Property Manager Resume Example & Writing Guide

Your property manager resume is an essential tool to show potential employers that you're a trustworthy and effective guardian for their property. You’re in the right place for tips and tools that will help you create a great first impression from the moment the hiring manager opens your application. Resume.io’s job search resources include more than 350 occupation-specific resume examples and writing guides.

This guide is designed to teach you everything you need to know to land your next job in property management. Here's what we'll go over, with reference throughout to an adaptable property manager resume example:

• What does a property manager do, and how the job market affects your resume
• The right structure and best format for a property manager resume
• The purpose of each resume component: header, summary, employment history, education, and skills
• What skills and experiences are essential for a property manager resume
• Understanding that visual appeal makes a difference to your resume reader, just as it does to property tenants

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What does a property manager do?

Property managers are real estate professionals who are responsible for overseeing and managing properties. Whether it's organizing routine maintenance or troubleshooting unforeseen issues, property managers make sure that an apartment or office building has everything it needs to function properly.

Property managers strive to attract tenants or buyers by maintaining the appearance and condition of properties, and working to entice possible renters or buyers. Property managers establish rental rates by researching and understanding the market in the area. They negotiate lease terms and aim to make tenants happy during their occupation. A successful property manager has excellent communication and multitasking skills, and is able to strategize effectively.

Property managers are often considered to be jacks of all trades. A typical day might include sales, administrative, and maintenance duties all wrapped up into one. Here are some of the common tasks:

• Showing and selling new units
• Hiring contractors for repairs and maintenance
• Surveying the building and troubleshooting problems
• Paying bills, preparing documents and keeping records
• Collecting rent and logging complaints from tenants

How to write a property manager resume

Regardless of what purpose a building is designed to serve, and how it’s furnished, a failsafe structure is what they all have in common. Similarly, virtually all resumes follow this framework of essential components:

• Resume header
• Summary
• Employment history
• Education
• Skills

A property manager resume should highlight a candidate’s ability to manage projects and work well with others. Your resume should highlight successful rental and lease numbers, and showcase your ability to effectively manage multiple properties. Citing referrals from others, and your ability to maintain and increase property values, provides added persuasive impact

While making sure to focus on your proudest career moments, also make every effort to tailor your resume to the specific property management position and employer. Scrutinize the posted job ad carefully so you can effectively target the hiring organization’s needs and convey that you are an ideal match. and create an impressive skills section that promotes your best managerial skills. 

Choosing the best resume format for a property manager

The chronological format is recommended and used most often to organize resume information.  It's also what recruiters prefer because they can easily review a candidate’s work experience in relation to each employee position. Job highlights are listed as bullet points under employer headings, in order from most recent to earliest dates. This effectively tells a story of growth and development over time, typically starting with the most relevant accomplishments.

Other resume formats work best for job seekers who are new to the workforce, changing careers, or working independently in freelance or consulting roles. The functional resume format emphasizes skills rather than employers, while the hybrid (combination) format has both chronological and functional elements. 

Resume header

When a recruiter first lays eyes on your resume, the header section will likely be noticed first, so choose a design that’s attractive and distinctive. This is where the identifying information is displayed prominently. It makes your job application stand out and be found readily when the employer wants to contact you — hopefully for an interview. Include your name, occupation/job title, address, phone number and email. Add your LinkedIn profile link as well.

Property manager resume summary example: a touch of personality

The resume summary gives an overview of your professional experience and motivations for applying to the position. Highlight your most impressive accomplishments and attributes here. Use as many powerful action verbs as you can. A great summary shows that you're an organized property manager who works well under pressure. If you have necessary or relevant certifications or are licensed, you can also mention that here.

The summary — sometimes called the profile or personal statement — is also the only place on your resume where you have a chance to show off a bit of your personality. You can put yourself ahead of other candidates by coming across as professional, personable and polite — important traits for property managers who spend a lot of time dealing with people.

Use the text below from our property manager resume example as a guide for crafting your summary.

Employment history sample: the right track

Employment history is one of the most essential resume sections. Organize your work experience highlights by listing the company name, your job title, the date and location. Below each position, create up to five bullet points describing your key contributions in that role, emphasizing how the employer benefited.

Focus on the most relevant and impressive positions and accomplishments. Again, use powerful action verbs and mention job-specific roles. To increase your chances of landing the position, customize your resume based on the employer's posted job description.

Below is the employment history section of our property manager resume example for you to consider and adapt to your situation.

Property manager resume education example: a strong foundation

Since many of a property manager's skills can be learned on the job, your resume's education section may not be lengthy. List your high school only if it is the highest education you've completed. 

Otherwise, mention any diploma or certificate courses you have completed, as well as any degrees. These should appear in reverse chronological order, from highest to lowest level. Also mention on-the-job training, professional development offerings through a peer association, or certifications you’ve obtained.

Check out this property manager resume example to see how to organize your education section:

CV skills example: the winning combination

The skills section is one of the most important in your property manager CV. Try to include a mixture of hard and soft skills based on the job description. You can refer to the job description for any hard skills that are essential for your resume. 

Promote your managerial strengths in the soft skills you list, especially interpersonal skills Good communication skills, customer service skills and organization are also essential for a property manager position. 

See the adaptable property manager resume example below.

Resume layout, design and formatting

When building owners look at your property management resume, they are evaluating its visual appearance just as much as the words on the page. Choosing appropriate layout, design and formatting elements is vital to ensure a your resume looks professional and polished.

Make sure to pay attention to your font style and sizes as well as the balance of white space to text. San serif fonts like Helvetica, Georgia or Arial are standard for resumes because of their clean appearance. 

If you don't have time to fight with word processors over layout, design and formatting = choices, using  one of Resume.io's field-tested resume templates may be able to help. For property managers, we recommend those in the professional style category, with clean lines and great organization.

Key takeaways

1. An exceptional resume is the best way to convey your relevant skills and experience when it comes time to land your next property management position.
2. Beat the ATS algorithms by incorporating job description keywords throughout your resume, especially in the summary and skills sections.
3. Create a summary section that gives a taste of your experience, plus your professional demeanor and strongest skills
4. Customize your employment history section with the tasks and accomplishments most relevant to the position you're applying for
5. Make a great first impression with an easy-to-read resume layout and design.