Blog

An Inside Look at Recruiting at Exterro

For Moi Diaz, the transition from a professional soccer environment in Costa Rica to technical recruiting wasn't just a change in career—it was a translation of values. After an injury shifted his focus, Moi brought the discipline of a collegiate athlete to the world of HR, eventually finding his "home team" at Exterro.

As a technical recruiter at an agency in the Portland area, Moi Diaz was used to listening to candidates, understanding their career goals, and matching them with the right organization where they could thrive. While he enjoyed his work at the agency, the COVID pandemic brought him to a point where he realized that to grow in the direction he wanted, he would need to find a position on an in-house human resources team.

Moi came to recruiting after recognizing that his first passion—playing professional soccer—wasn’t in the cards. After an outstanding developmental and college career, an unfortunate injury while playing in a professional environment in Costa Rica forced him to change course.

As one of the first members of his family to attend college, Moi recognized that the skills he picked up along the way would translate well into a career in recruiting:

  • The value of being on a team
  • Putting in hard work
  • Understanding how to translate effort into results

While the agency world gave him the opportunity to learn the ropes, he wanted to recruit in-house, where he could play a long-term role in building a team from the inside out.

Joining the Exterro Team

Moi discovered an opening at Exterro in February of 2021. During the interview process, he was particularly attracted to the diversity of the team and its leadership, officially joining the company in April.

To say he hit the ground running would be an understatement. In just over a year, Moi has:

  • Implemented a new Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
  • Mentored and supervised an intern.
  • Hired an additional recruiter for Exterro’s St. Louis office.
  • Set sights on a Talent Management certification to further his leadership skills.

A Thoughtful Approach to Talent

Most of all, Moi has brought a thoughtful approach to recruiting. He believes recruiting isn't just about filling a gap on an organizational chart—it's about the candidate's stakes as well. He is passionate about helping people find the right match for their goals, just as he did at Exterro.

That’s why, if you apply for a position at Exterro, you’ll find Moi focusing on:

  1. Thoughtful communication
  2. Prompt responses
  3. Focusing on the candidate’s needs

Exterro offers Moi the kind of work-life balance that lets him continue playing soccer at a highly competitive level, where he mentors younger players and cultivates their skills both on and off the pitch.

2026 Perspective: The Human Element in AI-Driven Hiring

As we navigate the job market in May 2026, the role of recruiters like Moi has become even more vital. While AI now handles much of the initial resume screening and scheduling, the "human touch" remains the deciding factor for top talent.

  • Relationship-First Recruiting: In 2026, candidates are looking for more than just a paycheck; they are looking for culture and stability. Moi’s background in team sports and mentorship allows him to bridge the gap between technology and human connection.
  • Talent Orchestration: Just as Exterro orchestrates legal data, the HR team now "orchestrates" talent, ensuring that new hires aren't just skilled, but are positioned in roles where they can grow—a direct reflection of Moi's own career path.

Are you looking for your next career move in a supportive, growth-oriented environment? Learn more about opportunities at Exterro on our Careers page.