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Georgia’s Own Credit Union named a 2023 Top Workplace

For the second consecutive year, Georgia’s Own Credit Union is proud to be named to the Top Workplaces USA list. The Credit Union was also named a Top Workplace for the financial services industry for 2022.

Organizations must receive at least a 35% response rate on their employee engagement surveys to be considered for the Top Workplaces USA award from Energage. Questions range from employees’ experiences with work-life balance and their overall well-being to communication, innovation, and values within the organization.

In addition, Georgia’s Own was named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and CoxNext’s 2023 Atlanta Top Workplaces list.

A record 7,998 companies were nominated or asked to participate in the Atlanta 2023 Top Workplace rankings, and more than 98,000 workers in the Atlanta region were represented.

As a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution, serving our members, giving back to our communities, and cultivating our employees is at the heart of what we do. That includes providing a flexible, innovative, engaging, and progressive work environment—just to name a few.

We had an impressive participation rate of 79.5% in the employee engagement survey. Below is what some of our incredible employees have to say about working for Georgia’s Own:

“In my work, I can be very flexible with my schedule, and I feel like I can contribute to the overall success of the company.”

“I feel like I am an important part of Georgia’s Own, and what I do matters.”

“Georgia’s Own is true to its values.”

 “I can contribute to the greater cause of providing our community with financial assistance to meet the dreams and needs of their families.”

“It’s fulfilling [to work for Georgia’s Own], and I am learning so much about Georgia’s Own Credit Union and its culture and diversity. My manager is very responsive and supportive in helping me to be successful at my job.”

We’re honored to be included among some of the most highly regarded organizations in the nation. This award would not have been possible without our extraordinary employees who work hand-in-hand to ensure our mission of Banking on Purpose remains the foundation of our work.

How to make the best impression at your next job interview

Job interviews are not the most comfortable experience for everyone. You worry about what to say, how to say it, if you wore the right clothes, and whether your industry experience will be accurately reflected through your interview. It may feel overwhelming, but we can help. Keep reading to learn more about the best ways you can make a great impression at your next job interview and land your next career.

The devil’s in the details

If you’re running out for a late-night snack, you’d probably wear your favorite sweats. But for a job interview, casual is not the way to go. Plan your appearance carefully. You don’t need to look fake or not like yourself; you just want to give yourself a leg up for the job by demonstrating your care for detail through your appearance. Iron your clothes. Wash your face. Run a comb through your hair a few times. It may sound obvious, but it also requires planning, so be sure to have your outfit all ready to go before your interview day.

Research, research, research

You may have found out about this job opportunity through a job board or a friend, but now you have to take the next step: researching the company you’re interviewing for. A quick scroll through their website is a nice idea, but it’s not really that helpful. Peruse the website carefully, making note of anything you think will aid you in showing why you are right for the job. You don’t have to bring notes to the interview, but looking at them as a study guide is a good idea.

Have some questions…

Many interviewers ask the interviewee which questions they have about the job or company. And many interviewees find themselves with no response, unsure of what to ask or if they even have questions. This is another chance for you to plan ahead. Write down multiple questions that you have about the company. Even if the person interviewing you answers them all before you get the chance to ask, you will be prepared. Be bold with your questions—if you want to know, ask! Just do so politely.

…and have some answers

It’s impossible to predict what employers may ask in your interview, so it’s smart to have answers to some of the basic questions. They may ask you to tell them about yourself—what will you say? Why do you want to work there? How do you think your experience will aid you in working the job? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Thinking of answers for these questions and practicing them with friends or family before your interview will convey the confident professionalism you’re sure to bring to the table if you get the job.

Be on time

Have you heard the saying “early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable”? Take this advice to heart when arriving for a job interview. Plan your day and route carefully to ensure you aren’t caught in unexpected traffic. You can even make a practice run on an earlier day, just to make sure you know where the building is. And once you’re in the building, you need to make sure you can find your way to the right place for your interview. Preparation is key for good impressions!

Know your value

If you are a perfect fit for this job and you know it, you need to show it. We’re not encouraging you to be arrogant or rude in your interview, but don’t shy away from answering (or asking) questions that display your considerable skill. You may be up against multiple other applicants, so you want to stand out. What better way to do that than to show a potential employer why you would be a great hire?

Observe basic etiquette

Again, this may seem obvious. But it’s always good to have a reminder, right? Observe the basic rules of etiquette during your job interview to make a great impression. Make and maintain eye contact when speaking with your interviewer. Say “please” and “thank you” when needed. After the interview, be sure to thank the person you spoke with—and maybe send them an actual thank you card in the mail when you get home. Utilizing these niceties is just one more way to show this company why you’re such a great fit for the role you want.

