Employee Spotlight: Ken Mertz
At Green Key, our recruiters bring more than industry knowledge to the table. They bring curiosity, relationships, and a genuine understanding of the people and businesses they work with. This month, we’re highlighting Ken Mertz, Senior Recruiter on our IT team, whose career began on the technical side of the industry before he discovered a passion for solving a different kind of problem: connecting people with the right opportunities.
From IT to Recruiting
Ken’s career began on the technical side of IT. With an IT degree and experience working on a corporate help desk before moving into the managed services provider (MSP) world, he developed a strong technical foundation before making the transition into recruiting.
“I got into recruiting because I liked the people problem more than the technical one,” Ken explains. “Seven years later, that’s still true.”
That combination of technical knowledge and a people-focused approach has become a defining part of Ken’s recruiting style.
Finding the Right Fit at Green Key
When Ken was considering his next career move, the quality of Green Key’s client relationships was a major factor in his decision.
“Strong, stable clients with good cultures make a huge difference when you’re trying to place someone well,” he says.
Since joining Green Key, the support from his colleagues has stood out most.
“People here are quick to help without being asked,” Ken says. “There’s a real sense that everyone’s working toward goals together instead of just looking out for their own desk.”
For Ken, that combination of autonomy and collaboration is an important part of what makes Green Key different.
A Passion for Technology
Ken’s technical background also gives him a unique perspective as an IT recruiter. He genuinely enjoys the technology he recruits for, which makes connecting with candidates and clients feel less like a job and more like a conversation about a subject he’s passionate about.
“A lot of my day is just talking tech with other tech-minded people,” he says. “That’s the best part, because it doesn’t really feel like work when you’re interested in the subject.”
That passion has become even more valuable as the IT landscape continues to evolve.
Over the course of his career, Ken has seen security move from a niche specialty to a core function, infrastructure shift increasingly to the cloud, and AI roles emerge faster than many companies can define them.
With candidates having more options than ever, Ken sees his role as more than simply connecting people with open positions.
“A big part of my job is guiding people through the process and setting clear expectations on both sides.”
What Makes a Great IT Recruiter?
For Ken, the most important quality in an IT recruiter is curiosity.
Recruiters don’t need to be technical experts themselves, but they do need to be willing to learn. Understanding the technology, the role, and the tech stack behind a position allows recruiters to have more meaningful conversations with candidates and earn the trust of their clients.
“If you understand the work, candidates take you seriously and clients trust your read,” he says.
Some of Ken’s most rewarding placements have been candidates who weren’t an obvious fit at first glance. He enjoys taking a closer look at their experience, identifying the skills that may not immediately stand out on paper, and helping clients see the potential he sees in the candidate. When that extra advocacy leads to an interview – and ultimately a job – it makes the placement especially meaningful.
Making an Impact Beyond the Job
For Ken, the most rewarding part of recruiting is knowing that a placement can have an impact far beyond someone’s next position.
“Landing someone a job I know will change the trajectory of their career in a positive way” is what keeps him motivated, he says. That impact can extend to the candidate’s family as well, making the work feel even more meaningful.
It’s a perspective that keeps the people behind the job description at the center of Ken’s approach.
Advice for Future Recruiters
For anyone considering a career in recruiting, especially in IT, Ken’s advice is simple: stay curious.
“Learn the technology far enough to hold a real conversation and ask your clients why a requirement is on the job description,” he says.
He also emphasizes the importance of being open to constructive criticism. Recruiting is a career built through experience, conversations, and continuous learning, and being willing to listen and adapt can make all the difference.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Ken has another role: chef.
“I’m the chef in the house,” he says. “I love to cook, and I’m a bit of a health nut about it. My family eats well whether they like it or not.”
Whether he’s talking technology, advocating for a candidate, or cooking for his family, Ken brings the same curiosity and commitment to everything he does.
Interested in building your career at Green Key?
Explore our current opportunities and learn more about what it’s like to be part of our team on our Join Green Key page.
