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11 Tips to Negotiate Like a Pro

At the Table Negotiating l Business Meeting

1. Negotiate

2. Know what you can base the negotiations on

3. Do some digging for information on previous contracts

4. Back up our claims

5. Write your arguments down on paper

6. Ask questions to clarify

7. Know who you’re at the table with

8. Check your inhibitions at the door

9. Always be nice

10. Know your worth

11. Set the precedence of what you can do for them

This article is a nice checklist to follow as you are considering taking a new position. As a recruiter, I am frequently faced with negotiation situations between companies and candidates. I have a leg up because I hire for a plethora of companies with target salary ranges, and I also have current and target compensation discussions with candidates daily. Knowledge is power, and having the data points and research to back up your claims goes a long way. I would highly encourage any employee to negotiate or at least discuss every point on the employment contract with the employer because you are able to learn more about their expectations what the position entails.

See the full article here: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250786

Originally published on Entrepreneur.com on September 22, 2015 by Sarah Landrum

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How to get clear on your authentic personal brand

Building your personal brand with what you wear; closet full of clothes

Your personal brand follows you from your professional life into your personal life.

A great way to dig in to what your personal brand is already made of is to interview people close to you in your communities about how they see you, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and what your communities can count on you for. You will be surprised how many people are willing to chime in, and you will also be surprised about how much of an impact you as a person already have on those around you. Be your authentic self!

Louise also provides additional ways to ascertain your personal brand in her article. Her suggestions include:

Education and work experience

Values

Passions

Strengths

Limitations

Attributes

Uniqueness

Mission

Vision

Read the full article here: How to get Clear on Your Personal Brand

Originally published on LinkedIn by Louise Wilson on September 9, 2015

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Secrets to San Diego’s Urban Appeal

This article is timely as a lot of the conversations that I have had with job seekers lately stem from frustration around the gap between San Diego’s cost of living and salaries that companies are offering. Even more interesting is the salary gap between the San Diego market and our Orange County neighbors to the north. Depending on the position, salaries in Orange County can range up to 30-40% more than what employers are willing to pay in San Diego where the cost of living is arguably on the same level. It seems as though local companies are stuck in 2009 target salary ranges even though there are signs that our economy is heading the right direction. Just look around at the amount of development, redevelopment, and real estate transactions taking place in our own San Diego backyard.

San Diego Downtown Skyline

The high scores that San Diego received regarding taxes and electric bills were slightly surprising, but with the cost of living so high, it makes sense that San Diegans are great budgeters.

Not much else on this list of what makes San Diego a desirable city to live in should shock you. The culture, amenities, access to healthy food and outdoor activities, not to mention the beach, all make for a city that has seen a massive influx of people in the recent years. The abundance of young people perpetuate the city’s energy, and there is never a shortage of new restaurants or breweries to explore.

Check out the article here: Secrets to San Diego’s Urban Appeal

Originally published by Carrie Rosenfeld in Globe St. on August 12, 2015

Check out National Geographic’s documentary on San Diego here:

World’s Smart City – San Diego

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A former Goldman Sachs employee who launched a startup shares her favorite interview question

We have all been in interview situations where we feel a little bit uncomfortable, whether it be on the interviewer or interviewee side. Both parties are trying to decide if it is the right fit.

Previously, in my roles as a finance superstar, I took the stance that a candidate’s resume spoke for itself as far as his or her skill set. After all, how could so-and-so have worked at Company XYZ for that long unless they knew what they were doing? I approached those interviews with the sole purpose of making sure that I would click with this person. My interview style was more of a conversation to answer this burning question: “Is this someone that I would want to sit next to on an airplane for a cross country flight?”

My current position as an executive recruiter requires much more tact and specific questions targeted to the industry, their previous positions, and what they are looking to do. I really try to understand what is important to each person I speak with and what motivates them. The interview question that Becca Brown suggests in the article below is one that I will definitely add to my interview question repertoire.

What is your favorite interview question? I Would you want to sit next to this person on an airplane for a cross country flight?