Now have what you need—go forth and be interviewed! Prepare ahead of time, remember why you want this job, and walk into every interview with the confidence that you are exactly who they have been looking for.

Looking for your next career move? We’re hiring! Check out our current job listings here and see how you can become one of Georgia’s Own.

How much do influencers make and can I become one?

Are you influenced by influencers? Are you wondering what they’re all about, how they possibly make money, and even if you should become one? We have all (well, at least some) of the answers here, so read on to become an influencer expert.

What are influencers?

Great question. Simply put, influencers are individuals who have the ability and resources to persuade others to make purchasing decisions. In other words, influencers are the reason you bought a new brand of yogurt during your last grocery store trip. Influencers use their relationships, usually cultivated through social media, to sway their followers into backing a product or service. The company that provides the product or service pays the influencer to mention or promote their products, which in turn gains the company more business.

Where can I find influencers?

If you have any type of social media platform, odds are good that you’ve run across an influencer or two. Instagram and TikTok are both popular places for influencers to cultivate a following and tell them about the company they represent. Typically, influencers are part of or representing a very specific niche—like bloggers who target young working moms between the ages of 25 and 35 as their audience. Scroll through your Instagram feed today, and you will probably see a video in your feed from someone you don’t follow who is talking about your favorite brand of socks.

Is this a real job?

As crazy as it sounds, some people make very a great living as an influencer. If they can partner with a big brand and have the time it takes to create the right kind of social media presence required to affect potential consumers, they can earn some decent money. It’s probably a good idea to note that, while more and more people are calling themselves influencers, the ones who actually have success in the field are few and far between.

What kind of money are we talking about?

One recent report suggests that influencers with an average following can make between $30,000 and $100,000 a year. If they gain a large following, as in over a million people, they can even make up to $250,000 a year. While this money does sound pretty good, it’s also important to note that the average range is very wide, and that’s assuming you can even make it to that point.

Should I do this?

We understand the appeal that being an influencer can have. But before you decide to quit your job and download the Instagram app to start your new career, you should consider a few things first:

You need a following. You might have a lot of Facebook friends, and that’s awesome. But it takes more than a couple thousand online friends to have success as an influencer. You need to work up to hundreds, and then thousands, of followers, not just friends, before you can make it into the influencer world.

You need a niche. Why would someone buy a product because you recommend it? Is it because you’ve established that you’re a part of the target community this product was made for? If not, you may need to develop your social media presence a little more if you hope to convince someone that buying a product or service is a good idea. Think about what you know and who you are—how can you use those things to influence others?

You need another job. We’re being completely serious—becoming an influencer that makes a livable wage will take time. Don’t quit your job and assume that you will find success overnight. Instead, keep your job and develop your influencer persona on the side. Eventually, you may find that you can make enough as an influencer to support yourself—then you can reconsider the other job.

You need social media expertise. Social media has a lot of ups and downs, and navigating different platforms is tricky. Throw in the fact that most of these platforms undergo changes and updates on a regular basis and you’ll find that there is a learning curve to achieving a following. Even if you are a seasoned TikTok user who makes videos every day, doing it for your job requires a different set of skills.

Influencers are becoming more and more prevalent, so if you think you want to jump on this train, go ahead. Just be sure to remember that for every successful influencer you come across on Twitter, there are probably 50 others who just couldn’t make it happen. We don’t want to discourage you—we want you to succeed! Do your research, put in the time, and work towards becoming the type of influencer that everyone just can’t stop talking about—and keep your existing job for now.

Is now the best time to find a new job?

The last few years have brought about a myriad of changes for everyone in a number of ways. Many people found themselves without jobs, changing roles at work, or adjusting to working from a home office. While some change is unavoidable, you may have found yourself wondering if now is the best time to find a new job. Read on for some things you should consider before taking the next step.

Know your reasons

Why do you want to leave your current job? Is the commute too far? Does your boss have it out for you? Are you just tired of your industry? Determining your “why” can help you decide if you need to make a big change. If you’re overworked right now because your job is in its busiest season, give it a few weeks and see if you still feel like quitting after your workload has eased up a little. The phrase “never quit on your worst day” is a good one to keep in mind for this decision.

Decide where to go next

A paycheck is a paycheck, even if your work is really starting to weigh on you. This means that you are certainly free to look for a new job but take the time to consider where you want to wind up at the end of your search. Are you looking in an entirely new field? Are you hoping to stay in the same city? These practical answers can help you achieve your career dreams and allow you to make a more informed choice.

