The Tier4 Group Times: Volume 2, Issue 4
Tier4 Group
We’re the people you call when you want to find the right fit – the first time.
Guarding Your Mental Health During the Job Search
A Job Seeker's Guide to Avoiding Burnout
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t just important; it’s essential. At Tier4 Group, we believe that mental wellness and professional success go hand in hand — and that applies just as much to the job search as it does to the workplace itself.
Searching for a new role can be exciting and empowering, but let’s be real: it can also be exhausting. Between endless applications, networking conversations, interviews, and the inevitable moments of uncertainty, it’s easy for job seekers to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or burned out.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. With a few mindful strategies, you can protect your mental health, stay resilient, and approach the process with confidence and balance.
Here’s how:
1. Set a Sustainable Search Schedule
Treat your job hunt like a part-time job — not a 24/7 sprint. Set aside dedicated time blocks each day or week to search, network, and apply, and just as importantly, give yourself permission to step away when you’re done. Consistency matters more than quantity. Avoid the temptation to binge-apply late at night or endlessly refresh job boards. Healthy boundaries = healthy energy.
2. Celebrate the Small Wins
Not every updated resume, networking coffee, or interview will lead to an offer, but all those efforts add up! Progress often happens in small, behind-the-scenes ways before it shows up as a big breakthrough. So take a moment to recognize and celebrate each step forward, because each one builds momentum and keeps your mindset positive.
3. Stay Connected to Your Support System
Job searching can sometimes feel isolating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Stay in touch with friends, mentors, and former colleagues — and don’t hesitate to lean on your network for encouragement or advice. Remember: asking for help, sharing frustrations, and celebrating together are all forms of strength, not weakness.
4. Keep Perspective: Rejection Isn’t Personal
It’s easy to internalize a "no" as a reflection of your worth, but it’s not. Hiring decisions are complex and often have more to do with timing, internal priorities, or fit than with you personally. Keep the big picture in mind: you're building a career, not just chasing a job. Each interview sharpens your skills and moves you closer to the right opportunity.
5. Take Real Breaks — Guilt-Free
Mental health thrives when you allow yourself time to recharge. Take a day off from job hunting. Go outside. Dive into a hobby. Volunteer. Exercise. Watch a movie. Stepping away doesn't mean you're "falling behind" — it means you're taking care of your most important asset: yourself.
6. Work With Partners Who Have Your Back
Having a trusted recruiting partner like Tier4 Group can make all the difference. We’re not just here to match resumes to jobs - we’re here to advocate for you, offer guidance, and make sure you’re moving toward a career path that aligns with your goals and values. You deserve a job search experience that feels empowering, not draining.
Remember - You Are More Than Your Job Search
Your job search is important, but it doesn’t define you. Your value isn’t measured by how many applications you send, how many interviews you land, or how fast you get an offer.
This May, and every month, let’s prioritize mental wellness alongside professional growth. If you need a partner in your journey — someone who sees you as a whole person, not just a candidate — Tier4 Group is here to support you at every step.
You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.
Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
During Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we take time to honor the generations of leadership, innovation, and resilience from the AAPI community who have helped shape our world. 🌏✨At Tier4 Group, we’re proud to stand for workplaces where every story is valued, every culture is respected, and every person can thrive. 💙
Let us know how you're celebrating AAPI Heritage Month!
Featured News:
Tier4 Group Appoints Three Market Vice Presidents to Power National Expansion
Tier4 Group, a leading technology and professional recruitment firm based in Atlanta, GA, is excited to announce the appointment of three outstanding leaders to the role of Market Vice President as part of its strategic growth plan to expand national reach and continue delivering exceptional service to clients and talent.
- Larry Leff has been named Market Vice President, Northeast Region
- Kyle Rampy has been named Market Vice President, Central Region
- Kelly Gardner has been named Market Vice President, Southeast Region
These key additions reflect Tier4 Group’s commitment to scaling its business thoughtfully, strengthening client partnerships, and continuing its mission of building diverse, innovative, and high-performing teams across the country.
