It can be stressful to look for a new job or get promoted in the self-storage industry. But the best way to get what you want is to show the employer how valuable you are. Here are some ways to separate yourself from competing candidates when prepping for the all-important interview.
You will have to show an interviewer why you are the best person for the job, whether you are looking for a new job in the self-storage industry or trying to move up the ladder at your current job. It’s this person’s responsibility to determine whether your mindset and skills match the needs of the company. The process can be nerve-racking, but it’s necessary. As someone who has run a lot of these kinds of meetings, I can say that almost none of the candidates really want the job. So, let’s look at some ways you can get the job you want and stand out from other candidates.
Interviewing at Public Storage? You’ve come to the right place. With over 2500 self-storage locations across the United States and Europe Public Storage is one of the largest self-storage providers in the world. Landing a job here can be life-changing, but you’ll need to ace the interview first.
As the largest self-storage brand, Public Storage receives thousands of applications every year for various roles like property manager customer service agent maintenance technician, etc. Competition is fierce. Preparation is key to stand out. This comprehensive guide covers the 20 most common Public Storage interview questions, with tips on how to best answer each one.
Research the Company
Interviewers want to see that you’ve taken the time to learn about Public Storage. Brush up on their history, values, services, leadership team, and any recent news. Some good questions to ask yourself
- When was Public Storage founded and how has it grown over the years?
- What makes Public Storage stand out compared to competitors?
- What core values define the company culture?
- Who are the key executives and what are their backgrounds?
- What new products or services has Public Storage launched recently?
Thorough company research demonstrates your interest in Public Storage specifically and the role you’re applying for.
Know the Role
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the position by reviewing the job description closely. What are the key responsibilities? What skills and experience are required? How does this role contribute to the company’s success? Identify how your background makes you a strong candidate.
You can ask insightful questions like:
- What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
- How would you describe the ideal candidate?
- What are the current goals for this position?
This shows the interviewer that you have a vested interest in the role.
Practice Common Interview Questions
Here are the top 20 interview questions to expect and how to best answer them:
1. Why do you want to work at Public Storage?
Highlight your admiration for their industry leadership, values, and growth potential. Share why you’re drawn to the self-storage space specifically. Conclude with how your skills would contribute to their continued success.
2. What experience do you have in this field?
Provide specific examples that showcase your relevant experience. Quantify your achievements and results. Emphasize transferable skills from other roles.
3. Why should we hire you?
Summarize your top strengths and achievements. Explain why you are the best fit for this role at this time. Share what sets you apart from other applicants.
4. What are your greatest strengths?
Share 2-3 top strengths relevant to the role. Provide specific examples of times these strengths helped you excel. Resist the urge to be humble – sell yourself.
5. What is your greatest weakness?
Choose a minor weakness that won’t significantly impact the role. Highlight what you’re doing to improve in this area. Shift the focus to your strengths.
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Demonstrate your long-term focus by sharing your professional goals. Explain how this role is a stepping stone to advance your career at Public Storage.
7. Why do you want to leave your current job?
Remain positive about your previous job. Explain how you’ve taken on all you can in your current role and are excited for new challenges and growth potential at Public Storage.
8. Why was there a gap in your employment history?
If you have gaps in your resume, briefly explain the reason in a positive light. Reaffirm why you are an excellent fit for the role based on your overall experience.
9. Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
Share a story highlighting your leadership abilities – communication, delegation, goal-setting, etc. Explain the situation, your specific actions, and the positive results.
10. Describe a time you faced a difficult customer.
Discuss how you turned an unhappy customer into a satisfied one. Demonstrate patience, empathy and conflict resolution skills. Share any lessons learned.
11. What are your salary expectations?
Avoid naming an exact figure if possible. You can reiterate your flexibility or state that you trust their judgment in making a fair offer.
12. How do you prioritize when juggling multiple tasks?
Explain your approach to time management. Share how you prioritize based on importance and urgency. Give an example if possible.
13. What qualities do you believe are important in a manager?
Highlight leadership traits like effective communication, accountability, integrity, and fostering teamwork. Share how you exemplify these qualities.
14. How do you handle change?
Discuss your adaptability, flexibility, and openness to new initiatives. Provide an example of overcoming a past challenge caused by change.
15. How do you handle stress?
Share healthy coping mechanisms that allow you to thrive under pressure. Assure that you can maintain productivity and quality.
16. What are your career goals?
Explain how your short and long-term goals align with the role and Public Storage’s mission. Demonstrate your ambition and ability to grow with the company.
17. What are your weaknesses?
Be honest but pick non-fatal flaws that you’re actively working to improve. Emphasize strengths that outweigh your weaknesses.
18. What motivates you?
Share what energizes you – a sense of purpose, serving customers, creative problem solving, learning and growth, etc. Match motivations to the role.
19. Why do you want to work in the self-storage industry?
Share your passion for the industry and how your values and strengths align with its goals of secure, convenient storage solutions.
20. Do you have any questions for me?
Always prepare at least 2-3 thoughtful questions that demonstrate your engagement. Ask about challenges, team dynamics, company culture, etc.
Preparing winning answers to common Public Storage interview questions is vital to landing your dream job. This guide covers the top 20 questions you’re likely to face along with sample responses. Do your research, practice until these answers feel natural, and emphasize the unique value you can bring to Public Storage. With some preparation and confidence, you’ll be ready to have a stellar interview. Best of luck!
Understand the Role You Seek
“What do you think a self-storage manager does?” is one of my favorite questions to ask a job candidate. The goal is to find out what they think the manager should bring to the company. The answer can be surprising, even from someone who’s already working as a facility manager. So many times, the candidate’s answer will be off, making it clear that they only sent in their resume because it was easy, not because they really want the job.
If you’re really interested in the job, read the job description carefully and learn as much as you can about the company. You should be able to talk about the role’s vision and what you think you’ll be doing every day in your interview. When hiring someone, every boss or owner wants to know that they fully understand their duties and are ready to do everything that needs to be done. For example, not everyone is comfortable with being outside to clean self-storage units and perform small maintenance tasks. To avoid making a bad hire, the employer needs to be sure that the applicant’s hopes and expectations are in line with what the job actually entails.
This holds true even if you’re seeking a promotion with your current company. Do your best to understand the details of the position. Work to gain insight to important skillsets like site auditing, marketing, training, report analysis and so on. The simplest way to gain this knowledge is to get involved. Take note of what your supervisors do and when. Ask why they make certain decisions. Just this will set you apart from other workers, and if the chance comes up, you might even be able to quickly move up if the job opens up.
Show Confidence and Flexibility
Most employers want to see confidence, which is not the same thing as arrogance. This is true no matter how you answer specific interview questions. You want to come across as self-assured, not a know-it-all.
Because many self-storage jobs require a lot of independence, employers want to hire people who are sure of what they want to do but also willing to keep learning. If you’ve been in the business for a long time, you should still show that you’re open to new ideas and willing to learn. Though experience may give you a competitive edge, no one wants a stubborn mule who can’t be trained.
You might find that the choices you make in your current job will only work for that one self-storage facility and not for others. In a new role, you could be working with different people, perspectives and even cultures. Adaptability is a must if you want to advance.
