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10 Years of Building Careers: A Journey of Growth, Grit, and Gratitude

This April marks a full decade since I took a leap into the unknown and started my first company—Building Careers, LLC. I had no background in recruiting. What I did have was a clear mission:
To help others grow, align, and thrive in their careers.

Today, we celebrate 10 years of entrepreneurship—not just building a business, but cultivating a trusted name in San Diego and Southern California’s commercial real estate industry. It’s been a journey of learning, resilience, and forming long-term, meaningful relationships.

From Vision to Reality

Back in 2014, I saw a gap in the market: companies struggling to find quality talent and professionals craving career direction and alignment. I brought my CRE knowledge to the table and dove headfirst into recruiting—learning the business from the ground up.

Soon after, Julia Turpit joined the company. Her recruiting expertise helped us create structure and elevate our approach early on, setting a strong foundation for future growth. Her contribution remains an important part of our story and I am endlessly thankful she came into my life when she did.

What Makes Us Different

We don’t just fill jobs—we build teams.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve made nearly 200 placements across the commercial real estate space, most of whom are still thriving in their roles today. Two of our very first placements—made during our first year—are still with their companies and have grown significantly in responsibility and leadership. That kind of longevity is rare, and we’re proud to be a part of those success stories.

We now work with over 100 repeat clients, and are fortunate to be in a position where we can selectively partner with companies whose values align with ours. We’ve placed entire teams—10+ hires per company—and helped organizations expand into new markets, including Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, and Seattle.

A Strategy That Goes Beyond Resumes

At Building Careers, our strategy is deliberate and human-first. We take the time to deep-dive into company culture and personality alignment, only presenting candidates we genuinely believe will thrive long-term—not just short-term hires or “close enough” matches.

We also encourage companies to co-create growth roadmaps with new hires, not just for the first 30, 60, or 90 days—but extending through the first year and even 5-year career trajectories. This clarity around goals, expectations, and development builds trust, retention, and success—for everyone. We’re here to build alignment and career longevity.

Looking Ahead: The Next 10 Years

As Building Careers moves into its second decade, our focus is on deepening strategic partnerships with clients who share our people-first mindset. We’ll continue to evolve our services in a way that supports long-term growth for both companies and candidates.

This year, we’re also excited to roll out an annual compensation survey, offering greater transparency in the CRE talent market and helping our clients stay competitive and informed.

We remain committed to being not just recruiters, but growth partners—helping shape teams, careers, and company cultures that thrive together.

Gratitude & Growth

To every client who’s trusted us to build their teams—and every candidate who’s allowed us to be part of their journey—thank you. Your growth has always been our “why.”

To my husband, Brent Glova, whose unwavering belief in me has been the backbone of this journey…
To the friends, mentors, and cheerleaders who supported me when the path was unclear…
Thank you for being part of this adventure.

This company has taught me more than I imagined—about leadership, trust, resilience, and relationships. And while I’m proud of what’s behind us, I’m even more excited for what’s ahead.

Here’s to the next 10 years—of growing companies, advancing careers, and building with purpose.

Let’s keep building.

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9 Skill Sets to Advance Your Career

Having a strong skill set is essential in both your personal and professional life. A skill set is a combination of abilities, qualities and experiences you can apply to perform tasks well. These can include soft skills such as interpersonal skills, organization and leadership as well as technical skills such as research, computer programming, accounting writing and more.Spending time on improving your skills can help you achieve personal career goals such as earning a promotion or becoming an expert on a certain topic. Your skill set can be applied to progress in your current career or expanded to earn a job in a different field or industry.

What is a skill set?

A skill set is a collection of skills and abilities. Each person has a different skill set depending on their interests, natural abilities, personal qualities and technical skills. Skills can expand your professional competency and allow you to perform your job well.You can gain and improve skills with education and experience. The more advanced you are in performing certain skills, the more likely you are to get or progress in a job.

Continue Reading: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-develop-your-skill-set

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What Companies Mean When They Say “Don’t Use AI in Your Job Applications”

It’s a confusing time to be a job seeker right now: While artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly critical part of work, many companies (including AI-focused ones) are emphasizing how much they disapprove of the technology being used in the job search.

“Please do not use AI assistants during the application process,” Anthropic, the organization behind popular AI assistant Claude, tells candidates who apply on its website, as reported by 404 Media last month. “We want to understand your personal interest in Anthropic without mediation through an AI system, and we also want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills.”

You may have a very good excuse for wanting or needing to use AI when applying to jobs. Lief Larson, the CEO of Salesfolks, a hiring agency for sales teams, argues that it can often feel like the only solution for tackling a crowded market that requires playing the numbers game.

