No one grows up thinking about becoming a recruiter. Universities offer courses on the usual suspects: biology, engineering, literature, art history. But rarely does anyone graduate with a degree in recruiting. So, what is the pathway toward a staffing career? And is it a worthwhile pursuit?
Of course, we’re an information technology (IT) staffing agency, so we’re admittedly biased. But a career in IT staffing can be a rewarding, fulfilling pursuit where you advocate for people in need of work. If you’ve ever considered a career pivot into the staffing industry, then that’s exactly what a guide like this is for. To inquire about the IT staffing field, feel free to reach out to us online to learn more.
First, we’ll need to explain what information technology is. IT, for short, is the use of computers or other technologies to access and communicate data and information. Within IT, there are various other fields, such as:
The other part of the term, staffing, focuses on the process of recruiting, hiring, and training professionals with the requisite expertise to fill job roles at an organization. A staffing agency finds those professionals through networks like LinkedIn or their internal database. Then, they screen the candidate to ensure the person they’ve selected for the job is both a technical and cultural fit.
IT staffing, therefore, is the practice of recruiting technology professionals; assessing their qualifications and eligibility; and placing them at a company that has a need for that candidate’s skillset. Of course, it’s more nuanced than that, but that’s the gist. IT staffing firms often work with a slew of clients, or businesses, that they place job-seekers at. Think of IT staffing as the middleman between candidates and companies, resolving a business need by diving into their repository of IT professionals.
People at IT staffing companies usually fall into one of two categories: recruiters and account executives. Both roles come with their own set of responsibilities, but they ultimately share the same goal: helping people find new, fulfilling careers where they thrive.
Recruiters work more with potential candidates and maintain long-term relationships to make sure they’re satisfied with their careers. Meanwhile, account executives take a more sales-oriented approach to their role by handling client relationships.
Although their positions comprise different duties and individual tasks, there are a handful of qualities and character traits that separate the good from the great:
These are the same attributes our recruiters screen for when evaluating candidates for a role. Looking for qualities such as these leads to finding better matches than simply looking for the right technical skills on a resume. Recruiters are advocates for candidates. At TriCom, our team advises candidates and clients alike on what works for long-lasting relationships. In our 30+ years of experience, those above qualities are evergreen in a rapidly changing world.
“IT staffing is a career where curiosity, relationships, and hard work can take you further than experience alone,” says Stacy Howard, a senior account executive at our Minnesota office. “One conversation can lead to a new job, a stronger team, or a life-changing opportunity. That's what makes this industry rewarding. For people who want growth, purpose, and the ability to make an impact, IT staffing offers all three.”
As entry-level jobs shrink, IT staffing remains a solid starting point for recent grads looking to begin their professional lives. According to LinkedIn’s 2026 Grad’s Guide, “recruitment assistant” is the third fastest-growing job title for new graduates. That’s because IT recruiting is a true entry-level role when there are fewer of them by the day. As a recruiter, you’re also an advocate for those looking for work.
“Recruiting teaches you how to communicate with all kinds of people, build relationships quickly, think on your feet and become comfortable being uncomfortable,” says Sarah Kistler, a recruiter at our Leawood, Kansas headquarters. “You’re constantly put in situations that challenge you, push you outside your comfort zone and help you grow, both professionally and personally.”
In the age of AI, human-to-human relationships matter more than ever, and that’s what IT staffing is all about. You don’t need to know much about technology. That knowledge is a bonus, but human relationships, an integral part of starting a career, are at the heart of this industry. Many successful recruiters don’t come from a computer science background. They actually studied fields like psychology, business, communications, or education. Training prepares you for what you need to know, and being a quick, coachable learner supersedes pre-existing tech expertise.
If you’re interested in IT staffing, then contact us online. We’re currently seeking a new associate recruiter to add to our team, and we’d love to hear from you if this sounds like a field you want to break into.
At TriCom, your efforts have a direct impact on your success. There’s fantastic earning potential and professional autonomy. You can grow your income from month to month, and it’s income that you can change lucratively each quarter, rather than wait for the static annual review. You have a base salary, but, by working hard, you can even earn six figures a year.
Plus, there’s what we love most: helping and advocating for other people to find the career that’s best for them. That makes our work feel all the more meaningful. You can apply here. If you’re curious, resilient and willing to work hard, then you can build an incredibly rewarding career, especially at TriCom. We hope to hear from you soon!