So, you’ve landed a new job. Everything is in place for your first day, but now you’re wondering: How do I set myself up for success?

From the desk of Brandon Jordan , Cybersecurity Recruiting Team Lead.

Optomi is proud to announce its inclusion on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, marking the ninth consecutive year the company has been recognized.

It’s almost certain that AI has been a topic of discussion in recent board meetings, strategy sessions, or investor conversations. While AI can unlock powerful new capabilities, the path to meaningful integration isn’t always clear.

We are proud to announce that Optomi has once again been named one of the Fastest-Growing Staffing Firms in the United States by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA)—marking our seventh appearance on this annual list. Earning this recognition year after year is not something we take lightly. In a constantly evolving market, sustained growth requires more than strategy—it demands vision, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to excellence in every facet of the business. This milestone is a reflection of the strength of our model, the caliber of our people, and the lasting partnerships we’ve built with our clients and consultants. We’ve remained focused on delivering IT talent solutions that solve real business challenges, while staying rooted in a culture that values integrity, performance, and purpose. “Achieving a compounded annual growth rate over the last few years of 25.6%, when the market as a whole has faced significant headwinds, is truly remarkable. It's a testament to the fact that during uncertain times, clients don't just look for a service; they seek a true partner,” said CEO Chuck Ruggiero. “This growth is a direct result of the trust our clients place in us to deliver the critical talent they need to navigate complexity and innovation. That trust, paired with the unwavering dedication of our team, has allowed us to excel in a down market.” As we look to the future, we’re proud of this achievement—but even more committed to what comes next. With a strong foundation and a proven approach, Optomi remains well-positioned for continued growth and impact.

LinkedIn has evolved far beyond being just a place to post your resume or browse job listings. Today, it’s one of the most powerful tools for relationship-building, thought leadership, career growth, and opportunity discovery. But like any tool, it’s only as effective as the way you use it. It’s easy to focus on racking up connection numbers—but a high-quality network will always outperform a high-quantity one. Whether you're actively job hunting, exploring your next chapter, or just trying to stay sharp in your field, the right people in your network can help you grow faster, think bigger, and play smarter. Here are five types of people you should be connected with on LinkedIn and why those relationships matter. 1. A Mentor Who’s Been There, Done That A good mentor is like a career compass—they help you navigate the unknown, challenge your blind spots, and keep you focused on long-term growth. The beauty of LinkedIn is that it gives you direct access to leaders who have built the career you admire or who have overcome the same hurdles you're currently facing. Your mentor doesn’t need to be someone you speak with weekly. It might be a former boss whom you reconnect with a few times a year or a respected professional who shares valuable content you follow closely. The key is having someone who helps you see the bigger picture—and whose journey provides a roadmap for your own. Why it matters: Mentors can help you refine your goals, weigh important decisions, avoid common missteps, and even advocate for you when new opportunities arise. 2. A Great Recruiter in Your Industry Even if you’re not actively on the job market, having a recruiter in your network is a strategic move. A good recruiter is dialed into your industry—they know who's hiring, what skills are in demand, and where the market is headed. And when you're ready to make a move, having a warm relationship with someone who already knows your strengths gives you a huge edge. Recruiters can also be incredible sounding boards. Wondering if your compensation is competitive? Thinking about shifting roles or industries? Ask. Many recruiters are happy to offer insights, even when there’s no immediate placement involved. Why it matters: Careers can change in a moment. Having a recruiter in your corner means you’re not starting from scratch when opportunity or challenge comes knocking. 3. A Peer Who’s Going Places Think about your smartest, most driven peer—maybe it’s a former colleague, someone you met at a conference, or a classmate whose career path mirrors your own. These are the people who will rise with you, refer you for opportunities, and one day might be decision-makers who remember your name. Peers also keep you grounded. They speak your language, understand your challenges, and can offer honest advice without hierarchy. Whether it's sharing job leads, tackling tough situations, or brainstorming new ideas, these relationships often turn into lifelong career friendships. Why it matters: As you grow, so do your peers. Investing in these relationships today creates a future network of trusted allies, collaborators, and cheerleaders. 4. A Thought Leader Who Inspires You We all need to be challenged. That’s where the right thought leaders come in. These aren’t necessarily influencers with massive followings—they’re people who offer sharp insights, ask the right questions, and spark new thinking. It might be a CEO who shares transparent stories about leadership, a consultant who posts industry trends, or a specialist who teaches you something new in every post. You don’t need to know them personally. Just following and engaging with their content can transform your feed into a curated source of education and inspiration. Why it matters: Thought leaders help you grow intellectually and professionally. The right one will expand your thinking, deepen your expertise, and keep you motivated to improve. 5. A Connector Who Knows Everyone There’s always that person—the one who seems to know someone in every company, every city, and every niche. They’re natural networkers, community builders, and champions of others. You want one of these people in your corner. Connectors are especially valuable because they can help you find the right person faster. Looking for a job, a freelance gig, or a speaker for your event? They’ll probably know someone, and they’ll gladly introduce you if you’ve built genuine rapport. Why it matters: One warm introduction can do more for your career than 50 cold emails. Connectors make that possible. Putting It into Practice So, how do you go about connecting with these five types of people? Be proactive, not transactional. Don’t wait until you need something. Start engaging now. Like their posts, leave thoughtful comments, and send a personal connection note. Offer value. Share articles, insights, or even just encouragement. A simple “I really appreciated your take on X” goes a long way. Be intentional. Instead of adding 20 random people a week, try finding 1–2 meaningful connections that align with your goals and values. Keep it human. Behind every profile is a person, so connect with curiosity and authenticity. Final Thought: Build Your Circle Before You Need It Your LinkedIn network is more than a list of names. It's your career ecosystem—and it should be filled with people who inspire, challenge, and support your growth. Don’t wait for a job change or career crossroads to start building it. Start today and make a habit of cultivating meaningful connections with purpose. Who are your five? Look at your current network. Are these people represented? If not, go find them. And if they are, send a note of gratitude. After all, great connections go both ways.

We, along with many in our industry, have seen a recent uptick in employment scams. Nefarious parties are impersonating recruiters and posting fake jobs

From the desk of Tim Gunter – a seasoned, 12-year Optomi employee with over 15 years of experience in the recruiting industry

From the desk of Sam Del Toro Brown – Team Lead, ServiceNow Recruiting. Del Toro Brown is a trusted advisor in the ServiceNow ecosystem with a proven track record of placing specialized resources critical to the enablement of platform and client success.