“You have massive volumes of job postings at the same time that people who are looking for roles are having to apply to more roles than they ever have before,” Larson says. “If I’m putting myself in the shoes of the candidate, I understand why. You can write more content, you can try and have it be more customized and bespoke to an opportunity. And so the temptation is large, and it’s real to utilize that.”

So what can we make of this contradiction—that adopting AI is a must for many workers, and yet discouraged in one of the most important stages of one’s career journey?

Continue Reading: https://www.themuse.com/advice/ai-in-job-applications

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A Guide to Building Positive and Productive Workplace Relationships

What tactics have you used to build positive workplace relationships at the office? Let us know in the comments!

Think about some of your best moments at work—the times when you’ve felt most fulfilled, most proud of your accomplishments, most happy. It can be at any job—not necessarily your current one.

Chances are, you’re thinking not just about what you were doing in those moments but also who you were with—the higher-up who recognized your accomplishments or the colleagues who were right there with you, cheering you on.

That’s not an accident. As Brandon Smith aka “The Workplace Therapist” explains, workplace relationships are directly tied to happiness at work. And in a time when half of full-time workers report spending more time at work than with their families or on their own, workplace relationships are becoming vital to overall happiness, as well.

But how do you build positive workplace relationships that can help you to be happier and more productive at work while still maintaining personal boundaries?

Continue Reading: https://www.idealist.org/en/careers/guide-building-positive-workplace-relationships

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20 Essential Leadership Skills and How to Develop Them

Some people are natural-born leaders; others work hard to perfect and optimize their leadership skills so they can help their team succeed.

Whether you’re up for a managerial job, you want to impress your boss with your leadership skills or you’re hoping to become a better leader in your current role, there are numerous professional skills and natural qualities you need to possess.

In this guide, we’ll explore the 20 essential leadership skills you need—and how to develop them.

What makes an effective leader?

Strong leadership goes beyond being a good manager. It’s about setting clear and achievable goals for your team to follow, making tough decisions during difficult times, and ensuring there is always an open and clear line of communication within the department.

Top 20 leadership skills

A great leader’s skill set is a varied and comprehensive one — and it should at the very least feature:

1. Effective communication

All great leaders are good communicators — they have the ability to get their point across in a constructive manner and have strong interpersonal skills. They must master all forms of communication, including one-on-ones, company meetings and in written form. You should have the ability to be sensitive to personal situations and give team members the time to share their thoughts and problems.

2. Proactivity

A successful leader doesn’t wait for things to happen; they’re proactive and they anticipate desired results. They identify threats and take action against them. They’re constantly thinking of ways to improve and do better. Whether that goal is business-related or personal, they always strive to do better.

3. Ability to motivate

Good leaders and managers inspire their employees to do better, and they motivate those around them. In fact, a Gallup study found that highly engaged and motivated employees can lead to 21% greater profitability. This can also lead to lower turnover rates and reduced absenteeism.

This fire in their belly comes from their passion and pride to be the best and to achieve more than they ever expected. And as the great Maya Angelou once said: “Nothing will work unless you do.” So, if you want to encourage, you need to show people how.

4. Organization

Organizational skills are crucial in management positions. You need to be able to handle a number of different projects and spend ample time on each, ensuring you meet deadlines. If you lack this quality, you should find techniques and methods to help you be more organized.

5. Confidence

Confidence is important in this role, as people will look at you to learn how to behave, particularly when things are going pear-shaped. If you remain calm and confident in all situations, you’ll teach your staff to carry the same air and morale.

Continue Reading: https://www.careeraddict.com/leadership-skills

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Hard Skills Explained (and the Top 8 for Your Resume)

Don’t forget to focus on your hard skills!

Now that it’s time to apply for a job, your number one goal is going to be to stand out from the crowd of job seekers – all of whom claim to be the best. 

  • How do you prove you have what it takes to beat other candidates?
  • What are you going to do to get the attention of a hiring manager who just had over 100 resumes land on their desk? 

You know that you have to build a stellar resume that will wow them with your career achievements, so you’ve probably spent hours collecting every quantifiable accomplishment you can think of. 

That’s not all you have to do, though! You need to create a list of skills to showcase on your resume, as well. There should be a balanced mix of hard and soft skills, so that future employers know you’ll be able to do the job and get along with other members of the team. 

In this post, we’re going to spend a fair amount of time on hard skills. Not only will we explain hard skills, but you’ll walk away with the top hard skills to include on your resume, based on your industry. 

So, if you’re ready, here we go!

Continue Reading: https://topresume.com/career-advice/what-are-hard-skills

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US tariffs could impact job market, analysts say

President Donald Trump delivered on his threat to hit Canada and Mexico with sweeping import levies and doubled an existing charge on China, Bloomberg reported. But the tariffs will impact jobs here in the US, according to some analyses.

