Tag: Find a Tech Job

Signs of Employee Burnout (& How to Prevent It)

by Cassie Torres | ,

If there’s one thing this past year brought upon all of us, it’s stress. Today’s professionals are coping with a lot of pressure, and too much of it can lead to burnout. According to a recent study by Deloitte, 77% of people are experiencing employee burnout at their current job. Today, we’ll explore the signs of burnout and how to prevent it within your company.

What is Burnout?
According to The Maslach Burnout Inventory, burnout is “characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and ineffectiveness in the workplace, and by chronic negative responses to stressful workplace conditions.” There are multiple signs that could indicate you are suffering from burnout, including emotional, cognitive, and non-specific physical manifestations.

Emotional Manifestations
“I feel tired, and I don’t know how I will make it to Friday.” As dramatic as this sounds, there is a real fear behind that sentence. Emotional and psychological fatigue are very common symptoms of burnout. Mood swings and anxiety are often associated with it. Some tasks that you used to tackle easily now seem impossible. Deedee Cummings, a therapist and author, said “Emotional burnout happens when you have faced such a high level of stress that your body literally shuts down and just cannot accommodate any more challenges.” Look out for those signs in order to identify what could possibly be emotional burnout early on.

Non-specific Physical Manifestations
Headaches, general ache, digestive issues, changes in your eating habits—all of these are indications that work has taken a physical toll on you. Physical manifestations are even harder to diagnose than other types since these symptoms are pretty mundane, however serious. The simple fact that they can be associated with many health issues or as isolated occurrences makes it even harder to identify that you are suffering from burnout. Often burnout is recognized when physical manifestations are coupled with other signs of burnout.

Cognitive Manifestations
If the non-specific physical manifestation is hard to spot, this one is even harder. Signs of cognitive manifestation include difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and difficulty envisioning a process or mapping out a project. All of these touch your ability to perceive, to remember, or even to reason. Burnout alters your judgment when it comes to making decisions, and planning becomes more and more difficult. Often misinterpreted as simple fatigue, the long-term effects can be devastating as the effects on a career can be troublesome.

How to Deal with Burnout
The first step in dealing with a problem is to realize that there is a problem. Because of its nature, burnout can be difficult to identify. The fact that we are living in a culture where we deny ourselves the care we need by telling ourselves that we are doing fine or that we will push through it does not help. Often confused with stress, it is radically different. If stress creates a loss of energy, burnout will be the source of loss of motivation. Stress will be characterized by over-engagement, while burnout will cause you to disengage.

Be Kind to Yourself
Kristin Neff, an associate professor in the department of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, defined self-compassion as being aware of one’s own suffering without avoiding or disconnecting from it, generating the desire to relieve the suffering and heal itself in a friendly way. In other words, don’t judge yourself too harshly. According to the Holistic Nursing Practice review of July/August 2017, “there is scientific evidence that self-compassion is associated with well-being, emotional intelligence, social attachment, life satisfaction, feelings of competence, happiness, optimism, and wisdom. The increase in self-compassion is associated with a significant decrease in levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.” Reducing these has a direct impact on your likelihood of burnout.

Keep Work at Work
Work-life balance is key to preventing and recovering from burnout. We tend to let work take over our personal lives. Set up boundaries like a scheduled lunch or regular breaks. You are entitled to at least 10 minutes of a break every 4 hour worked in a day. If your commute from work to home is long enough you may be tempted to make a few phone calls or to have a meeting while driving. Don’t. Use this time for yourself. Your commute should be taken as an airlock, allowing you to decompress and move on to the rest of your day. 

Take Time Away
Often criticized, and sometimes even the subject of certain abuses, a break from work is nevertheless essential and justified for people with burnout. It is an important step in recovering. You need, above all, rest, but also to regain self-confidence and to rebuild your identity. This is impossible if you remain in the environment at the origin of your exhaustion, devaluation, and demotivation.

Burnout has always existed, but for the first time in history, we are living ironically in a culture that encourages both pushing boundaries and self-awareness. Remember stepping away from work, whether it’s for a short break or a vacation, and taking better care of yourself are vital in preventing burnout. You can enjoy both work and life; they do not have to be binary but can be complementary.

Looking for a new opportunity in tech, digital, or creative? Explore the 3Ci job board and apply today.

This blog post originally appeared on MAU’s website right here.