Wait for an offer

Working at a job you hate is really hard—but it’s not as hard as suddenly going without a regular paycheck. We are all for the idea of you seeking a new place of employment, but you should have a solid offer in place—in writing—before you actually give your two weeks’ notice. Even if a job is offered to you by your best buddy, they need to provide an offer you can sign before you make any final decisions.

Check on your budget

By now, you’re probably a budget expert. You know what you’re bringing in what’s going out, and how much is left over. Before you decide to change everything up by taking a new job, review your budget to make sure you understand how much you need to bring home to maintain your current lifestyle. You should also factor in the possibility of a gap between your last paycheck at your old job and your first paycheck at your new job to make sure no necessary expenses will go unpaid.

Make a goal

We talked about knowing why you want to leave your current job, but it’s also important to know what you expect out of your next job. Many people have an ideal job setting or career in mind that may exist somewhere, but that doesn’t mean your dream job is hiring. Make some small, measurable goals that you want to achieve through this new job and look for employment that will set you on the path to making your hopes a reality.

Recognize the requirements

Let’s say you’re a dancer who has always dreamed of being a teacher. You have skills in multiple areas, and no one can do an arabesque like you can. But before you fully commit to this change, make sure you know exactly what is required of you to start your new career in the classroom. This is true across all industries—many jobs require specific education, certifications, or test scores (or all three) before you can be eligible to even apply for a new position. Knowing the requirements will help make a realistic plan.

Talk it out

We don’t recommend shouting about your job search from the rooftops. But you might consider talking to a trusted friend (ideally one who isn’t a coworker) about your career change. You could also look into speaking with a career coach or counselor who can help you decide what job would suit you best, along with giving you an understanding of what type of salary and benefits you would be looking at. Being prepared is always a good step to take before making a big decision like this.

Check out the benefits

Does your current job provide the health benefits for your family? If so, you will want to look at the benefits a new job can offer you to make sure you have all your needs covered. Take an extra-close look at your potential new insurance to see if it covers the specialists and potential procedures you or your family could need. Of course, you will also want to make sure the pay is comparable (if not better) to ensure your budget needs are still met.

Finding a new job can be daunting, but it can also be done! Work smart and put in the time it takes to not only find a new job, but to find the career and environment that will allow you to grow until you retire.

Ready to start your next career? We’re hiring! Click here to see how you can become one of Georgia’s Own.

Online jobs: legitimate online jobs that really pay

Many people have found themselves going through unexpected circumstances in their professional life. Maybe you were working full-time and now have fewer hours; maybe your job even disappeared altogether. Or perhaps you have found yourself with additional family responsibilities as you work to juggle your home life and work-life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever your situation, many have turned to remote or online jobs as a way of making money on their own schedule—but are these jobs legit? Read on for some online options that may fit your needs.

What to know about online jobs before you get started:

If you’ve never worked from home before, or if you have never had to set your own schedule, you will want to do some planning. It may sound relaxing to stay in your jammies all day—and it is—but you will need to manage your time wisely to make sure all your tasks are completed. Think through some basic needs, like office equipment, childcare, other responsibilities (i.e. doctor’s appointments, ballet recitals, family vacations, etc.), and other details to ensure you are prepared before you start to apply.

Blogger

Ten years ago you may have laughed if someone suggested you become a full-time blogger. But, thanks to the power of the Internet, this online job actually ranks first on Clark.com’s list of online jobs that are a) legit and b) pay a decent amount. If you have writing talent and feel like you can dedicate the time to building a blog, this option offers a lot of flexibility. Be warned that making money on your own blog can take some time, so this option is best for those who are not in immediate need of more cash in their bank account.

Tutor

Are you an algebra phenom? Does teaching kids to play the trumpet sound like the most amazing gig ever? You should consider becoming a tutor for students in your area, or even those around the world. Once again, the Internet has done you a solid and brought you a vast array of options–you could teach a local neighbor over a video-chatting service, or you could apply to a place like www.vipkid.com to teach kids from different countries. Either way, this is another opportunity to make a schedule that works for you (though it is important to remember that most kids will need a tutor outside of typical school hours).

Grocery/Food delivery

If you can drive and shop, the perfect job might be waiting for you through a service like Instacart, which allows customers to order their groceries and have a personal shopper—that would be you—drive to the store, do their shopping, and deliver their groceries to their house for an additional fee. You choose the jobs you do and don’t want to take, so, again, there is a high chance you can customize your schedule as needed. Be sure to note that those drivers with more experience will have the first shot at the higher-paying deliveries, so this is a job you need to stick with for a while to make the most out of it, financially speaking. Bonus: you can get your own grocery shopping done while you shop for others.

