The multifamily industry thrives on connections. If you’ve ever wondered “what is networking?” at its core, it’s the intentional process of building professional relationships to exchange information, support, and create opportunities. Within the multifamily sector specifically, networking means connecting with peers who can provide invaluable insights, referrals, and pathways to career advancement.
Unlike many other industries, the multifamily sector is particularly relationship-driven, with a significant number of positions filled through personal connections rather than traditional job boards. Career advancement often depends not just on what you know, but who you know and how effectively you maintain those professional relationships. In this tight-knit community of property managers, leasing agents, maintenance professionals, and corporate team members, your network can become your most powerful career asset.
Why Networking Matters in Multifamily
The multifamily industry operates like an interconnected ecosystem, with professionals frequently moving between properties and management companies throughout their careers. This mobility means that industry knowledge and relationships transfer across companies, making your network potentially your most valuable career asset. Nearly 70-80% of multifamily positions are filled through professional connections before ever appearing on job boards, creating a substantial hidden job market that’s only accessible through networking. Building these relationships with industry peers provides insider knowledge about unadvertised opportunities and valuable insights into company cultures that simply can’t be found through traditional job search methods.
Pro Tip: Keep a spreadsheet of your industry contacts with notes about your conversations and follow-up reminders to maintain relationships even when you’re not actively job searching.
Effective Networking Strategies for Multifamily Professionals
Creating a strong personal brand is essential for effective networking in the multifamily industry. Start by optimizing your LinkedIn profile with industry-specific keywords and engaging regularly with content from multifamily leaders and organizations. Don’t neglect your existing connections—reach out to former colleagues and supervisors for coffee meetings or virtual catch-ups to maintain relationships that could lead to future opportunities.
Expanding your digital footprint is equally important. Join multifamily-specific professional groups like MultiFamily Insiders, where industry conversations happen daily. These groups create natural networking moments even when you’re not actively job searching.
Pro Tip: Schedule regular 15-minute “networking check-ins” on your calendar to ensure you maintain contact with key industry connections even during busy leasing seasons
Related: 10 Things to Do to Improve Your Professional Network – written by Tara Samuels, SVP of Strategic Partnerships
Networking Events and Opportunities in Multifamily
The multifamily industry offers diverse networking environments where meaningful connections flourish. Major conferences like NAA’s Apartmentalize and NMHC meetings create immersive experiences where conversations can lead to career opportunities, while local apartment association events provide intimate settings to build relationships in your immediate market. Property management certification courses connect you with both instructors and fellow professionals advancing their careers.
Beyond traditional events, specialized opportunities like Tara’s “#OpenToWork” calls directly connect job seekers with hiring managers, while Multifamily Breakfast Club gatherings foster relationships in relaxed settings. As Tara discusses in her podcast about networking comfort zones (watch here), virtual events have expanded accessibility beyond geographical limitations, allowing professionals to build nationwide connections from anywhere.
Pro Tip: Before attending industry events, research which companies will be present and prepare questions specific to their communities or recent developments
How to Approach Networking Conversations
What is networking if not meaningful conversations? Quality interactions form the foundation of valuable professional relationships in multifamily. Before any networking event, research attendees’ backgrounds and company information to demonstrate genuine interest when you meet. This preparation allows you to ask thoughtful questions about industry trends and challenges, creating a mutual exchange of value rather than immediately focusing on job opportunities.
The most successful networking conversations continue beyond the initial meeting. To reinforce the connection, follow up within 48 hours with a personalized thank-you message that references specific points from your conversation. This consistent approach pays dividends. Successful job seekers typically engage in approximately five networking conversations per week to create sufficient momentum in their multifamily job search, transforming casual connections into career opportunities.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Connection
Networking in the multifamily industry is not just about finding your next job—it’s about building a sustainable career foundation. Consistent relationship building, even when happily employed, creates a safety net for unexpected career transitions. What is networking ultimately about? Creating genuine connections with fellow professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the multifamily industry. The time invested in networking pays dividends throughout your career, opening doors to opportunities that may never be publicly advertised.
Ready to transform your multifamily job search through strategic networking? Contact us today to learn how our recruiting services can help you connect with the right opportunities in this relationship-driven industry