How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our property?
"I typically learn a new job within a month. In the second month, I start learning the working and communication styles of my team members and my superiors. In the third month, I'm able to interpret all of that to understand the needs of the organization and the style in which they prefer it to be met. Then, within the next three months, I start making significant improvements. In my last job, I earned a 15% raise within the first three months and I made my superiors proud by the sixth month."
6 months! No matter how you approach your new role, it typically takes at least 6 months to fully assimilate to the new position and learn the culture, the needs of the property, and make proper observations along the way. Sure, you will make tangible changes during this timeframe. You might upgrade landscaping or counsel a few employees. You may even bring in a new vendor or lead a sizable project. But, the most meaningful thing you can do for the company up front is become fully assimilated to the company and your new role. Share this with the interviewer!
"I typically become comfortable with a new job within a month. In the second month, I start learning the working and communication styles of my team members and my superiors. In the third month, I'm able to interpret all of that to understand the needs of the organization and the style in which the team prefer those needs to be met. Then, within the next three months, I start making significant improvements. In my last job, I earned a 15% raise within the first three months, and I made a lasting impact by the sixth month."
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Anonymous Answer
I think it takes 6 months before anyone becomes totally assimilated in a new position. In that time I will be learning as much as I can about tenants, community, co-workers, and procedures to see where I can bring value.
Stephanie's Feedback
While I agree that it takes most people 6 months to totally acclimate to a new role, most managers are thinking about your ability to add value and want to know that you'll hit the ground running. I suggest you add a little more urgency to this response by stating that, while you'll learn a lot and soak in new information during your first six months, you're also committed to hitting the ground running and working to make an impact/
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