“This strategic investment in leadership underscores our commitment to scaling Tier4 Group’s impact nationally," said Betsy Robinson, Founder & CEO of Tier4 Group. “By adding seasoned Market Vice Presidents across our regions, each with proven track records, we’re not only accelerating growth but also reinforcing the culture of mentorship and collaboration that sets us apart in the recruiting industry.”
Each new Market Vice President brings a unique blend of industry expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for building meaningful relationships:
- Larry Leff (Northeast) is a seasoned technology and staffing executive with a proven track record of creating client-centric solutions and leading high-performing teams. His deep expertise in IT services and talent acquisition will further strengthen Tier4 Group’s presence in the Northeast market.
- Kyle Rampy (Central) brings strong business development, operational leadership, and consulting experience across the Central region. With a client-first mindset and a drive for innovation, Kyle is well-positioned to help Tier4 Group’s continue delivering exceptional outcomes across a rapidly evolving marketplace.
- Kelly Gardner (Southeast) has built her career on forging lasting partnerships, driving team success, and creating customized talent solutions. Her leadership will be instrumental as Tier4 Group deepens its roots in the Southeast and strengthens its stronghold in key regional markets.
“As we continue to expand Tier4 Group’s national footprint, we're thrilled to announce the addition of these three Market Vice Presidents for Sales,” said Robert Bouchard, COO, Tier4 Group. “Larry, Kelly, and Kyle bring the kind of leadership that will expand our reach and enhance our ability to deliver the Tier4 Touch—our personalized, high-impact service model—at scale. These accomplished leaders have consistently delivered results and will play a vital role in enriching the collaborative, mentorship-driven culture that makes us uncommon.”
Tier4 Group’s expansion comes at a time of dynamic change across the technology, recruiting, and workforce consulting industries. By investing in regional leadership, Tier4 is building the infrastructure needed to better serve clients and candidates nationwide while staying true to its hands-on, people-first approach that sets it apart.
To learn more about Tier4 Group and what makes us uncommon, visit www.tier4group.com.
Tier4 Group and Robert Bouchard Nominated by TALiNT Partners for the 2025 Tiara Staffing Awards US
Tier4 Group is thrilled to announce that we've been named a TIARA Awards Finalist for The Bullhorn Best Staffing Company to Work For. 🎉This award recognizes employers of choice in recruitment who have demonstrated excellence in the attraction, induction, development, and retention of their own talent. This honor is fueled by the unwavering commitment our team brings to every relationship—whether it’s with a client, a candidate, or each other. Thank you TALiNT Partners for this incredible recognition, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the awards ceremony on June 12th in Atlanta! 🏆
Staffing Leader of the Year - Robert Bouchard, COO
We're excited to announce that our very own COO, Robert Bouchard, has been selected as a finalist for Staffing Leader of the Year by the TIARA Awards! This Award recognizes visionary recruitment leaders who have achieved exceptional growth, pioneered transformational improvement, and inspired the highest levels of engagement and performance from their people throughout the past year. We're extremely proud of Robert for receiving this recognition, and we look forward to celebrating him and the other finalists at the awards ceremony on June 12th, in Atlanta!
Robert and Tier4 Group will be honored alongside a host of other well-deserving nominees on June 12th during the prestigious Conference and Awards ceremony taking place over two days on Wednesday, June 11, and Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Every year, Tier4 Group recognizes top performers who go above and beyond in their roles. Past destinations have included Taos, New Mexico, and Costa Rica. This year, the team traveled to the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, where the team enjoyed time together trekking through the beautiful desert terrain, sipping on tasty wines, and even (maybe) spotting a few UFOs!
At Tier4 Group, we believe in putting people first. We don't just recognize top performance; we reward it with unforgettable experiences like these. Congratulations to all our 2025 honorees! We can't wait to see where the winds will take us in 2026!
