In the ever-evolving world of talent acquisition and workforce solutions, strong leadership is essential to bridging the gap between companies and the right candidates. Cara Barkley, Workforce Solutions Director at IT People Corp, has built a career around fostering meaningful connections and driving results in recruitment. Her journey, shaped by a deep passion for people and problem-solving, has led her to a leadership role where she now oversees offshore and onshore recruitment operations, ensuring success for both clients and candidates alike.
A Career Built on Passion and Persistence
Cara’s path to talent acquisition began in human resources, where recruitment was part of her responsibilities. It was during her tenure at an oil and gas company, staffing a new office, that she realized recruitment was her true calling. When her family relocated from Houston to Raleigh, she took the opportunity to focus solely on recruitment, joining IT People Corp in 2014 as a recruiter.
From the outset, she made a significant impact by securing key placements, which led to expanded responsibilities, including leading offshore recruitment efforts and managing U.S.-based teams. Over time, she progressed to managing accounts and ultimately leading the workforce solutions department. Her growth within the company reflects her strategic mindset, dedication, and the trust placed in her by IT People Corp’s leadership.
Balancing Client and Candidate Success
At the core of Cara’s approach is a commitment to understanding both client needs and candidate strengths. She emphasizes that communication is the key to ensuring a positive experience on both sides. “It really comes down to listening,” she explains. “You have to keep your clients’ best interests in mind while also identifying the candidates whose strengths align with the role.”
Managing these dual priorities requires constant engagement, clear expectations, and a problem-solving mindset. By maintaining transparency with both clients and candidates, she fosters trust and helps create successful matches that benefit all parties involved.
Leading a Remote and Offshore Team
Overseeing a remote and offshore recruitment team presents unique challenges, but Cara has refined her management style through experience. She believes in frequent collaboration and structured touchpoints throughout the day to keep her team engaged and motivated. “It’s not about micromanaging,” she says. “It’s about checking in, seeing what’s working, and identifying challenges early.”
Regular update reports and check-ins help her track performance and address issues proactively. She also prioritizes flexibility and honesty, encouraging team members to communicate their needs openly. This balance of structure and empathy has allowed her to build a strong, high-performing team.
The Essential Qualities of a Leader
Cara attributes her success in recruitment leadership to several key qualities: integrity, communication, listening skills, trustworthiness, perseverance, and patience. “Integrity is a must,” she emphasizes. “You also have to be an excellent communicator and listener because understanding the client, candidate, and role is critical.”
In a remote environment, trust becomes even more important. She fosters this trust within her team while also demonstrating perseverance—an essential trait in an industry where setbacks are common. Patience plays a role as well, as finding the right fit often takes time and persistence.
Breaking Barriers as a Female Leader
As a woman in the recruitment industry, Cara acknowledges that it sometimes takes extra effort to get doors open. “It might take a little more persuasion or influence to get opportunities,” she notes. However, her approach has always been to work hard, prove her value, and advocate for herself. Her success is a testament to her determination and ability to navigate challenges in a competitive field.
The Future of Talent Acquisition
One of the biggest trends Cara sees in talent acquisition is the increasing presence of artificial intelligence (AI). While she recognizes AI’s potential to streamline processes, she firmly believes in the irreplaceable value of human relationships. “I don’t think AI will ever take over,” she says. “You’ve got to have that personal touch and build relationships.”
As the industry evolves, IT People Corp remains committed to leveraging technology while maintaining the human connection that makes recruitment effective.
Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders
For women looking to advance in recruitment or HR, Cara offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: ask for what you want. “Learn as much as you can, ask questions, and be a sponge,” she advises. “But most importantly, if you want a position, work toward it and then go ask for it.”
She encourages women to voice their ambitions, as managers may not always be aware of their aspirations. By actively seeking opportunities, women can take control of their career growth. “If they tell me no, it might be no for now, but it might be yes later,” she says. “At least I’ve asked, and at least I know where I stand.”
A Lasting Impact
Cara Barkley’s career is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and people-focused leadership. From her early days helping friends and family with their resumes to leading a global recruitment team, she has remained dedicated to connecting talent with opportunity. Her approach—rooted in integrity, communication, and adaptability—continues to drive success for IT People Corp and the many professionals she has helped along the way.
