If you have an interview coming up with Progress Residential, you likely want to go in as prepared as possible. Progress Residential is one of the largest third-party property management companies in the United States. With a strong focus on customer service and technology, they continue to grow rapidly.
Getting hired at Progress Residential is competitive – you’ll need to showcase your skills, experience and fit for the role. In this article, we provide an overview of Progress Residential along with sample interview questions and suggested responses to help you have an outstanding interview.
About Progress Residential
Progress Residential is a property management company based in Scottsdale, AZ with over 40,000 single-family rental homes across the United States. Here are some key facts about the company:
- Founded in 2012, they now operate in over 20 states nationwide.
- They utilize proprietary technology to streamline operations and the renter experience.
- Ranked one of the top 25 single-family rental owners in the U.S.
- Earned a spot on the Inc 5000 list of America’s fastest growing private companies.
- Culture focused on accountability, collaboration, transparency and delivering great service.
Roles They Hire For
Progress Residential hires professionals across many functions including
- Property Managers
- Leasing Consultants
- Maintenance Technicians
- Construction Managers
- Corporate Roles: Accounting, Marketing, Technology, Customer Experience
They seek candidates with customer service skills, self-motivation, organization and a commitment to excellence. Specific qualifications vary by role.
Interview Formats
The interview process typically involves:
- A phone screening with the talent acquisition team
- 1-2 virtual or in-person interviews with hiring managers
- For corporate roles – an additional culture interview with an executive
Interviews are behavioral-based using open-ended questions about your skills experience and work style. You may also undergo skills assessments for certain roles.
Common Interview Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most frequently asked Progress Residential interview questions along with tips for crafting strong responses
Tell me about yourself.
Focus your 1-2 minute elevator pitch on your background relevant to the role. Share what motivates you professionally.
Sample Answer: “I’m a property manager with over 7 years of experience in the residential real estate industry. After getting my start as a leasing agent, I progressed into an assistant manager position and then became a property manager two years ago. I love having ownership of an entire property – overseeing leasing, maintenance and financial performance. I’m drawn to Progress Residential because of your focus on leveraging technology to create amazing renter experiences.”
Why do you want to work for Progress Residential?
Show you’ve researched the company and are aligned with their mission and values. Share specific aspects of the culture and work that appeal to you.
Sample Answer: “I’m excited by Progress Residential’s commitment to empowering employees and providing opportunities to take on leadership roles. Your focus on transparency, collaboration and continuous learning strongly aligns with how I approach work. I also love that you utilize technology to make processes more efficient and provide an exceptional renter experience – that’s the kind of innovation that motivates me.”
What is your greatest strength?
Choose a strength directly tied to the role and provide a specific example of how you’ve successfully applied it in the past.
Sample Answer: “I have extremely strong attention to detail – it’s critical for success in property management. For example, when preparing units for new tenants, I thoroughly inspect each home to catch any maintenance issues proactively. I also carefully review leases to ensure accuracy before having new residents sign. My diligent quality checks help us avoid major problems down the line.”
What is your greatest weakness?
Be honest but pick something minor that won’t detract from your ability to excel in the role. Show self-awareness and how you actively work to improve.
Sample Answer: “In the past, I sometimes struggled with time management when juggling competing priorities. I’ve dramatically improved my skills in this area by proactively planning my week out and creating daily to-do lists to stay focused. But I do still keep an eye on it to make sure I’m allocating my time effectively.”
Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you handled it.
Share a specific example that demonstrates skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and perseverance. Explain the positive outcome.
Sample Answer: “When COVID-19 hit, we had residents losing jobs and struggling to pay rent. I had compassion for their situations and worked directly with each resident to set up personalized payment plans. This kept people in their homes, maintained positive relationships, and ensured we continued collecting revenue, although slower than usual. It was a win-win solution in a tough environment.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Show you have long-term growth goals aligned with the company. You’re interested in expanding your skills
When are Move-in Orientations held?
Move-in Orientations are available Monday through Friday between 9am and 12:30pm local time. Please Note: Move-in Orientations can only be done with an adult who is listed on the lease. Learn more about the Move-in Orientation here.
How often will maintenance be completed on my home?
Each system in the house is carefully checked and maintained by our team before you move in to make sure they’re all in good shape. We have to check and maintain some systems, like the HVAC, from time to time to make sure they’re fully functional and working at their best. Every so often, our team will do these Preventative Maintenance Inspections. If we need to go inside the house, we will, of course, work with you to set up an appointment time. We can perform maintenance even when you’re not home. Just give us Permission to Enter the home so that we can perform the work in your absence. Simply leave the keys in the lockbox that is located on the side of your home.
