Tenant Improvement
Tenant Improvement, often called "TI" in the industry, refers to the changes made to a commercial space to customize it for a specific tenant's needs. This could include anything from basic office renovations to complete interior redesigns. When someone mentions tenant improvement in their resume, they're talking about their experience with planning, managing, or overseeing these customization projects. This is a crucial aspect of commercial real estate, as most spaces need to be adapted to meet new tenants' requirements. Similar terms include "build-out," "tenant build-out," or "leasehold improvements."
Examples in Resumes
Managed $2M worth of Tenant Improvement projects across 5 office buildings
Negotiated TI allowances for 20+ commercial lease deals
Oversaw multiple Tenant Improvement and Build-Out projects from design to completion
Typical job title: "Tenant Improvement Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Tenant Improvement Managers
Professional Organizations
Online Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle a tenant improvement project that's running over budget?
Expected Answer: A senior manager should discuss strategies like value engineering, negotiating with contractors, phasing the project, and clear communication with stakeholders to manage costs while maintaining project quality.
Q: How do you determine appropriate TI allowances for different types of tenants?
Expected Answer: Should explain considering factors like market conditions, tenant creditworthiness, lease length, building class, and typical improvement costs for the tenant's industry.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for managing multiple tenant improvement projects simultaneously?
Expected Answer: Should discuss project scheduling, team coordination, progress tracking, and communication systems to keep multiple projects on track.
Q: How do you ensure contractor compliance with building regulations and project specifications?
Expected Answer: Should mention regular site inspections, documentation review, coordination with building officials, and maintaining quality control checklists.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a tenant improvement project?
Expected Answer: Should mention key elements like design phase, permitting, construction, inspections, and tenant move-in coordination.
Q: How do you create and maintain a project timeline?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic project scheduling, identifying key milestones, coordinating with contractors, and tracking progress against deadlines.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic project coordination
- Understanding construction documents
- Budget tracking
- Schedule monitoring
Mid (2-5 years)
- Project management
- Contractor coordination
- Budget management
- Permit processing
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex project oversight
- Strategic planning
- Team leadership
- Client relationship management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with construction project management
- Lack of knowledge about building codes and permits
- Poor understanding of construction costs and budgeting
- No experience coordinating with contractors and architects
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
How Internal Gig Marketplaces Revolutionize Employee Development
Navigating Compliance: Structuring On-the-Job Training in Regulated Industries
Bad Hires Got You Down? 9 Unexpected Tactics to Turn Your Hiring Disasters Into Wins