3Ci Talent Spotlight: Meet Back End Developer, Austin

by Cassie Torres | ,

At 3Ci, we take pride with building strong relationships with both our applicants and partners to create the perfect fit between the two. We think the tech, creative, and digital experts we work with are pretty incredible. In this series, we’re shining a light on the community of professionals who make our work possible.

Meet Austin. He’s an Atlanta-based back end developer with some awesome advice for his fellow software developers. His main word of wisdom? Never stop learning!

What’s your current role? What are your responsibilities?
Backend developer. My main responsibility is to translate business requirements into backend code. Working on the backend you need to make sure the data is durable, fault tolerant, and performant. Data comes in from the outside world, and we must ingest it and store it for future retrieval.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Professional baseball player, ha!

How did you get here? Tell us a bit about your professional background.
At 18, everyone is sort of forced to figure out what they want to do with their lives. Luckily, I had a Myspace in middle school, so I was already used to programming. I coupled that with my strength in math from high school and landed on Computer Science as a major when I enrolled in college. The learning curve was difficult starting out, but over the course of the degree I secured two internships that eventually landed me my first full time SWE role. I realized early on that the learning doesn’t stop once you leave the classroom. You have to be a constant student in this field to see gains in your craft. I’m now on my third full-time position out of school and am working on what I consider my most exciting project to date!

“You have to be a constant student in this field to see gains in your craft.” – Austin, Back End Developer [https://www.3ci-mau.com/blog/talent-spotlight-series-meet-austin] #3Ci #TechTalent Social Media Icons - Twitter

Why do you love software development?
When I was 12 years old, I remember my uncle saying something profound to me. He said, “Austin, there are two types of people in this world: people that work with their hands and people that work with their head.” I always wanted to be the person that worked with their head. I was never into tools, building forts, or even making sandcastles. But the caveat to this is I didn’t want my career to feel like fluff. I wanted to produce tangible things that people could use. Software development is the perfect intersection between that and working with your head.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your work?
In the micro, it’s always racing against the deadlines. In the macro, it’s keeping pace with the changing tech. None of what my web development professor in college taught me was relevant when I got in my first job. Now, some of the things I learned in my first job aren’t even relevant today! It’s a constant moving target. You have to devote a fraction of your leisure time to staying up to date and learning the latest stuff. Otherwise you’ll wake up in five years and realize the skills you have aren’t the skills that are needed anymore. As they say, yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games.

Any advice for all the job seekers in your field right now?
Never stop learning. Invest in valuable courses, even after you’ve got your degree. This will keep you relevant. I pay $30 a month for Pluralsight—something 3Ci actually exposed me to— and it’s a tremendous ROI in my opinion. Secondly, learn by doing. There are some great textbooks out there that can teach you fundamentals. I’m a big textbook advocate. But the one thing that I see tech interviews vetting more and more as the years roll on are not what you know but what you’ve built.

What do you like to do for fun in Atlanta?
My girlfriend and I are always trying to find new and interesting things to do for dates. We sample a lot of good restaurants around the city, go on walks around Piedmont Park. The Chattahoochee River was fun over the summer, and the Beltline is a kaleidoscope of everything.

Anything to share about your experience working with 3Ci?
It’s all been overwhelmingly positive! And even though I’ve only been to the office one time, it was a very modern set up in a great part of town.

Looking for your next career opportunity in tech, digital, or creative? Search our job board and apply today. Looking to hire top tech talent? Schedule a call with the staffing experts at 3Ci.

Upskill During Lockdown With These Tech Classes

by Cassie Torres |

There is no denying that 2020 will be one for the books. With so much on your plate during this global pandemic, advancing your skills may have made its way down your priority list. We get it—it’s tempting to push pause on your learning and development goals when you’re focused on more immediate needs. But here’s the thing—there has never been a better time to invest in yourself and your future. 

Here are some of our favorite virtual software development classes that will make you an indispensable member of your tech team.

General Assembly
Whether you’re ready to launch your career in tech or want to cultivate in-demand skills, General Assembly is the place to be. They offer one day, hands-on online bootcamps that help you learn something new, fast. Learn data analysis, user experience design, HTML, CSS & Web Design, digital marketing, JavaScript development, and more all on demand.

Digital Crafts
For any tech newbies or recent graduates, check out the coding bootcamps at DigitalCrafts. This top-rated coding bootcamp in Atlanta offers full stack programs. Classes typically meet at Atlanta Tech Village, but all classes are now offered virtually. You can choose between immersive and flex, depending on the time you’re willing to commit. Cohorts cap out at 18 students, so save your spot!