The new US tariffs encompass 25% duties on most Canadian and Mexican imports and raise the charge on China to 20%, according to Bloomberg. They apply to roughly $1.5 trillion in annual imports.

Canada hit back with phased levies on $107 billion worth of US goods, while China imposed tariffs of as high as 15%, mainly on American agricultural shipments, Bloomberg reported. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said March 4 that her government would announce tariffs and other measures on March 9 in response to Trump’s new charges. She said she would likely speak with Trump on March 6.

Tariffs often raise the costs of imported goods, which may hurt business growth at companies such as automakers, according to an analysis published by SIA. Staffing firms that supply such businesses may see demand decline. On the flip side, company cost-cutting may also lead to increased contingent hiring in regions with lower labor costs or in areas that are less impacted by tariffs.

In a statement on Monday, Monster Economist Giacomo Santangelo noted the US labor market continues to exhibit robust growth overall in the healthcare and retail sectors. However, tariffs on industries such as steel and automotive can be a factor in reducing job opportunities. New graduates and those entering the job market face a challenging landscape, particularly in government or aide roles.

Separately, an analysis by Adecco found that tariffs in the US could result in an economic slowdown for Canada in the short term as well as unemployment and business closures. In the long term, Canada may shift its trade relationships to other countries, and global businesses could restructure their supply chains to reduce reliance on the US market. Canadian firms may also innovate and invest in technology to remain competitive.

Meanwhile, more tariffs are coming, including in April with reciprocal tariffs on all US trading partners that have their own levies or other barriers on American products as well as sectoral taxes of 25% on cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, Bloomberg reported. Those tariffs are also poised to be cumulative — in addition to any across-the-board tariff on a particular nation.

Continue Reading: https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/us-tariffs-could-impact-job-market-analysts-say

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Hiring and Recruiting Strategies to Elevate the Candidate Experience

The hiring process presents an ideal opportunity to make a good first impression on candidates, but it can often leave them feeling frustrated. Here are five ways to inject greater humanity into your process — and get better results.

Key Takeaways

  • Don’t get hamstrung on decisions. A drawn-out process can cost you a top candidate. Set clear timelines and stick to them. 
  • Partner with your organization’s DEIB team to develop new hiring frameworks that consider diverse perspectives.
  • Invest in a strong employer brand to attract great candidates and ultimately speed up the hiring process.

“Employers can’t continue to hire the way they’ve been hiring,” says Jessica Hardeman, Senior Director for Attraction and Engagement at Indeed. “The biggest disconnect I see is that candidates just want to be treated like human beings. But the human element has been taken out of the experience.”

In her role at Indeed, Hardeman has a clear view into the maze that candidates often navigate. Endless interview loops, unclear expectations and weak communication are common pitfalls, she says — and it’s not just candidates who lose when companies get hiring wrong. “The hiring process is the first interaction talent has with your organization,” Hardeman says. “This is your opportunity to show your approach to how you treat people under your care.”

We previously explored the “Great Disconnect” between what organizations offer and what job seekers expect. Now we’re zooming in on the hiring process itself and how it can be repaired. Hardeman offers five actionable steps that organizations can take to craft a candidate experience that offers greater humanity — and results. 

Continue Reading: https://www.indeed.com/lead/hiring-and-recruiting-strategies-to-elevate-the-candidate-experience?co=US

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Aligning Personal Values with Career Goals: The Key to Authentic Success

In today’s fast-paced corporate environment, achieving success is often equated with climbing the corporate ladder, securing high-profile projects, or attaining financial milestones. However, an often-overlooked aspect of genuine success lies in the alignment between personal values and career goals. This congruence not only fosters job satisfaction but also enhances overall well-being and professional fulfillment. This article delves into the significance of aligning personal values with career aspirations, particularly within a corporate setting, and offers actionable insights for professionals seeking authentic success.

Understanding Personal Values

Personal values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our behaviors and decisions. They serve as an internal compass, influencing how we perceive the world and interact within it. Common personal values include integrity, creativity, autonomy, collaboration, and service to others. Recognizing and understanding these values are crucial, as they underpin our motivations and satisfaction levels in both personal and professional realms.

The Impact of Value-Goal Alignment on Career Satisfaction

When personal values align with career goals, individuals are more likely to experience a sense of purpose and contentment in their professional lives. This alignment leads to:

  1. Enhanced Job Satisfaction: Employees whose values resonate with their organization’s culture and objectives report higher job satisfaction. A study by the Values Institute found that such alignment leads to a better work environment, increased productivity, and decreased turnover.
  2. Improved Mental and Emotional Well-being: Working in environments that reflect one’s personal values contributes to better mental health. Conversely, a misalignment can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
  3. Increased Motivation and Engagement: When personal and organizational values align, employees are more motivated and engaged. This congruence fosters a sense of belonging and commitment, driving individuals to contribute meaningfully to their organization’s success.