Join us in celebrating this year's top performers:
Peter Tyre , Lexi Dolby , Carlie Jo Lavin , Mike Nelson , Elle Hanson , Savannah Dortch , Larry Leff , Kim Kilgoar , Ashley Carlin Wetzel
What's Happening at Tier4 Group:
📆 April 16th: Tier4 Group joined Women in Technology (WIT) at their April Social held at Bar Peri as the Presenting Sponsor. During the event, our team had the opportunity to deepen relationships while supporting the continued work WIT is doing in the community.
📆 April 24th: Jonathan Palombo and Kelly Gardner attended Marketing AI Pulse at the Atlanta Tech Village. Throughout the day, Jon and Kelly heard from a lineup of marketing and AI experts who shared insights and demos related to Agentic Marketing and AI Agents.
📆 April 25 - 28th: Tier4 Group celebrated top-performing employees who went above and beyond during its annual Top-Tier Trip. This year, the team visited the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona, where they got to share out-of-this-world experiences while deepening their bonds. Where will they go next?
📆 May 1st: Tier4 Group was in full swing as a sponsor for the successful WIT Connect Fundraiser at Topgolf, and it was a huge success. Together with over 580 supporters, Women in Technology (WIT) raised over $450,000 to advance the vital work they are doing to support women and girls in technology. We're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to show up and support such a wonderful cause!
📆 May 6th: Robert Bouchard attended Cheating, Code, & Cocktails hosted by Coderpad. During the event, attendees enjoyed an evening of drinks, dev talks, and a deep dive into one of the most viral tech hiring stories of the year, and how to prevent fraud in hiring.
📆 May 6th: Our Dallas-Fort Worth-based team got together with Tier4 Group Founder & CEO Betsy Robinson for a night full of laughter, queso (so much queso), and team bonding. The team also welcomed our newest addition to the DFW team - John Gruebmeyer ! At Tier4 Group, we treasure the opportunities for our regional teams to get together and strengthen relationships.
📆 May 7th: Emmanuelle Kramer attended a happy hour hosted by the Society for Information Management National Capital Area (SIMCAC) on the 1st event and Kickoff for the new Executive Recruiter Program—a unique opportunity for SIMCAC members to engage directly with C-suite executive recruiters.
📆 May 9th: Robert Bouchard attended the Business Roundtable Luncheon hosted by Georgia's 7th District Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick. From workforce strategy to global competitiveness, one theme kept rising to the surface: consistent messaging matters — and isolationism is not the answer.
📆 May 9th: Tier4 Group's own Kyle Rampy got his swing (and networking) on at the Dot Autry SIM-DFW Golf Classic, hosted at the beautiful Cowboys Golf Club. Tier4 Group is proud to support SIM-DFW's mission to Connect, Grow and Give Back to the current and future IT community.
Featured Article:
Tech Hiring Trends and What we Learned From LinkedIn's 2025 Grad's Guide
By Tier4 Group
It’s graduation season, and with that comes the next generation of graduates eager to enter the workforce and make their mark. This season is an exciting time to celebrate academic success while embracing the beginning of a career. Where exactly, though, are graduates ending up?
LinkedIn recently released its 2025 Grad's Guide, offering a comprehensive look into the evolving job landscape and highlighting the intersection of emerging technologies and new career opportunities for recent graduates. As a technology recruiting firm, we recognize the significance of these trends and their implications for both the next generation of job seekers and the employers who will hire them. Let’s check out some of the key findings and break down the trends as they relate to technology hiring.
Key Findings from LinkedIn's 2025 Grad's Guide:
Emergence of AI and Tech Roles
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer tops the list as the fastest-growing job for recent bachelor's degree holders. This surge underscores the increasing demand for AI and machine learning expertise across various industries. According to a recent report from Robert Half, there has been a 116% increase in job descriptions with at least one bullet requesting skills in AI. AI is here to stay, and now we’re seeing it manifesting in open roles.
Recent Growth in Infrastructure and Energy Sectors
Industries such as construction, utilities, and energy are experiencing significant growth, partly due to initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act. These sectors are integrating advanced technologies, creating a demand for tech-savvy professionals who can leverage emerging technologies to drive business forward.
