retired and sold the company to Blue Lake Rancheria, and we became an LLC. With the new company Renoir opened up two new offices: the Phoenix office in 2010 and Newport Beach in August 2011. It’s been exciting for us to expand our services within the industry and we take our responsility to be relied upon as a leader in staffing seriously. We’re happy to do so too!

2011 has been a year of growth and evolution for Renoir Staffing, and after spending time with our candidates and clients this year, we have noticed that others have experienced these trends as well. A common opinion has been one of excitement. They’re preparing for the future: beefing up their skill-set and expanding the role of their position, or making plans for their property’s community. 2012 appears to be the year of action, and it’s no different for us.

We’ll be busy listening to the needs of the industry and responding with stellar service. We’ll also be offering the tools the industry’s leaders need to grow their own businesses, namely employees that are the best the area has to offer. And we’ll continue and expand our role in finding highly qualified candidates great jobs in their fields. This is why we’re excited for the New Year!

We’d like to wish you a very Happy Holiday season and thank you for being a part of Renoir Staffing’s growth and evolution. May you experience joy and prosperity in the New Year!

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The Team at Renoir Staffing with special thanks to Carol Martinez for providing historical reference of the company.

Growing up I was always very good in math and it was actually one of my favorite subjects in school. When most students were taking art and music and other fun elective courses I was taking any and all types of math courses for my electives. I ventured into taking an accounting class in the 12^th grade and I knew then that was what I wanted to do. After graduating high school I took some accounting courses at a junior college. It was at this point that I realized accounting was what I wanted to do for sure and decided to enroll at Heald Business College.

After graduating, I had the privilege to work for some very good companies that allowed me to use the skills that I learned. Not only did I have the opportunity to utilize my skills but I worked with a lot of people that were willing to teach me areas of accounting that I didn’t know. That is probably where most of my knowledge in accounting comes from; on the job training and people that had confidence in me to teach me more. I know there is still plenty more for me to learn and I will continue to learn through education from accounting courses and asking how and why.

It’s always important to keep in mind that through work experience you can broaden your skills set and uncover new areas in your field of interest that you find interesting!

La Terra Francis, Accounting Manager

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With the New Year right around the corner, it’s important to know what the current trends are for job hunting and how you can be better prepared for the search yourself. The following links will take you to websites and blogs that can help you start 2012 on the right foot!

Getting Ready Now for Job Search 2012 This blog illustrates some of the tools you’ll need in hand when you head out the door to land your target job, including documents.

Six Things to Do Now for Your 2012 Job Search The author of this blog entry, Liz Ryan, guides you step-by-step on not only what you’ll need to take with you on interviews, but also on how to better construct your answers to questions posed by potential employers. A great guide designed to highlight your skills.

Eight Tips for Job Hunting During the Recession Monster.com contributing write Margot lester has compiled some great tips for job hunters in searching for employment in this less-than-perfect economy. One of her tips? Taking a temporary position. We like that!

And, of course, Renoir Staffing! If you’re new to our blog, be sure to check out previous posts because we take great care in providing you effective resources to help you in building your career.

And, on another note, don’t get frustrated! Always remember that there are resources available to you that can help you in your quest and that there are others in your position. 2012 is the year for the new YOU at your new workplace, and Renoir Staffing will continue to provide the workforce essential industry information.

Jessie Williams, Marketing Coordinator

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It has always been said that it is ‘who you know’ that helps someone get a job.  That theory has not changed. In fact, it is even more important now in our current job market.  Hiring managers sift through so many resumes that it is easy for them to skip over yours, even if you are qualified for the position.  But knowing who should receive your resume and/or who to call to speak with, may greatly increase your chances of getting an interview, or the best result, a job!  Seeking an experienced recruiter, in the specific field you work in, can be the answer to your current job search.