Coursera
Originally developed by our friends at Georgia Tech, Coursera gives online learners access to the expertise of some of the top universities and companies in the world. IBM’s “Data Science,” Google’s “IT Support,” and the University of Michigan’s “Python for Everybody” are among the most popular classes. We like that you can find intermediate and advanced courses here!

LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a hidden gem for those who are looking to learn something new. You can even set a weekly goal to stay on task and track your progress. There are over 700 software development classes to choose from and a wide selection of courses in software testing, design, quality assurance, architecture, and more.

Udemy
Udemy is another online learning platform that we love for tech teams. Many of these classes are taught by industry experts, and you can filter based on skill level. One of their most popular courses is “Master the Coding Interview: Data Structures + Algorithms,” designed to get participants more coding interviews and job offers. You can also check out their most popular and trending software engineering courses.

Bottom line: even during a global pandemic, it’s important to take time for yourself and invest in your future. You are worth it. If you’re currently looking for a job in tech, check out our job board, and apply today.

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Ace Your Next Video Interview With These 3 Strategies

by Cassie Torres |

Video interviews are becoming more common during the hiring process. Due to technological advances, many businesses are using video as an alternative to traditional interviews. So, how do you make sure that you’re a video interview pro? Preparation is key!

Set Up Your Interview Space
First, make sure you have a quiet place to hold your interview. If you plan on doing it at home, let your family or roommates know so that you won’t get interrupted. If you don’t have a quiet place or internet connection, you could book a study room at your local library. Once you have a designated location, make sure that your background is not distracting. Set up in front of a bare wall or remove posters and pictures if possible.

Now it’s time to set up your computer. You want to put your best foot forward, which means angles! If you open your laptop and start your interview with the wrong angle, you will appear to be looking down at the interviewer. Stack your laptop on top of books or boxes to bring the camera to eye level. This will make the conversation feel more natural while taking care of those unflattering angles.

Once your view is at eye level, the next thing to work on is lighting. Yes, this may seem a little overboard, but the effort makes a huge difference. Setting a lamp on each side of the computer and removing the shades helps remove shadows created by indoor lighting, while closing the blinds on any windows helps avoid shadows from the natural light.

Test Your Equipment
Download the interview app or software and create an account. This will prevent any technical issues and allow you to focus on your skills and qualifications rather than worrying about equipment. When creating your account, remember to keep everything professional; stay away from inappropriate user names and profile photos.

Test your camera and microphone prior to the interview to ensure they work well and that they are compatible with the interview app or software. Don’t forget to make sure that your connection is reliable; you don’t want your feed cutting in and out during your interview.

Practice Interviewing on Camera
Now that your space is finally set up and you’ve ensured your equipment is working properly, it’s time to get ready for the actual interview. Take a few minutes to practice interviewing on camera – either review your talking points with a friend in video chat or record yourself. Practice looking at the camera throughout the interview. This will create a sense of eye contact for the interviewer and make the connection typically made during an in-person interview. When you are practicing, pay attention to your volume and clarity, and listen for any echoes. It will help if you practice speaking at different volumes and enunciating your words. This will allow for the conversation to flow more smoothly without the dreaded “What did you say?” and having to repeat yourself.

Last Minute Tips
If you have skills and accomplishments you’d like to highlight or questions you want to ask, write short reminders on sticky notes and place them on the sides of your computer. This way, they are only a glance away. 

Another helpful tip is to pick out your outfit the day before. This will keep you on track as you get ready on the day of the interview. Some people only dress professionally from the waist up for interviews; however, dressing as if you were walking into the office will boost your confidence and keep you in the proper mind-set.

Now that you’re set up and ready for the camera, you still need to do all the regular prep work for an interview, like researching the company, reviewing answers for common interview questions, and making a list of questions to ask the interviewer. 

If you’re a tech, digital, or creative professional looking for a job in the Southeast, browse the 3Ci job board and apply today.

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This post was adapted from a blog post originally published by our friends at MAU.

Talent Spotlight Series: Meet Senior QA Specialist, Faith

by Cassie Torres |

In honor of putting people first, 3Ci is shining a light on Atlanta’s most talented tech, creative, and digital professionals. Today we’re taking you behind-the-scenes with Faith, who recently accepted a contract position as Senior QA Specialist for one of the largest utility companies in the US. 