Importance of Adaptability
Graduates are finding success by being open to roles outside their initial field of study, emphasizing the value of transferable skills and continuous learning. There must also be more flexibility around the job status. Graduates may find more success if they are open to temporary roles and different work models, like on-site or hybrid, as remote work becomes less available.
What This Means for Tech Job Seekers:
An Increase in Diverse Opportunities
The integration of technology across sectors means that tech professionals are no longer confined to traditional tech companies. Opportunities abound in sectors like construction, energy, and healthcare, and graduates should keep an open mind.
Skill Development
Employers are seeking candidates with a blend of technical skills and adaptability. Continuous upskilling in areas like AI, data analytics, and cloud computing can enhance employability. Soft skills, such as written and verbal communication, cannot be overlooked and are more important than ever before. Alongside the technical skills, graduates must continue to develop soft skills, which can make or break hiring decisions.
Networking and Mentorship
By building relationships through networking events, mentorship programs, and professional organizations, graduates can open doors to unexpected career paths. Partnering with a recruiter can also benefit job seekers at this crucial stage in their journey. Recruiters often offer a direct line to the hiring manager, expediting the hiring process and putting you in front.
For Employers:
The evolving job market necessitates a proactive approach to talent acquisition, and companies must take note and stay ahead of the curve. Here are a few things they should consider:
- Investing in Training Programs: Developing in-house training can bridge skill gaps and prepare employees for emerging roles.
- Collaborating with Educational Institutions: Partnerships can ensure curricula align with industry needs, producing job-ready graduates.
- Emphasizing Inclusive Hiring: Broadening hiring criteria to value diverse experiences and backgrounds can enrich the talent pool.
- Partner with a Recruiting Partner: Recruiting firms like Tier4 Group can help you leave no stone unturned, ensuring a pipeline of highly qualified candidates who can move your business forward.
The 2025 job landscape will be marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting industry demands, and graduates are already feeling the effects. For the next generation of tech professionals and employers alike, staying informed and adaptable is key to thriving in this dynamic environment.
Retained Spotlight
What a Midnight Noise Complaint Taught Me About Conflict Management
By Tino Mantella, President & Managing Partner, Retained
Early in my career, I worked at the New Haven YMCA, and we were one of the largest providers of occupancy housing to those in need of a place to stay. It was a unique environment that taught me a lot, often in unexpected ways.
One night around midnight, I got a call from one of the residents. He said, “Mr. Mantella, can you please help me? It's very late, and the guy next door is playing his radio too loud.” It wasn’t exactly an emergency, and I wasn't thrilled to be disturbed at such a late hour, but once I settled down, I proceeded to handle the situation.
Over the phone, I instructed the resident to walk over, politely knock on the neighbor’s door, and ask them to turn the volume down since it was midnight. Thankfully, he did—and that was the end of it. But the moment stuck with me.
Since then, I’ve had countless situations where someone has come into my office and said, “Tino, can you help me? So-and-so is causing an issue.” In the past, I’d often step in right away—“Let me talk to them,” or “Let’s all meet together to fix it.” My instinct was to mediate.
But over the years, I’ve learned a better way.
Now, instead of immediately stepping in, I ask: “Have you spoken with them directly?” More often than not, the answer is no. What people really want is to be heard, validated, and—if possible—rescued from discomfort. But growth happens in the discomfort.
I’ve come to believe that one of the best things leaders can do is empower others to handle conflict themselves. That doesn’t mean abandoning people or ignoring issues—it means coaching them, equipping them with the right approach, and then encouraging them to take the lead.
Here are a few takeaways I’ve learned about conflict management:
- Start with empathy. Everyone’s experience is valid, even if the issue seems small to you.
- Encourage direct communication. Avoid becoming the go-between whenever possible. Instead, help others feel confident in addressing the issue themselves.
- Coach, don’t fix. Offer guidance and support, but allow others the opportunity to grow by handling the conversation.
- Pick your moments to intervene. Sometimes, it is necessary to mediate—but it shouldn’t be the default.
