Leon Chang: Elevating Talent Recruitment with Community Roots in Oakland, California

Leon Chang, M. Ed., is a dynamic Senior Recruiter based in Oakland, California, with a track record of excellence in talent acquisition. Born and raised in Oakland, Leon has deep ties to the Bay Area, where he’s cultivated a career centered on connecting talent with opportunity. After graduating from Oakland Technical High School, Leon earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, a minor in Communication, and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of California, Davis. His professional experience spans high-profile companies like Tesla, Robert Half International, and Zum Services Inc., where his innovative and people-first approach has earned him accolades, including global recognition in recruitment. Outside of his career, Leon enjoys snowboarding, weightlifting, traveling, and spending time with his family. His dedication to excellence and community impact makes him a standout in the recruiting industry.

Q&A with Leon Chang: A Recruiter’s Journey Rooted in the Bay Area

What drew you to a career in recruiting, and how does your background influence your approach?
Growing up in Oakland, I saw firsthand how opportunities—or the lack thereof—can shape people’s lives. I wanted to be someone who bridges that gap, connecting people to roles where they can truly thrive. My background in economics helps me understand market trends and talent supply, while my communication skills allow me to align candidates’ potential with the needs of businesses. Recruitment, for me, is about more than filling positions; it’s about creating opportunities for growth—for individuals and companies alike.

As someone who’s recruited across multiple industries, what’s your secret to successfully connecting candidates and employers?
It all comes down to understanding people. Whether it’s a seasoned executive or a first-time candidate, everyone has a story, skills, and aspirations. My job is to listen and ask the right questions to uncover their unique value. On the employer side, I dig deep into what makes their culture and goals unique. Once you have that level of insight, it’s about finding alignment. Data is helpful, but recruitment is ultimately a human process.

You’ve been ranked #1 globally in recruitment and won prestigious awards. What do you credit your success to?
Hard work, consistency, and empathy. Recruitment is a high-pressure field, but I’ve always stayed grounded in my people-first approach. I believe that when you genuinely care about both the candidate and the employer, it translates into better results. My awards and accolades are great, but the real reward is seeing the impact my work has on people’s lives and businesses.

You’ve worked with big names like Tesla and Robert Half. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced recruiting for industry leaders?
Recruiting for high-profile companies comes with high expectations. You’re not just filling roles; you’re building teams that drive innovation and growth. One challenge is ensuring diversity and inclusion while meeting tight timelines. Another is managing the candidate experience. These companies attract top talent, but maintaining a positive, transparent process is critical to securing the best fit. At Tesla, for example, recruiting leadership roles for manufacturing required balancing speed with precision, all while ensuring we upheld values like DEI.

You’ve hired thousands of candidates across different industries. What’s your proudest recruiting accomplishment?
I’m most proud of the work I did at Zum Services. I led the operational launch of 15+ school bus yards across the country, hiring over 1,500 drivers and 50+ staff members in a short span of time. It wasn’t just about volume—it was about building teams that would directly impact school transportation, a critical service for communities. Knowing that my work helped keep kids safe and schools running smoothly was incredibly rewarding.

How do you stay grounded despite the demands of such a high-stakes career?
Family and fitness are my anchors. Spending time with loved ones reminds me why I work so hard. Snowboarding and weightlifting help me clear my mind and stay focused. Traveling, whether it’s exploring new places or revisiting familiar ones, also gives me perspective. It’s all about maintaining balance—something I emphasize in my own life and in the roles I recruit for.

What advice would you give someone looking to break into the recruitment field?
First, develop strong communication skills—they’re the foundation of everything in recruitment. Second, be willing to learn. Understand the industries you’re recruiting for, the tools available, and the people you’re serving. Third, stay empathetic. Recruitment can feel transactional, but the best recruiters focus on building relationships. When you genuinely care about people, it shows, and it makes all the difference.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about recruitment?
That it’s just about filling positions. In reality, recruitment is a strategic partnership. Companies trust me to shape their teams and drive their success. Candidates trust me to guide them toward meaningful opportunities. It’s a balance of art and science, and when done well, it can transform careers and businesses.

As someone deeply rooted in Oakland, how has your community shaped who you are today?
Oakland has taught me resilience and the importance of giving back. This city has a unique blend of grit, diversity, and creativity, which inspires me daily. Growing up here instilled in me the value of hard work and the power of opportunity. It’s why I’m so passionate about recruitment—it’s my way of helping others find their opportunities, just like I found mine.

Where do you see the recruitment industry heading in the next five years?
Technology will continue to play a bigger role, from AI-driven sourcing to advanced data analytics. However, the human touch will remain irreplaceable. Candidates want to feel seen and valued, and employers need strategic partners who understand their unique challenges. I think the future lies in balancing innovation with empathy—something I strive to embody in my work every day.

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