- Most adults have to pass two specific milestones at some point: the job search and the apartment hunt.
- Business Insider spoke with career experts on tips to keep in mind when scouring job boards and apartment listings.
- Long-time career coach Elizabeth Atcheson said preparing to answer tough questions about a layoff or a bad experience with a previous landlord can ensure a more efficient search.
- Click here for more BI Prime stories.
There are many parallels that come with your job and apartment searches: they're both grueling, time consuming, and ridiculously competitive.
These hunts are stressful, but there are some savvy tactics you can use to bring about faster and more efficient results.
Business Insider talked to career experts on how to master both your job search and apartment hunt, and they've shared six things to keep in mind.
SEE ALSO: Here's how much it costs to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the 49 largest US cities
Know your income floor
Here's the sweet spot: You want a livable salary paired with affordable housing.
Elizabeth Atcheson, a long-time career coach with over 25 years of experience, told Business Insider that it's crucial to know your income floor and rent ceiling so that you don't apply for listings that you couldn't live on.
In fact, she tells her clients not to bother applying for positions that won't pay enough for their expenses.
For job search: "Try to be honest with yourself about what you need to live the way you want to live," she said. "For some people at the beginning of their careers, it makes sense to make sacrifices and share housing with roommates because you got the dream job offer in your field. But if I'm working with someone with five- or 10-plus years of experience, I want them to be disciplined and not apply for jobs below their income floor."
For apartment search: You don't want to waste time inquiring about apartments with rates that you definitely can't afford. The expert recommends creating a list of your living expenses and using budgeting apps before starting your job hunt. Make note of your monthly spending, your savings, and your planned deductions for retirement, she added.
Be strategic about your apartment location
Americans are spending 20 more total minutes commuting to work than they did a decade ago, Business Insider reported. In other words, you're devoting nine days a year to getting to work.
You don't want to apply for a job that would require a three-hour commute each day. That would cost you both time and money.
For job search: If your potential dream job requires a longer commute, ask the hiring manager about the company's working-from-home policy. Job negotiations go beyond your salary. Vacation days, start dates, and salary review dates are other things that can be addressed once you receive the offer.
For apartment search: "Establish your geographic boundaries ahead of time, so that you don't get distracted by great-sounding apartments that would add unreasonable travel times to your busy life," Atcheson said.
Apply immediately after an opening is posted
Apply to both listings as soon as you see them. You never know when they'll fill up.
For job search: Atcheson explained that some employers will take down a job posting within 24 hours because they've received enough applications. You don't want to procrastinate and miss out on an opportunity.
For apartment search: The real estate market is fast paced. That's why you need to hit the ground running and be fully prepared to find listings, get in touch with the landlord, and schedule a viewing as soon as you can. Scour apartment listings frequently and be ready to apply immediately to increase your chances of being in the pool.
Check the bathrooms
Marc Cenedella, founder and CEO of careers website Ladders, suggested that you check company and apartment bathrooms before signing any contract.
For job search: "Bathrooms often tell you the condition of the apartment and the company," he said. "Is it well stocked? Is music being piped in? It tells you how a company feels about its employees."
For apartment search: The CEO added that he would turn on the shower faucets and check the apartment's water pressure before anything else. Your broker is going to give you his or her best sell, and you want to make note of any property damages before putting in your security deposit.
Be ready to answer some tough questions
Whether you were a part of a company layoff or you've had a bad legal record with a previous landlord, the best approach in these scenarios is to be transparent, Atcheson said.
For job search: "In a job search, it's 'Have you ever been terminated?' that you have to answer honestly and skillfully, with an attempt to frame and explain so that it doesn't sink your candidacy," she added. "Definitely don't lie; honesty is essential."
For apartment search: Similarly, you need to answer honestly if your landlord asks if you've been evicted. Develop a script for your answer, and practice it out loud with a friend who will shoot holes in your answer and help you improve it, the career coach said.
Following up is important
There are hundreds (or thousands) of people competing for jobs and apartment listings. Following up with a thank-you email is a way to stand out and show your interest.
For job search: "Thank-you emails to your interviewers can build the dialogue, strengthen their impression of you, and allow you to let them know (again) how excited you are about the position," Atcheson said.
For apartment search: In an apartment search, don't drop the ball once you've submitted an application. Be sure to follow up by phone, email, or even in person within a day or two, to signal your keen interest and giving them the chance to ask any further questions they may have. Keep reminding your broker that you're still in the picture.
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