That midnight noise complaint may have seemed small, but it taught me a big lesson: not every conflict needs to be solved for someone. Sometimes, the most powerful leadership move is to stand beside them, not in front of them, as they work through it themselves.
Talks With Tino - Episode 66: Conflict Happens - Do you Really Need to be the Referee?
The CIO Corner | Featuring Yogaraj (Yogs) Jayaprakasam, CIO at Deluxe
In this month’s edition of The CIO Corner, we’re thrilled to feature Yogaraj (Yogs) Jayaprakasam, CIO of Deluxe. With a future-focused mindset and deep industry insight, Yogs is shaping how technology drives business forward.
We asked Yogs two key questions about hiring challenges and what really makes an IT team stand out. Here’s what he shared:
Q: What technology skill sets are most difficult to hire for today? “Very hard to find public cloud skills, emerging payment tech, applied AI, and technical project managers.”
Q: What non-technical traits do you seek when hiring IT staff? “Technology people with an appetite to learn new tech, solution architecture, and outcome focus on their solutions.”
Yogs brings a grounded, forward-thinking lens to building tech teams that don’t just execute—they innovate.
👉 Explore more CIO insights at retained.com/the-cio-corner
Check Out Our Hottest May Jobs!
Are you a visionary and strategic Technology Leader?
Our client is seeking to hire a Vice President, Digital Experience to drive innovation across customer-facing technologies and enterprise platforms. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the company’s technology vision, lead a high-performing IT team, and deliver impactful solutions that align with organizational goals. The ideal candidate will bring a deep technical background and a proven ability to scale systems, develop roadmaps, and build strong cross-functional relationships. From mentoring top talent and optimizing processes to managing major vendor partnerships and steering complex projects, this leader will play a critical role in transforming technology into a driver of business growth and customer value.
If you’re a dynamic leader with deep technical expertise and a proven track record of building high-performing teams, we want to talk to you!
Our client is seeking a skilled and proactive Database Administrator to manage and optimize their MySQL databases and Linux server infrastructure. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in large-scale Linux environments and hands-on experience with automation tools and cloud platforms. The Database Administrator will play a key role in ensuring system reliability, security, and performance, leveraging tools like Puppet and Foreman to streamline deployments and maintain infrastructure at scale. With responsibilities spanning cloud services, network security, and system monitoring, this position offers the opportunity to drive operational excellence and support the backbone of a dynamic technology environment.
Ready to get started?
Our client is building a new AI and emerging solutions team and is seeking two experienced Enterprise Architects to lead the charge. In this strategic role, you’ll be instrumental in designing and scaling enterprise-wide technology solutions that support innovation, integration, and long-term success. As a trusted advisor to both IT and business leaders, you’ll help shape architectural standards, assess technical risks, and guide complex projects from concept to execution. Ideal candidates will bring deep expertise in enterprise architecture, a forward-thinking mindset, and a passion for aligning technology with business strategy in a fast-evolving landscape.
If you're a visionary technologist with a passion for aligning complex IT systems with business strategy, this is your moment.
Ready to join a growing AI Center of Excellence?
Our client is seeking an AI Product Analyst to join their innovative AI Center of Excellence and play a key role in shaping the future of AI across healthcare operations. In this highly collaborative role, you’ll work alongside data scientists, clinicians, and business leaders to evaluate, implement, and monitor AI solutions that enhance clinical, operational, and administrative performance. Reporting to the Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence, you'll ensure AI initiatives are strategically aligned, ethically sound, and delivering measurable value. This is a unique opportunity to help drive responsible AI adoption in one of the most impactful sectors - healthcare.
Passionate about leveraging AI to transform healthcare and operations? Let's chat!
Our client is hiring two experienced Principal Solution Engineers to join their newly formed AI and Emerging Solutions team. In these senior-level roles, you’ll help design and deliver scalable software solutions that drive innovation across clinical and business systems. As a hands-on technical leader, you’ll collaborate across engineering, data, and business teams to solve complex challenges and implement modern architecture patterns. Ideal candidates will bring deep full-stack engineering expertise, a passion for emerging technologies, and a strategic mindset to help shape the future of healthcare technology. These fully remote roles are available in select states across the Southeast and Midwest.
