The Top 12 Extra Space Storage Interview Questions and How to Ace Them

Getting hired at Extra Space Storage, one of the largest self-storage providers in the United States, is no easy feat With over 2,200 locations across the country, Extra Space Storage has high standards when it comes to hiring employees who can provide excellent customer service, oversee facility operations, and contribute to the company’s continued growth

In order to stand out from the competition during the Extra Space Storage interview process, it’s important to prepare for and have winning answers to the most commonly asked interview questions. I have compiled a list of 12 of the top Extra Space Storage interview questions that you’re likely to encounter along with tips on how to craft strong responses.

1. Why do you want to work for Extra Space Storage?

This is a very common question that comes up in most interviews, regardless of the company or role Interviewers ask this because they want to gauge your genuine interest in the company and the position.

How to answer: Highlight what attracts you specifically to Extra Space Storage. Mention the company’s reputation as an industry leader in self-storage, its core values, career development opportunities, and any other factors that appeal to you. Convey your enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of the company.

2. What experience do you have in the self-storage industry?

While prior experience in self-storage is not always required, it can certainly give you an edge over other candidates. Interviewers want to determine your familiarity with the industry and assess if you have the necessary skills.

How to answer: If you have worked in self-storage before, provide an overview of your experience. Mention specific responsibilities you had and skills gained that would be applicable. If you lack direct experience, highlight any transferable skills from other roles in areas like customer service, sales, facilities management etc. that would enable you to thrive at Extra Space Storage.

3. How would you handle an angry customer upset about the cleanliness of their storage unit?

Questions around dealing with unhappy customers are very common for customer-facing roles. Interviewers want to know that you can maintain professionalism and resolve issues even when confronted with an angry customer.

How to answer: Express empathy for the customer’s frustration. Explain how you would listen to their concerns, apologize for the inconvenience and immediately address the issue. Outline steps to ensure the unit gets cleaned thoroughly and discuss how you would follow up with the customer to make sure they are satisfied with the resolution. Stay calm and focused on resolving the issue when describing your approach.

4. What strategies would you implement to increase occupancy rates at our storage facilities?

This question tests your ability to think strategically and innovatively to drive business results. The interviewer wants to assess if you can develop creative ideas to attract customers and optimize utilization of existing facilities.

How to answer: Suggest innovative promotions to attract new customers such as discounted first month’s rent or referral programs. Discuss ways to retain existing customers through excellent service and building relationships. Propose utilizing digital marketing and social media to enhance visibility and outreach in the local community. Emphasize being data-driven by regularly reviewing analytics on occupancy rates to refine strategies.

5. How would you respond if you noticed a safety hazard at one of our storage facilities?

Safety is paramount for a company like Extra Space Storage that handles people’s valuable possessions. Interviewers will evaluate how observant and proactive you are when it comes to ensuring safety compliance.

How to answer: Mention that you would immediately take steps to cordon off the hazardous area and report the issue urgently to the facility manager or safety coordinator. Share how you would ensure any affected customers are informed promptly and alternate arrangements are made for accessing their units until the issue is resolved. Emphasize following up to guarantee the hazard is addressed quickly.

6. Tell me about a time you had to manage a challenging colleague. How did you handle it?

Your interviewer is looking to assess your people management and conflict resolution abilities with this question. They want to know how you approach difficult situations with professionalism.

How to answer: Provide a real example demonstrating your conflict management skills. Explain how you approached the individual, had an open non-confrontational dialogue, identified issues, and worked together to find solutions. Emphasize maintaining composure and finding common ground. Share the positive outcome of the situation.

7. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest industry best practices for managing self-storage facilities?

Given how rapidly the self-storage industry evolves, Extra Space Storage wants employees who take initiative to stay current on the latest technologies, business strategies and innovations.

How to answer: Mention reading industry publications, blogs and participating in forums or groups of storage professionals. Discuss attending seminars and trade shows when possible. Share how you leverage online resources and social media to keep up with industry news and trends. Convey an eagerness to continuously learn.

8. Why do you feel you would be successful in this District Manager role?

For managerial positions, this is a very common question aimed at understanding why you’re confident you have the necessary skills and traits to excel in the role. Prepare a compelling summary of your relevant qualifications.

How to answer: Highlight key attributes that would make you successful, such as strong leadership, communication skills, and analytical thinking. Provide examples of how you’ve used these capabilities to drive results. Mention any previous experience in management or self-storage. Express enthusiasm for the opportunity and convey self-motivation.

9. How would you promote cooperation between team members who are not getting along?

This behavioral question tests your conflict management skills and emotional intelligence. As a manager, resolving team conflicts diplomatically is essential.

How to answer: State that open communication is key. Explain how you would meet privately with the individuals to better understand their perspectives, identify issues, and find areas of common ground. Discuss facilitating a constructive discussion to reach a mutually agreeable solution. Emphasize following up to ensure a positive working relationship.

10. What key metrics would you track regularly to measure the financial health of a self-storage facility?

This question evaluates your analytical skills and knowledge of the financial aspects of self-storage management. Being able to monitor and optimize financial performance is critical in this business.

How to answer: Discuss key metrics you would track such as occupancy rates, net rental income, labor costs, concessions/discounts and net operating income. Share how analyzing trends in these metrics can provide insights into profitability, revenue optimization and cost efficiency at a facility. Demonstrate knowledge of using KPIs effectively.

11. How would you respond if occupancy rates declined at your facility?

Expect scenario-based questions that assess analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The interviewer wants to understand how you would diagnose issues and improve performance.

How to answer: Explain how you would investigate why occupancy is declining by reviewing market data, competitor offerings and pricing, new development nearby etc. Describe strategies to turn it around e.g. localized marketing campaigns, competitive pricing incentives, focusing on excellent customer service. Convey a solutions-oriented approach.

12. Do you have any questions for me?

This gives you a chance to demonstrate genuine interest in the company and role while seeking insights that will help you determine if it is the right fit.

How to answer: Ask smart questions that show you have done research prior to the interview. Inquire about challenges faced in the role, traits of top performers, future growth plans for the region, opportunities for career development, or the interviewer’s own experience working for Extra Space Storage.

Preparing strong responses to questions like these requires understanding Extra Space Storage’s priorities and expectations for the position. With the right attitude and thoughtful answers, you can set yourself apart from other applicants during the interview process. The key is to practice responses aloud and highlight the skills, experience and work ethic that make you the ideal candidate.