I've owned single family rentals as a sole proprietor landlord since 1995. I've been a REALTOR for just as long.

Lately, I've applied to 2 different apartment manager leasing jobs; both are HUD properties. One is a small outfit, less than 100; and the other is way over 100. The larger outfit has placed the ad twice and I've applied twice. So far, I've not heard a peep out of either.

As part of my continuing education to hold my REALTOR licence, I am required to take Fair Housing classes, and I've faithfully attended and learned each time.

I know Microsoft software. I know how to track, then prepare a Schedule E.

I digress.

I would like some advice that would make me look more attractive for an assistant apartment manager job when the apartments are HUD properties. What are the "magic words" I could write on a cover letter that would make me stand out as a great candidate?

Steve,

Have you called the larger place to inquire as to what they are seeking?

At this point, I own 3 houses that are not HUD homes and are in a different town entirely; not exactly competition. I have the idea that Fair Housing training/experience would be preferred over not having it; especially when the "testers" arrive to look for a rental.

You are facing age discrimination. It is real, and it is pervasive in the "apply by computer" era. You application will just disappear in the internet.

The answer -- APPLY IN PERSON. Find out who the hiring manager is (not the 20 year old in Human Resources who thinks 50 is ancient. You need to bypass this person.) Make an appointment with the hiring manager. Come wearing a suit and bring a resume. Make it an "informational interview" about HUD property management in general.

I had to go this route when I relocated and needed a new job at the age of 58. I am healthy and look much younger. After months of not getting a response from applying on-line, I was hired ON THE SPOT by the hiring manager when I interviewed. Your ability to ferret out the hiring manager will be a testiment to your problem -solving skills. You will need to mend some fences with the 20 year old in HR, but that is easy.

Steve if you sent your resume and completed your application on line it could be as simple as a word that the hiring manager is looking for in the application process.

Also they may need to have x amount of applicants before they can interview since its a HUD Section 8 property.

You may be over qualified for the assistant manager position.

You may not have the apartment managers certification course. That may not be the proper name for it but they may be required to hire someone who is a certified property manager. Since you are a REALTOR then you may be able to take a few courses to become a certified property manager.

Go there in person and you can meet the property manager. However this may not be the person doing the hiring they may be in another state at the corporate offices if this is a large apartment complex.

Why don't you get a brokers license and start your own management company? then you will make way better money. Years ago my wife was applying for jobs and no call or anything,we live out in the country a bit but not that far and we are used to traveling to the city for work but our town is perceived by people in the local city to be much further away than it is,after several months of this i told my wife to change her address on her resume from our address to her grandparents address which was in the local city,all of a sudden she had interviews and a job with 2 weeks.The ironic thing was of everyone working with her during snowstorms only my wife and the boss were on time,the local employees couldnt get there on time because they parked on the street and had to dig there cars out first while my wife had a garage and easier roads to drive on since with no cars on the road the plows are able to do a good job plowing our roads

Steve,

Sounds like a low paying clerical job.

There are TONS of LLs wanting a competent PM.