No industry has been spared from the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but if there’s one group particularly well-suited to perform remotely, it’s tech professionals. Faith shares more about her experience getting hired through 3Ci’s virtual staffing process and working with a team she’s never met in person.

Tell me a bit about yourself and your professional background.
I’ve been in software development for about 16 years now. QA has always been my first love, but I’ve also branched out into other project areas and taken on other types of rolls—scrum master, gathering requirements, writing user stories, doing wireframes, managing the implementation and support once a new product goes live, and more. 

“I love QA. I love testing something to see if I can break it. I love the organizational part of writing a test plan. I know that sounds completely neurotic and nerdy, but it’s true.”

What initially drew you to software development?
I’ve always been good at math and science, which is what led me to Georgia Tech where I got my degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. That degree gave me a lot of flexibility as far as the potential jobs I could pursue.  I realized during my first job out of college that I was passionate about testing and the organizational aspect of writing a test plan.

What makes you the perfect fit for this work?
To be great at QA, you have to be very detail-oriented. You have to be able to think high-level as well as down in the weeds. This is how my brain naturally works.  Working in software development as a QA resource has allowed me the opportunity to impact people’s lives on a much larger scale than I could as an individual. If I do my job well, I make people’s lives better and easier. I take pride in what I do and do it to the best of my ability. 

“In QA, you are the advocate for your end-user. It’s your responsibility to think through, How this will impact someone? Will it be a good impact? and Can we make this better?”

Congrats on your new role as Senior QA Specialist! Could you tell us a bit about it?
Thank you! It’s a huge project for a large company. I’ll be part of a big team—I believe there will be 29 of us all working together. It’s a new industry for me, so there’s a ton of terminology I have to learn. It’s going to be a challenge. To me, that’s exciting because I love learning new things.

How did the opportunity come about?
I was looking for a new job and applying to a ton of things online. I got a call from a recruiter at 3Ci who let me know about an open role he was hiring for. He was super easy to talk to. We had really productive and positive conversations. I told him I was interested, and he sent me over some additional information about the role Id’ be applying to and the team he was staffing for.

What did the hiring process look like from there?
A week later, I had an interview with the manager I would be reporting to and the senior dev lead. It was supposed to go for 30 minutes, but we ended up talking for over an hour. It was such a great conversation. An hour or two after that interview, I got a call from 3Ci extending me a verbal offer. I accepted, and that day I got a link via email to fill out my onboarding paperwork and background check. Within two or three days, I was an official 3Ci employee. It was such a quick turnaround.

What’s it been like working with 3Ci?
Awesome. They worked so hard to get things done quickly for me throughout the hiring process. Because of everything that was going on with the pandemic, I was concerned about going three or four weeks without health insurance. The 3Ci team moved my start date and worked quickly and diligently to get the paperwork done so I could qualify. They were so great. I remember getting calls from them at 6:00 or 7:00 at night to follow up with me and ensure I got coverage. 

“It’s great to be part of a team that’s staffed with people who are so mature and driven. They really know what they’re doing.”

This process has been completely virtual. What’s that been like?
It wasn’t a huge adjustment for me. I’ve worked from home full-time with previous jobs. I haven’t been into the office yet or met anyone in person. If you’ve never worked remotely before, it can definitely be a challenge. I go on long walks outside every day to stay sane.

COVID-19 has forced organizations to quickly adjust the way they attract, recruit, hire, and onboard employees. It’s also left many talented individuals looking for new job opportunities. Whether you’re looking to hire top talent or looking for a job, 3Ci can help.

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The Best Tech Podcasts to Listen to While You’re Self-Isolating

by Cassie Torres |

Staying on top of the tech industry is a full-time job. Podcasts are a great way to stay connected to the topics you love, even from afar. As you look to make the most of this strange and confusing time, we wanted to offer a few go-to distractions to add to your queue.

Reply All
If you’re looking for compelling stories about the human side of technology, this is a great podcast to tune in for. The Guardian describes it best: “A podcast about the internet that is actually an unfailingly original exploration of modern life and how to survive it.” New episodes air every Thursday at 6 AM ET.

Accidental Tech Podcast
Hosted by three developers, Accidental Tech Podcast (AKA ATP) is the ultimate podcast for true techies. Tune in to hear three self-proclaimed nerds diving deep into tech, Apple, programming, and more. Latest episodes include “This Jerk, Right Here,” “Things Are Degraded,” and “Four-Letter Technologies.”