Originally published in Business Insider by Jacquelyn Smith on September 3, 2015

Read the full article here: A former Goldman Sachs employee who launched a startup shares her favorite interview question

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To Stop Procrastinating, Start by Understanding the Emotions Involved

The Wall Street Journal published an interesting article on how to stop procrastinating and how to start taking steps towards what is important to you. Procrastinating causes stress, which can effect every aspect of your life from your job to your relationships to your finances. Dealing with daunting situations and decisions in bite-size pieces can provide an avenue to getting things done and reducing stress.

To Procrastinate Less, Start by Doing This

Tips from research led by Timothy Pychyl, Piers Steel and Alexander Rozental.

  • Break a long-term project down into specific sub-goals. State the exact start time and how long (not just “tomorrow”) you plan to work on the task.
  • Just get started. It isn’t necessary to write a long list of tasks, or each intermediate step.
  • Remind yourself that finishing the task now helps you in the future. Putting off the task won’t make it more enjoyable.
  • Implement “microcosts,” or mini-delays, that require you to make a small effort to procrastinate, such as having to log on to a separate computer account for games.
  • Reward yourself not only for completing the entire project but also the sub-goals.
How to Stop Procrastinating I Get Things Done!

Read the full article here: http://on.wsj.com/1N5MR2H

Originally published in the Wall Street Journal by Shirley Wang on August 31, 2015

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California’s Real Estate Market’s Just Getting Started. Here’s Why.

A newly published Commercial Real Estate Survey and Index has been published with the goal of better predicting future California commercial rental rates and vacancy rates.

California Commercial Real Estate Market Trend Map I Positive Outlook

Senior economist with the UCLA Anderson Forecast Jerry Nickelsburg says continued optimism is supported by job and income growth and a lack of sufficient building supply. While the outlook remains positive through 2018 with no weakening in occupancy rates, he does caution, however, that some panelists are concerned about the next stage of the commercial real estate building cycle.

Overall, available financing, low cap rates, an increasingly high demand from tech, advertising, media and information companies, and a shortage of multifamily housing have helped sparked the industry boom.

View the full reports and videos here: Allen Matkins and UCLA Anderson Forecast

Originally published in Bisnow’s August 18, 2015 e-blast.

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What is the True Cost of Hiring a Bad Employee?

We all know that hiring the wrong employees can cost organizations a huge amount of money, but this infographic by Resoomay presents some startling figures.

According to the US Department of Labor and Statistics, the average cost of a bad hiring decision can equal 30% of first-year potential earnings, and according to the Harvard Business Review, as much as 80% of employee turnover is due to bad hiring decisions.

Employers are coming up with creative ways to confirm their hiring decisions. Examples of this include taking candidates out for dinner and drinks to see how they interact in a social setting, asking that candiates provide a writing sample or complete a test or case study, and hosting a panel interview to ascertain how candidates react under pressure and with competition.

With the high costs of not hiring the ideal employee, these additional candidate screening rounds are becoming more popular.

View the infographic here: https://lnkd.in/bTFGZkC

Originally published by Jörgen Sundberg in Undercover Recruiter

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Interview with Carly Glova: Recruiting the Perfect Candidate

Ever wondered about recruiting or how a recruiter actually works? You’re in luck! Today, Carly Glova, Executive Recruiter for Building Careers, LLC joins us to discuss her company, recruiting, and finding the perfect candidate. Carly, take it away!

Please tell us a little about Building Careers, LLC. What makes you different than other recruiters in the industry?

Building Careers is an executive search firm serving the commercial real estate industry in San Diego. I have worked with companies to find the right people for positions ranging from property managers and construction directors to acquisitions analysts and asset managers. My company is the result of a life-long quest to “do what you love.” For me, doing what I love is enabling folks to find their passion in a career. My background is in the commercial real estate industry, so that focus was a no-brainer. In creating this business, Building Careers became the only recruiting firm specializing solely in commercial real estate in San Diego.

Specifically, how is finding the perfect employee beneficial in the commercial real estate field?

Right now, the commercial real estate market is booming and companies are growing and hiring. In a niche industry, it is important that you bring people on board who have industry related skills and experience to hit the ground running, and, most critically, the passion for real estate. If you settle for an employee who is a less than perfect fit for your company, you risk losing that employee to another fast-growing commercial real estate company. According to the Harvard Business Review, as much as 80% of employee turnover is due to bad hiring decisions. The cost for a company to replace an employee can be astronomical. These costs not only include the loss of the previous employees’ value generation and company time spent on identifying and vetting new candidates, but also the monetary and opportunity costs of bringing new employees up to speed on company policy/trainings and position responsibilities. What are a few ideal traits you look for in candidates? How will these traits benefit employers?