Want to lead the future of healthcare tech?
Looking to take your career to the next level and support cutting-edge technology and AI initiatives in the healthcare space? Look no further.
Our client is looking for a skilled and forward-thinking AI Engineer to join their newly launched AI and Emerging Solutions team. In this pivotal role, you’ll help build AI capabilities from the ground up, driving the development of responsible, scalable, and secure AI systems that improve patient care and operational efficiency. As a founding member of the team, you’ll collaborate with data scientists, clinicians, and IT stakeholders to deploy machine learning solutions that meet the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and ethical practice. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of healthcare technology while ensuring safety, trust, and impact at every stage of the AI lifecycle.
Are you a tech maestro with a passion for orchestrating infrastructure like a symphony? We've got your next act.
Our client is Hiring an experienced Site Reliability Engineer to join a forward-thinking tech team as they build a brand-new Google Cloud Platform (GCP) environment from the ground up. In this senior-level role, you'll design and automate scalable infrastructure using tools like Terraform and Ansible, playing a key part in driving Infrastructure as Code (IaC) best practices. You'll collaborate closely with development, QA, and operations teams to implement secure, efficient solutions across both cloud and on-prem environments. Ideal candidates will bring deep technical expertise in GCP (or AWS with interest in transitioning), container orchestration, and automation, ensuring optimal performance, resilience, and user experience.
Our client is seeking a dynamic and solutions-driven Client Solutions Consultant to join their fully remote team, with a focus on transforming financial operations within the construction industry. In this consultative role, you’ll serve as a trusted advisor to clients—leveraging your expertise in financial accounting and SQL to develop custom reports, streamline workflows, and tackle complex challenges like WIP reporting and revenue recognition. You’ll play a hands-on role in data transformation, platform optimization, and client training, all while collaborating with internal teams to enhance product offerings and ensure long-term client success.
If you’re excited about using your finance, technical, and customer-facing skills to drive impactful changes for clients, we want to hear about it.
Our client is looking for a strategic and experienced Procurement Consultant to support their Sourcing & Procurement team within the Finance organization, with a strong focus on the technology category. This role plays a critical part in managing the full vendor lifecycle, from contract negotiation and execution to ongoing performance and risk management. Acting as a strategic advisor, the consultant will collaborate with business leaders to drive sourcing initiatives that reduce risk, optimize supplier value, and align with enterprise goals. Ideal candidates will bring deep experience in technology procurement, including SaaS, cloud, and EULA agreements, along with a proven ability to manage cross-functional relationships, negotiate effectively, and navigate regulatory and compliance frameworks.
Apply now to join a dynamic procurement team at an industry-leading organization.
Want to explore our available opportunities? View a full list of open roles here!
Generative AI Research Assistant @ Saint Peter's University | Master's in Data Science
6moLove seeing the latest from Tier4 Group! Congratulations on shining a light on Mental Health Awareness Month and recognizing the importance of supporting well-being in the workplace. Exciting times ahead with the new Market Vice Presidents and Top-Tier Trip highlights - thanks for sharing!
Marketing Communications Manager | Proven & Accomplished Marketing Professional | Servant Leader
6moBig congrats to Larry Leff, Kelly Gardner, and Kyle Rampy on their appointments - so excited for the future here at Tier4 Group! Also still jealous of that trip to Sedona - looked so fun!! Exciting stuff, and there is so much more to come. 😎
Accelerating the hiring process for technology leaders by serving as a trusted talent partner and advisor. Advocate for Women in Tech!
6moThanks for the thoughtful and practical advice shared here — it's a great reminder that mental health is just as crucial as career progress. Tips like setting boundaries and relying on support networks can truly make a difference during the job search. It’s also great to see Tier4 Group continuing to grow in such a tough market! We’re fortunate to have strong relationships with both our clients and candidates, and to have a team that works so hard toward the same goal.