Switched On
Brought to you by Bloomberg, the Switched On podcast offers listeners the latest research and key findings on energy, transport, sustainability, and more. Latest episodes include “China Wants to Sell, the World’s Not Ready to Buy,” “Coronavirus Blew Up Your Forecast—Now What?” and “Robots, Drones, and Sensors Help You Mine More By Digging Less.” 

TED Radio Hour
If you’re in the tech space, you’ve heard of TED. TED Radio Hour is a co-production of NPR and TED, hosted by Manoush Zomorodi. It helps listeners explore life’s biggest questions. Latest episodes include “Inoculation,” “Teaching For Better Humans 2.0,” and “Uncharted.” 

If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest stories in technology and business in Atlanta and beyond, be sure to tune into TechCONNECT every Friday or subscribe right here.

Back to Work
Productivity, communication, work, barriers, constraints, tools, and more are the topics you can expect on this award-winning podcast. With over 300 episodes to keep your attention, Back to Work gets great reviews for good reason. Latest episodes include “French on Tom Sawyer,” “Sunday Afternoon Feeling,” and “One-Drawer Project.”

Fintech Insider
If you’re looking to dive into the more niche world of fintech, turn to Fintech Insider by 11:FS. It’s a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to all things fintech, banking, technology, and financial services hosted by a rotation of experts. Latest episodes include “SoFi Snaps Up Galileo for $1.2b,” “Varo Money—The First Fintech to Get FDIC Approval,” and “Major US Banks Protect Employees as Start-Ups Stall.”

Artificial Intelligence
Techies, tune in to Artificial Intelligence with Lex Fridman. Topics include deep learning, robotics, AI, AGI, neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, economics, physics, mathematics, and more. Latest episodes include “Eric Weinstein: Geometric Unity and the Call for New Ideas, Leaders & Institutions,” “ Richard Dawkins: Evolution, Intelligence, Simulation, and Memes, and “David Silver: AlphaGo, AplhaZero, and Deep Reinforcement Learning.”

If you are a tech professional who recently lost your job due to the coronavirus pandemic, please feel free to explore our database of open positions. Or, if you’re a tech leader looking for a partner to help you navigate these unprecedented times, reach out to us. 

Stay home. Stay safe.

3Ci’s Most Popular Blog Posts of All Time

by Cassie Torres | , , , , , , ,

At 3Ci, we are so much more than an IT staffing and technical consulting company. We are committed to putting people first and changing lives. Our blog is an extension of that commitment. It’s a place where we share information, ideas, and insights to help our clients (and readers) succeed.

Continue reading “3Ci’s Most Popular Blog Posts of All Time”

7 Networking Tips from Experts at Google

by Cassie Torres | ,

Networking Advice from Google:

Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Dare I say, “mission accomplished!”? These 7 networking tips derive from the Google Academy for Ads, Digital Sales Certification’s Networking Course. This certification was integrated into the other exams, and is no longer available on its own. 

Here, we will show you how top Google Sales Reps make the most out of networking events and how you can benefit from these tactics. Get ready to navigate your next networking event like a true professional with these 7 networking tips from the experts at Google.

What is Networking?

Merriam Webster defines networking as, “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.”

Networking events are all about meeting people and acquiring new contacts. Networking events can be essential for career development, but for many, these events can also be quite stressful. Learn how to plan effectively so you can get the most out of your networking opportunities. 

1. Plan Ahead
Like most activities, success in networking is about preparation. If you don’t prepare for the event ahead of time, many of your conversations will probably start the same way, and trail off before you really connect with the person. 

It’s important to know what your goal is for attending the event. Knowing ahead of time what you’re hoping to accomplish will help you stay focused and not wander around aimlessly. So, ask yourself, “Why am I here?” or “What am I hoping to get out of this event?” and plan accordingly.

2. Do Your Research
Part of planning ahead includes researching the other attendees prior to the event. Most networking events provide you with an attendee list that typically includes name, email, and a tiny blurb of information. A common mistake in networking is relying too much on the information you get at the event itself. If you can get a list of attendees in advance, spend some time reading their Linkedin profiles and checking their company websites. The objective isn’t to meet as many people as possible at the event; focus on making just a few solid connections. Aim to meet a few people and begin a meaningful dialogue based on your research. Don’t stalk them. All you need is enough information to guide the first sentences of your conversation.