The Consequences of Misalignment

On the flip side, a disconnect between personal values and career goals can have detrimental effects:

  • Decreased Job Performance: Lack of alignment can lead to disengagement, resulting in reduced productivity and subpar performance.
  • Higher Turnover Rates: Employees who feel their values are compromised are more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere, leading to increased turnover and associated costs for organizations.
  • Compromised Ethical Standards: Misalignment may pressure individuals to act against their ethical beliefs, leading to moral dilemmas and internal conflict.

Scientific Perspectives on Value-Goal Alignment

Research underscores the importance of aligning personal values with career objectives. Key findings include:

  • Well-being and Mental Health: Studies have shown that individuals pursuing goals congruent with their values experience greater well-being and lower symptoms of depression. This is attributed to the fulfillment of psychological needs such as autonomy and competence.
  • Job Satisfaction: Research indicates that employees are more satisfied and less likely to seek new employment when their personal values overlap with their company’s values.
  • Career Choices: Personal values significantly influence career choices, affecting long-term satisfaction and success.

Aligning Personal Values with Career Goals: A Strategic Approach

Achieving alignment between personal values and career goals requires intentional reflection and action. Here are steps to guide this process:

  1. Self-Reflection: Engage in deep introspection to identify your core values. Consider moments when you felt most fulfilled and analyze the underlying reasons.
  2. Assess Organizational Culture: Before committing to a role, research the organization’s culture, mission, and values. Determine if they resonate with your personal beliefs.
  3. Set Authentic Goals: Define career objectives that reflect your values. For instance, if you value innovation, seek roles that encourage creativity and forward-thinking.
  4. Communicate Your Values: During interviews or performance reviews, express your values and seek clarity on how they align with organizational goals.
  5. Seek Continuous Alignment: Regularly evaluate your career trajectory to ensure it remains in harmony with your evolving values. Be prepared to make adjustments as necessary.

Questions to Uncover Your Core Values

To facilitate the alignment process, consider reflecting on the following questions:

  • What activities or tasks make me lose track of time due to sheer enjoyment?
  • Which accomplishments am I most proud of, and why?
  • What qualities do I admire in others, and how do they reflect my own values?
  • When faced with tough decisions, what guiding principles do I rely on?
  • What legacy do I wish to leave through my professional endeavors?

Case Study: The Power of Value Alignment

Consider the case of a marketing executive who highly values creativity and social responsibility. Initially, she worked for a firm solely focused on profit maximization, often at the expense of ethical considerations. This misalignment led to job dissatisfaction and stress. Recognizing the discord, she transitioned to a company that prioritized ethical marketing and community engagement. This move resulted in increased job satisfaction, better performance, and a profound sense of purpose.

Conclusion

Aligning personal values with career goals is not merely an aspirational concept but a practical strategy for achieving authentic success. This congruence fosters job satisfaction, enhances well-being, and drives professional excellence. Both individuals and organizations benefit from this alignment, leading to a harmonious and productive work environment. By engaging in self-reflection, assessing organizational cultures, and setting authentic goals, professionals can navigate their careers in a manner that is both fulfilling and successful.

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275+ Crucial Resume Skills: Top Hard & Soft Skills for Various Careers

Knowing how to develop and select skills for your resume is a skill of its own! We’re here to help with this roundup of over 275 helpful resume skills and plenty of advice on how to keep your skills fresh.

Skills are one of the most important parts of your resume—without them, it won’t be clear how you can add to your next team and company. 

Sure, the reader knows by your past job titles that you’ve held a job as a nurse or an engineer, but there won’t be much to set you apart from the hundreds of other applicants. That’s where skills for your resume can make a huge impact.

With this detailed breakdown of resume skills and plenty of skills examples, you’ll be on your way to your dream job. 

Hard skills vs soft skills

Hard skills are practical, measurable, and demonstrable. They are usually learned through your education, on the job, or through additional training, and they can be quantifiable and tested. Some companies find ways to verify them during the hiring process. The nature of hard skills also means there are varying proficiency levels, so it’s important to be specific to prove your mastery.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are aspects of your personality, work style, or other traits that are harder to measure or prove. For instance, many roles require excellent customer service skills, but there’s no proven way to measure someone’s mastery of customer service or communication. While soft skills—like interpersonal skills—matter in nearly every position, they can be especially impactful in leadership and customer-facing roles.

Continue Reading: https://resume.io/blog/list-skills-on-your-resume

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