Not all recruiters have the perfect job for you or even have open positions, but what recruiters do have are contacts.  Take Renoir Staffing for example, I have been here for six years and I am pretty sure I know most of the regional managers with each company by now.  I know the decision makers, who hires, what positions are most commonly available in their company, I even know if their employees are happy or not!   Not only can I help push you in the right direction, I can also take a look at your resume and make sure it has all the points that a hiring manager wants to see.

I have many job seekers that utilize me just for questions and answers, and that’s okay, too.  In the end, networking is one of the best ways to implement the old saying, “It’s who you know.”  So if you find yourself struggling to get interviews or knowing who to follow up with, contact a recruiter in your field and see where it takes you!

Lia Lovelady, Recruiter

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One of the best ways in which you can succeed as a staffing professional is to attend industry events. They are empowering and give great insight into current industry trends and up-to-date sales strategies. Simple run an internet search on your industry along with ‘associations’ and you’ll see the many options you’ll have to choose from! In regards to property management, California Apartment Association (CAA) and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) are two examples of the excellent associations available to become a member with and grow your skill-set.

As Renoir Staffing’s San Francisco recruiter, I highly recommend California Staffing Professionals (CSP). They offer a wide array of services including an Annual Conference and their upcoming Staffing Owners Retreat. To view their upcoming events calendar, visit their website at www.cspnet.org.

Another great resource for training in staffing sales is Barbara Bruno. She has over 25 years of successful staffing experience and her webinars (another great and affordable resource!) can improve your “game” significantly! Sign up at www.recruitertraining.net.

Whether your work in staffing or many of the other sales industries out there, events, online training, and being a member of an association, can strengthen your sales skills and increase the level of success you enjoy from your career!

Theresa Cannon, Recruiter

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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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It’s no secret that there are a lot of job seekers out there right now, and a limited number of positions open. We’ve heard the statistics: one job posting receiving as much as a couple hundred resumes from job seekers.

How are you supposed to compete?!

We’ve given you interview tips in the past (not to mention what to wear to interviews!) so this week’s focus will be on the resume. It’s important because this is the first piece of information that a potential employer will receive from you and it’s critical in its’ role to getting you an interview and hopefully, the job!

We receive a lot of resumes here at Renoir Staffing. A LOT. We have a trained eye, like many employers out there, for what constitutes an impressive resume versus what is simply a mess of words. You don’t want all your experience, years of hard work, to be reduced to a mess of words, do you? Of course not! So let’s go over the basic format and content that will get you noticed, in a good way.

First, the cover letter. Not all employers require it, but in recent years as unemployment has soared, cover letters are used by companies to filter out the undesirable applicants. It’s recommended to always have one of these at the ready, just in case. Save a generic cover letter on your computer, one that can easily be adapted to the job description in which you’re applying. Cover letters are a great way to shine out from from the masses and they should follow a few simple rules:

1. Keep it concise. Granted, cover letters allow you to expand on the information in your resume, but don’t go overboard. Focus and elaborate only on the skills that really make you an asset to a company.

2. Keep it conservative. No, we’re not talking about your political views, but rather the way in which you talk about how fabulous you are (example: the word fabulous should not be found in your cover letter!). Avoid exclamation points, slang, and being overly confident. In essence, give yourself credit as an amazing employee but avoid coming off as obnoxious.

3. Know the job in which you are applying. This is critical. While it is time-consuming to research every company that posts a job you’re interested in shooting off a resume for, the current unemployment reality out there deems it necessary. You want the company to want you, right? You have to show them that you are interested in working for them, not just in working period. The cover letter is the perfect opportunity to show them that you know what they do, what their company culture is, and why you’d be the perfect fit. Do your research.

More tips on (and examples of) cover letters? Click here.

Secondly, the resume. Does it give you anxiety? That’s okay! The first rule is to take a deep breath and remind yourself that not only are there other people out there feeling your pain, but that you can do it! And it’s easier than you think. Let’s get started.