3. Prepare Questions in Advance

To help get the conversation started, try asking simple questions that help you establish common ground with the person you’re having a conversation with. Have a couple personal questions ready, like “Are you from this area?” and “Do you travel often?” You can also check out these simple ways to break the ice at networking events.

In addition to asking common ground questions and conversation starters, you should also prepare a few questions that you can use to help further the goals you’ve set. For example, if your goal is to acquire leads for a new job opportunity you may ask something like, “How did you get involved in [X} industry?” or “Why do you enjoy working at [X] company?” Both questions are open ended and will help further the conversation rather than allowing someone to respond with simple yes or no answer. 

4. Don’t go Hungry

When attending a networking event, you’ll want to make sure that you maximize your time. However, everyone needs to eat! In the interest of utilizing your time wisely, you should do one of two things when it comes to fitting in a meal at a networking event.

  1. Eat a hearty meal before or after the event.
  2. Schedule a “lunch date” and encourage sharing a meal with a contact made at the networking event.

Either option works as a valid method to maximize your networking event time and ensure that you don’t go hungry.

5. Don’t Linger with Existing Connections

Networking can help you acquire more professional and social contacts, build your business, and create viable referrals. While it is always nice to visit with people you already know at a networking event, it is not making the best use of your time. Make the effort to speak to the people you know, but do not linger with existing contacts. Spending too much time with an existing contact can take away from an opportunity to meet a new connection.

6. Schedule Time to Follow-Up

Before ending a conversation with new contacts at the networking event, be sure to schedule a time to follow-up. On the agreed upon date, send follow-up emails and/or Linkedin requests to anyone you met that you’d like to continue networking with. Make sure to avoid sending generic messages to your contacts. Consider personalizing each email or Linkedin request, letting each person know you enjoyed meeting them and mentioning a specific topic that you talked about with them.

7. Advance the Connection

During your follow-up communication is the time to begin advancing the connection you have made. You can try any of the following methods to ensure that you do not let your new connection fizzle out.

  1. Schedule a coffee date.
  2. Connect on social media.
  3. Reach out for meaningful dates such as birthdays and work anniversaries.
  4. Invest in getting to know your contact better as a person.

This post was originally published on the MAU blog right here.

Job Seekers, Here’s How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile

by Cassie Torres |

LinkedIn is a powerful social media platform for job seekers. Recruiters use it to qualify potential candidates, business owners use it to stay connected, professionals use it to network. If you’re looking for a job, LinkedIn is one of the best places to explore new opportunities, promote your skills, and get hired. 

Here’s how to update your LinkedIn profile to help you stand out to potential employers—in a good way—and get the job you want. 

1. Update Your Profile Picture

A picture is worth a thousand words, so choose a profile picture that sends the right message. The good news is that, thanks to smartphones, a high-quality image is relatively easy to come by these days, so you won’t necessarily need to hire a professional photographer to make it happen. Your headshot doesn’t need to be perfect, but it needs to be professional. Wear something appropriate, make eye contact with the camera, and don’t forget to smile.

2. Grab a Custom URL

Here’s a personal branding tip—customize your LinkedIn profile URL. It should look something like linkedin.com/in/yourname. This will make it easier for you to share your profile with others and get found. On your Profile page, choose “Edit public profile & URL” in the top right-hand corner of the screen. From there, click “Edit your custom URL” and ditch the clunky letters and numbers LinkedIn automatically generates for you.

3. Power Up Your Headline

Did you know that your headline doesn’t necessarily need to be your job title and company? Instead, you can and should use this space to showcase the skills and experiences that are relevant to the types of jobs you’re pursuing. Be sure to include relevant keywords and showcase your greatest strengths—just keep it to 120 characters or less! For example, you could update “UX Designer at XYZ Company” to “Experienced UX Designer | Product Manager | I help companies design and develop successful software applications.”

4. Snag Some Recommendations

When a potential employer or recruiter lands on your page, they’ll be looking for confirmation that the skills and experiences you’ve listed are in fact legit. Recommendations are a great way to gain some third-party validation and score yourself a spot as a stand-out candidate. There are two main ways to make this happen: you can ask for a recommendation through your profile page, or you can write someone else a recommendation and hope that they write one for you in return. Either way, be sure to say thank you!

5. Update Your Profile Regularly

Much like your resume, your LinkedIn profile should be kept up-to-date to give potential employers an accurate representation of you and your professional experience. Even if you’re not quite ready for a career change right now, it’s always a good idea to keep your profile current. Don’t let it collect cobwebs—stay active so that when the time comes to find your next opportunity, you’ll be ready. 