Translator

Are you bilingual? Your unique skills are exactly what many companies are looking for to assist them in either working directly (online) with customers or helping them translate website pages and other written information into the language(s) you speak. You can even look at places like Rosetta Stone to assist them in teaching other people a new language, or sign up as a subtitle translator through services like Rev.com. Put those languages to work for you and help others become as lingo-savvy as you are.

Coach or Consultant

If you have a passion for helping people find their way, consider starting your own online business as a coach or consultant. While this option may require you to obtain some certification first, crossing that hurdle opens you up to a whole new world of possibilities. You can work with people online to help them organize, get healthy, find their dream job, plan a vacation, or anything in between. If this sounds like it’s right up your alley, do a little digging to figure out which certification seems to fit you best and get to work.

Custom Art

There is nothing quite as cool as knowing you are the only person to own a special piece of art—or, in your case, to be the one who provides the art. If you can paint, sew, draw, sculpt, crochet, or even bake, put those skills to work for you with some custom offerings like blankets, party treats and favors, funny t-shirts, and the like. You can set up shop at a place like Etsy.com and showcase your best work. The best part is you can share your online shop for free on most social media platforms, giving you an even bigger audience to work with.

Online jobs get a bad rap because some of them seem too good to be true. While you have to do some research to make sure an online job is the real deal, some of them can actually turn into a career (or at least a well-paid hobby). If working online seems like the right step for you, there’s no time like the present–brush off that resume and start showing off your talents to the world.

5 best side hustles to earn extra money

This year more than most, you may have found yourself getting creative to stretch your budget a little farther than usual. Some extra income would be ideal, but you are not able to take on a job right now in addition to the other responsibilities in your life. But if you could find a source of income that worked with your schedule and skills while also allowing you some breathing room for your budget, wouldn’t you jump at the opportunity? Read on for five great ways to bring in a little extra money each month.

1. Tutoring

Were you a teacher in a past life? Or, if not, do you feel you have always had a talent for understanding algebra or chemistry? Put those skills to work for you and find some local students who need tutoring. Tutors are needed now more than ever, as many students find they need extra help to navigate learning during this unusual school year.

You can even expand beyond your local community and offer tutoring over a video service like Zoom, or sign up with a program like VIPKid to have a more steady schedule. If you have the time and space, you could also set up a weekly tutoring session for multiple kids in your home or at a local park.

2. Writing

If you have a gift for writing, consider looking into opportunities to do some freelance work. Many websites or magazines are looking for writers who can assist them in creating new content and covering relevant topics for the audience they want to reach.

Websites like Upwork will even help you sort through various opportunities and find which jobs may be a good fit for you. Make a note that Upwork and other similar websites often charge a fee for their services; however, if you can swing the extra funds, the eventual payoff will be much greater.

3. Shopping

As much as we wish shopping for shoes or golf clubs could bring in extra money, we are talking about the grocery shopping service, Instacart. This relatively new service has gained a lot of popularity in 2020 as more people opt to do their grocery shopping online. Instacart allows people to pay a personal shopper – which would be you – to help them find the grocery items they need and deliver them to their home. If you are a champion at your local grocery store and are looking for the next challenge to test your skills, this could be your time to shine. Much of this income relies on tips, so if you want to try this out, be prepared to put your best foot forward.

4. Selling

When is the last time you had a yard sale? There are probably a few things around your home that you don’t really need anymore, and selling them could bring in a little extra cash. Shoes, clothes, baby items, books – these are all things that take up a lot of space in your house, even though you don’t use all of them. Get together with a neighbor or two and host a garage sale to not only add to your wallet, but also declutter your home. If you are not a fan of garage sales, take some pictures of the items you want to get rid of and use online selling options, like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

5. Creating

If you have a creative outlet that can benefit someone else, make a plan to sell some of your products! You might be really handy with power tools, or maybe you are always getting comments on your custom-made t-shirts, or people can’t stop raving about your hand-knit scarves – your ability to create could also create an opportunity to bring in some money. Set up a free account for your new business on places like Facebook or Instagram, and let your community know that you are selling some high-quality, one-of-a-kind items.

This is the time to think outside the box – even if you never saw yourself taking a writing job or being a personal grocery shopper, 2020 has taught us to expect the unexpected, and to roll with the changes life brings us. Decide what direction you want to go, make a plan, and see where your new side-hustle takes you.