When I identify and screen candidates, I look for a strong work ethic, initiative, individual and team attitude, and a candidate’s desire to take ownership in their work. These traits can come across in many ways from a candidate’s managerial style and how they handled a rocky situation, to specific projects that they have taken on that earned them accolades with a previous employer, to their ideal career path. Company cultures are vastly different, but all employers recognize the value that a candidate with a strong work ethic, drive, and loyalty to the company brings to their growing business.

Some readers may be hesitant to use recruiters for a variety of reasons. What advice do you have to alleviate any uneasiness?

A recruiter’s job is to make your life easier. A recruiter actively searches out and vets the best candidates for an employer, which can prevent possible headaches down the road. From the candidate’s perspective, a recruiter is beneficial because they do the heavy lifting for you as far as getting your foot in the door, highlighting your strong suits, and negating your employment terms. Recruiters may even know about unmarketed jobs or be able to place you with a company you are interested in even if they don’t currently have an open position.

Where is your favorite spot to be out and about in San Diego?

If I am not stand-up paddle-boarding and then grabbing my favorite tacos at PB Fish Shop or visiting local wineries, you can find me out and about at the most buzzed about restaurants. Recently I was blown away by the menu and atmosphere at Kettner Exchange in Little Italy. How can you go wrong with craft cocktails, reclaimed wood, and miso black cod?

If you’d like to learn more about Building Careers, LLC, be sure to check out their website or connect with Carly via LinkedIn.

See the original post here: Recruiting the Perfect Candidate on the Out & About Communications blog

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Does My Recruiter Hate Me? 5 Mistakes Easily Avoided

Having that serendipitous moment where you leave a client meeting about a new position and you immediately have a candidate in mind that would be a skill, personality, and culture fit is an amazing feeling. That feeling that you are making a positive difference in someone’s life amplifies when you communicate this position to the candidate and can guide them through the interview and offer process. Making that match and seeing the joy and satisfaction on both the company and new employee’s side is why we recruiters do what we do.

In order for us headhunters to work our career matchmaking magic, it also helps tremendously when candidates have an idea of what their ideal position would entail. When you speak to and meet with recruiters, have an idea of both what you like and are not so fond of as far as work environment, company size, team dynamic, and work products. Being about to articulate how your background and previous experience makes you the best person for your target position prioritizes you in the mind of a recruiter.

Ask an Expert I Advice on the Job Search I Resume and Interview Tips

Ken and Vicky have been in the recruiting game a long time, and they offer a great perspective that candidates might not be aware of regarding a recruiter’s role.

See the article here:

Does My Recruiter Hate Me? 5 Mistakes Easily Avoided

Originally published by Ken Schmitt and Vicky Willenberg on August 4, 2015

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3 Powerful Ways to Stop Wasting Your Time

Since the whole point of this article is to help you make the most of your time and career, I won’t waste words here. All three of these techniques work well, but you should pick the one that best fits your personality and personal situation:

1. The Repeat Test

2. Take 10 at the Hour

3. Go Slower”

See the full article here: 3 Powerful Ways to Stop Wasting Your Time

Originally published on August 2, 2015 by Bruce Kasanoff on LinkedIn

Time wasting is a trap that all of us have fall into at one point or another. The funny thing is that wasting time doesn’t just consist of checking Facebook or browsing Pinterest for what kind of pillows you should buy for your new couch. You could be wasting time on tasks that are part of your job, but aren’t being done as effectively or efficiently as they could be. From Bruce’s article the suggestion to go slower really hit home with me. Owning my own business means that I am going 50 miles per hour all day every day. When I look back on my day, I know there are some things that I could have been more clear on in a meeting to avoid a litany of emails back and forth over the next few days. My suggestion for all of those time wasters out there is to focus on value-add tasks during regular business hours and look to outsource or tackle administrative/back-office tasks after hours.

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