Are you considering a new job in tech, digital, or creative in Atlanta? Explore open positions. 

Talent Spotlight Series: Meet Ronnie

by Cassie Torres |

At 3Ci, we’re lucky enough to work with some of Atlanta’s most talented tech, creative, and digital professionals. In this Talent Spotlight Series, we’re shining a light on the Atlanta techies who found their dream job through 3Ci. We hope their stories will inspire you to make your next career move. 

For now, let’s dive into our conversation with Ronnie, an Application Developer II at a full-service financial institution.

Tell us a bit about your professional background.
I grew up in Macon, GA and then went to Virginia Tech to study engineering. Due to some family hardships, I ended up switching schools and graduating from Radford University with a degree in computer science. My first job was in software development with Deloitte, and then I became an Application II Developer for Macy’s where I stayed for about four years.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An engineer. A lot of my relatives tried to persuade me to become a math teacher because I was good at math, but teaching didn’t excite me.

Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
I’m an Application Developer II supporting applications for our financial core systems. My main tasks involve updating old websites to newer modern website styles and templates as well as updating outdated processes with new business logic and functionality to improve performance and efficiency. We also have an online banking product with an outside vendor that I support by implementing new items and supporting current processes.

What initially drew you to the computer science world?
Growing up, I was really into video games, math, science, and building Legos. I’ve always wanted to do something hands-on and like the idea of building something from nothing. At first, I thought engineering would be the right path for me, but I was also interested in computers and technology. I worked with eight different computer languages in college, so I figured I could give it a shot in the real world.

What is the greatest reward of your work?
As a developer, I really like to solve problems. Having someone in a business unit say to me, “The application’s been doing this for years, can you fix it?” and actually be able to deliver a solution is my greatest satisfaction. It’s also cool when you work on something and then see people outside in the real world using your product.

And the greatest challenge?
Keeping up with the industry. The IT world moves fast, and it can be hard to adapt. Things are constantly changing, and some people get burnt out. Also, a lot of these larger companies use old code, so you have to find a balance between doing your job and staying on top of what’s new.

How do you stay informed in an ever-evolving industry?
I’m a member of ACM (Association of Computing Machinery), and that helps me stay up-to-date with what’s new.

Any advice for all the job seekers out there?
Be open-minded. Don’t try to pigeon hole yourself and say, “I just want to be a backend developer.” In an industry that’s always changing, you need to stay versatile, open-minded, and up to speed.

What do you like to do for fun in Atlanta?
I like to relax, maybe catch a movie. Sometimes I’ll get cabin fever and head into the city to just be a tourist for the day. I like to explore museums, go to the Atlanta Zoo, enjoy a Braves game.

Tell us about your experience working with 3Ci.
I was laid off from my last job in September of 2017 and started job searching online. One of 3Ci’s recruiters reached out to me about the position. I decided to move forward and, within a week, I had a job offer. Most recruiting companies use outdated processes, but 3Ci was different. They helped me create a video package, offered great feedback, and checked in on me throughout the interview process. I’ve never worked with a recruiting agency like that before. 3Ci made me feel really comfortable throughout the entire process.

Are you a tech, digital, or creative professional looking for your next job? Search open positions with 3Ci and apply today. 

Looking to land your dream UX design job with a Fortune 500 in Atlanta? From perfecting your portfolio to nailing the interview, here’s exactly what you need to know.  Click below to learn more!

{{cta(‘3f426d18-497a-456a-91a6-c420a007d8ed’,’justifycenter’)}}To stay connected to Atlanta’s growing tech scene and get more real-life stories and behind-the-scenes insights from top tech leaders, be sure to subscribe to the 3Ci Connect Show right now.

Talent Spotlight Series: Meet Caroline

by Cassie Torres | , ,

Welcome back to the 3Ci Talent Spotlight Series where we’re shining a light on Atlanta’s most talented tech, creative, and digital professionals. By sharing the stories of those who were able to find their dream jobs through 3Ci, we hope to inspire you to make your next career move. Ready now? You can search for open positions right here. 

Today we’re going behind-the-scenes with Caroline Scruggs, Marketing Coordinator at an Atlanta-based parental control phone tracker app.

