About

UNDER THE RADAR OVERACHIEVERS

THAT’S US

The things we do. The way we do them. They’re not at all like those of typical staffing companies. Which is why WE’RE not at all like typical staffing companies. And that’s exactly why we tend to fly under the radar and also why we tend to achieve results that most other staffing companies can’t.

We don’t do much in a typical fashion.

Now, don’t get us wrong, we aren’t different for different’s sake. We’re buttoned up as hell. But while everyone else is doing typical, we’re over here doing our own thing. Overdelivering. Over and over and over.

“Let’s chat.

Unless you’re a Dilbert kinda place or someone who’s ever dreamed of working for that company in Office Space.”

— Julie Fanburg, Founder & Nerd-In-Chief

Julie Fanburg is a passionate HR leader and the founder of Nerd Up Staffing. She’s on a mission to help small to mid-sized companies find and secure top talent while connecting candidates with the rewarding positions that best suit them in IT, Product Marketing, Accounting and Finance, HR, and Operations. From entry-level to the C-suite, Julie’s expertise ensures every match is spot-on. Two decades ago, she founded Nerd Up after experiencing firsthand how stale and impersonal the traditional staffing world could be. Convinced there had to be a better way, she built Nerd Up with one goal: to make a meaningful, lasting impact on careers and the teams she serves. Her genuine warmth, humor, and dedication make her an invaluable partner for companies and candidates alike. If you’re going to invest your waking working hours, it should be with teams whose integrity, positivity, and drive match your own high standards. When you know that cutting corners on your career or your business isn’t an option, Nerd Up is here to make sure everyone is aligned and invested in your success. If you’re struggling with hiring challenges—whether it’s saving time, streamlining the process, competing for top talent, negotiating salaries, or figuring out the perfect fit, it’s time to Nerd Up.

Smile. This is gonna be fun. Yes, I just said that about staffing. No, I haven’t been drinking.

This is about more than checking boxes and filling positions. It’s about fulfilling lives and opportunities by making substantive and valuable connections.

The truth is, no amount of finder’s fee is worth placing someone just to, well … collect a finder’s fee.

I’m here to listen intently, speak candidly, work seamlessly, hunt vigorously, and lots of other things that end in ‘ly’.

Not Your Average Recruiter

Nimble and Creative Problem-Solver

Julie is wholeheartedly invested in your success, always striving to build lasting trust and earn your confidence (and referrals) for years to come.

Authentic and Transparent

Julie knows there are enough complications in life, so she makes the hiring process educational for your team while keeping it refreshingly simple and comfortable. Expect no-BS conversations, genuine eye contact, good old-fashioned handshakes, and the confidence that she’s always looking out for your best interests.

Personal and Attentive

She takes the time to truly listen and customizes Nerd Up services to meet your unique needs, making every experience feel personal and thoughtful. Julie and her team pride themselves on their personal touch and a genuine investment in making every match count.

Professional Credentials

DMV-Obsessed Staffing Expert

Over 20 years as a trusted hiring partner and consultant, specializing in the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia startup and high-growth communities, while also supporting corporate offices and headquarters nationwide.

Bryn Mawr College – B.A. with a focus on Group Dynamics, Political Science, and Social Justice.
Cornell University ILR School – Certifications in Strategic HR Leadership, Talent Management, Analytics
HRCI – Senior Professional of HR
SHRM – Active member.
Georgetown Day School – Vice President, Alumni Board & Career Development Chair

Philosophy

Whether you’re a candidate or a company, Julie listens carefully to your goals and aspirations. Only when she fully understands your vision does she make thoughtful, personalized introductions. Her approach ensures that every match isn’t just a placement but a long-term success for both parties.

Testimonials

"Julie was wonderful to work with and she has great insight into connecting candidates in alignment with the perfect organization and position for their skills and personality. Thank you Julie for everything!"

"Julie is really a unique and great recruiter/headhunter who helped me throughout the whole job process to find the exact type of job I was looking for. She took the time to understand what my dream job was, communicated with me throughout the whole interview process while offering her opinion and feedback, and helped me with negotiating and finalizing an offer that worked best for me and the company."

"I've worked with Julie for nearly 15 years thinking through and acting strategically to fill a variety of mission-critical positions in IT, sales, account management, marketing, and HR. You’ll learn that Julie not only gets to know your company's culture and 'people fit' but asks incisive questions that other recruiters don’t even contemplate."

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