1. Content. Grab a sheet of binder paper and a pen, don’t immediately start typing, make a draft first! Write down your last three to four jobs that you’ve had and what you did for them. What was your title? And don’t make up something to sound fancy, employers see right through that. What were your main duties? Be specific but not wordy. And make sure to include two to three achievements you accomplished while on the job! In the case of property management, did you increase residency rates by 20%? Now is the time to write it down!

2. References. Sorry, but your uncle won’t work here, even if you don’t share the same last name. You need to come up with two to three professional references, people who can vouch for your strong work ethic and ingenuity on the job. Are you new to the job market and possess little experience? That’s okay! Put down your volunteer work or past internships. A job doesn’t have to pay you to be a worthwhile component of your resume. Don’t have any of these? There are plenty of volunteer/intern opportunities out there you can gain experience out of. For example, resident activities and office administration. Show up and ask how you can help. This also constitutes as networking, you never know who you’ll meet and who they know, unpaid work can lead to careers!

3. Editing and layout. Here is one that is OFTEN overlooked. Once you’ve typed out your resume, look at it with a microscope. Are there typos? Are you using the correct form of their/there/they’re? Do the sentences ramble on and on (big no-no!)? Have you used fancy font (simple, readable font works best). What are these questions leading to? Keep it neat and clean. Employers want to review resumes quickly and efficiently. If your layout is messy, e.g. wordy, aesthetically complicated, missing dates or full job descriptions, chances are your resume won’t be placed in the interview pile. You can easily search on the internet for examples of templates that you can use to organize your resume in a way that will entice employers to read it.

More resume tips? Click here.

Remember, a presentable resume is the key to getting those interviews, and subsequently, your next job!

Thank you to About.com for the supplemental cover letter and resume tips to this blog. Be sure to check them out!

Jessie Williams, Marketing Coordinator

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Temps often don’t get the respect they deserve and with the downturn of the economy, it is taking temporary employees much longer to secure a fulltime position.

However, if a temporary worker uses an assignment as a working interview very often they are invited back, or asked to stay at the assignment longer.

Here are some tips on how to be the perfect temp:

Do your homework: If you have been assigned a position, do some research on the management company and the property. A good resource is the local Apartment Guides that can be found free at supermarkets and other stores.  If time permits call the property and introduce yourself.

Show up and look good: It is very important to be on time or a bit early and always look professional!

Forget you’re a temp: While you are at the property you are part of the TEAM and you work for them on behalf of the agency.

Throw away your watch: Clock watchers irritate dedicated bosses and key team members.

Expect no support: Understand that people won’t have that much time. Just get the work done.

Be yourself: But try and fit in! If you think you like the idea of becoming a temp-to-perm employee, work well with the team. As a temp, everyone gets to see all of you, which is a good thing if you’re hoping they’ll offer you a job. People often get jobs based on personality. Through temping, people who wouldn’t normally get the job, get the job!

Heightened skills: Soft or hard, you need to have good skills. Seek extra training if your skills are not strong.

interviews:Interviews are a very forced thing.  Working as a temp-to-perm obviously gets you out of the interview traumas. Employees who start as temps are often people who stay at the job. You get an opportunity to establish whether the culture suits your personality.

Interview your bosses: One of the beauties of temp work is you have the chance to select your prospective employer. Working as a temp also gives companies the chance to “talent spot” you.

Eyes and ears: Keep your ears open if you hear someone say that they need something done, and then volunteer to do the job. Don’t bury yourself in your desk.

Think Solution: Nobody recruits a temp unless there’s a problem they need solving. You should behave as though you’re a solution to a problem they’ve got!

Think long-term: Your temporary boss might pop up elsewhere – perhaps in your next permanent job. Show interest in their business. Don’t say ‘I’m sorry, I’m a temp’ when you answer the phone.

Know your objectives: Is it to earn money, be valued or increase your network?  It could well be all three!

Impliment these tips and you’ll be well on your way to securing a job, permanently!

Karen Quennel, 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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