Tell us a bit about your professional background.
I grew up in Valdosta and lived there until I moved to Athens for college at The University of Georgia. I graduated in 2017 with a degree in public relations and moved to Atlanta for an internship with the Metro Atlanta Chamber. After that, I went to work for a small marketing agency as an Account Manager. I worked there up until this year when I started my current role.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a babysitter. I’m the oldest of three, so it’s always been in my nature to take care of other people.

How did you get connected with the team at 3Ci?
I went to school with one of 3Ci’s recruiters who reached out to me earlier this year to ask if I knew of anyone who might be interested in the marketing coordinator job. At the time, I was in the final round of interviews for another position. After we spoke more about the role and I got the chance to speak with the team, I realized it could be a perfect fit.

What was that experience like?
They moved quickly, which was great for me. It all happened within a matter of a week—from first hearing about the job to getting hired. 3Ci was so helpful and walked me through every step of the process. They would call after-hours to check and see how an interview went or provide me with important updates. Even now the 3Ci team continues to follow up and make sure I’m happy; we actually went to lunch last month. 

At the time, why were you looking for a change?
The agency was great, but because it was based in Gainesville, I worked from home a lot. That was difficult for me, because I’m a really outgoing person and find joy in interacting with my team. Working for two summers at the Metro Atlanta Chamber really sparked a passion for Atlanta in me, and I was eager to get back and contribute to this city that I’ve fallen in love with over the last few years.

Tell us more about your current role.
I’m a Marketing Coordinator and have been here for about three months now. It’s a startup, so every day looks entirely different for me. I’m responsible for managing and recruiting for our affiliate program. I also create a lot of content, like blogs, emails, decks, and presentations. I manage press inquiries, track where we’re getting hits, and make sure our investors are up-to-date about how much we’re spreading the word. Another big part of my job is collaborating and strategizing with our creative team. I make sure we’re looking at the entire consumer journey and that our copywriters and graphic designers have what they need to implement updates based on the research we’re gathering.

What initially drew you to marketing and PR?
My story is kind of unconventional. I started out as a chemistry major at UGA and got into pharmacy school. A week before I was supposed to start, I realized I didn’t really want to do it. People told me that I was good at science and math, so I always thought that’s what I should do for a career. I felt pretty lost after making the decision to give up my spot but ended up randomly joining the PR and marketing committee of a nonprofit on campus and really enjoying it. I applied to Grady and the rest is history. It’s definitely been the best decision for me. I certainly fit more in this role than I would behind a pharmacy counter.

What is the greatest reward of your work?
This company is really unique because of the nature of our product and its ability to help kids. Our team takes a lot of pride in the work that we do. I love that I get to go home at the end of the week knowing that something I’ve done could save a child’s life from a predator or a mental health issue. You won’t find a single member of our team that isn’t extremely passionate about protecting children in this digital world.

And the greatest challenges?
The most rewarding part of this role is also the most challenging. Every day I’m learning about the latest social media challenge that went wrong or news of a young child groomed over Snapchat. A big part of my role is putting myself in these parents’ shoes and being empathetic, but doing so can take a hard hit on my mental state. You have to straddle a fine line between being empathetic but also not getting too close to it that it affects your ability to stay motivated. 

How do you stay informed in an ever-evolving industry?
The shift from print to digital has completely reshaped our industry, and things are constantly changing. You can learn one thing today and be behind tomorrow. I subscribe to a ton of newsletters to stay up-to-date. My favorites are Hubspot, Moz, and AdWeek.

Any advice for all the job seekers out there?
Always keep your eyes peeled for new opportunities, but be patient. If you’re in a job that you dislike or you’re a recent grad, don’t take the first thing that’s dangled in front of you. Really think through the logistics and the work that you’re going to be doing and make sure it’s a good fit before accepting an offer.

What do you like to do for fun in Atlanta?
I have a six-month-old springer spaniel named Buster who keeps me busy. I also love going to all of the amazing restaurants around Atlanta; Barcelona is a personal favorite. I also volunteer with the Red Cross. 

Are you a tech, digital, or creative professional looking to make a career move? Search open positions with 3Ci and apply today.

Looking to land your dream UX design job with a Fortune 500 in Atlanta? From perfecting your portfolio to nailing the interview, here’s exactly what you need to know.  Click below to learn more!

{{cta(‘3f426d18-497a-456a-91a6-c420a007d8ed’,’justifycenter’)}}To stay connected to Atlanta’s growing tech scene and get more real-life stories and behind-the-scenes insights from top tech leaders, be sure to subscribe to the 3Ci Connect Show right now.