Leon Chang, M. Ed., is a Senior Recruiter based in Oakland, California, known for his strategic and people-first approach to talent acquisition. With a background in Economics, Communication, and Education from the University of California, Davis, Leon has spent his career connecting top candidates with leading organizations. His experience includes high-impact roles at Tesla, Robert Half International, and Zum Services, where he has led large-scale hiring initiatives, optimized recruitment strategies, and championed diversity and inclusion.
Leon is now stepping into his new role as a Finance and Accounting Recruiting Manager at Robert Half, where he will help businesses find top-tier finance and accounting talent while guiding skilled professionals toward career-advancing opportunities. Passionate about technology-driven recruitment and meaningful human connections, Leon continues to shape the industry with his expertise and forward-thinking strategies.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Every day is different, which is one of the things I love about recruitment. My mornings usually start with reviewing job requisitions, checking in with hiring managers, and strategizing sourcing efforts. I spend a lot of time connecting with candidates—screening resumes, conducting interviews, and negotiating offers. The key to staying productive is time blocking. I prioritize my day by setting aside focused periods for deep work, like sourcing and interviewing, while keeping time open for client strategy calls and candidate follow-ups. Staying organized is critical, especially in a fast-paced industry like recruiting.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by identifying a challenge that needs solving. From there, I take a structured approach—researching best practices, analyzing data, and brainstorming possible solutions. But the most important step? Taking action. Too many great ideas never get executed because people overthink. If I see an opportunity to improve a recruitment process, for example, I’ll test a new tool, pitch a process change, or experiment with a different sourcing strategy. You don’t need perfection to get started; you need momentum.
What’s one trend that excites you?
AI-powered recruitment. While I’m a firm believer in the human side of hiring, AI has the potential to make recruitment smarter and more efficient. From automated resume screening to predictive hiring analytics, AI can help recruiters focus on what matters most—connecting with candidates and ensuring cultural fit. The key is using AI as an enhancement, not a replacement, for real human interaction.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily reflection. At the end of each day, I spend a few minutes reviewing what went well and what I could improve. It helps me stay intentional about growth and ensures I start the next day with a clear plan.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Early in my career, I hesitated on certain opportunities because I wasn’t 100% sure I was ready. The truth is, you’ll never feel completely ready. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. The best way to learn is to dive in, take on challenges, and adapt along the way.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Job hopping isn’t always a bad thing. Many recruiters and hiring managers still see frequent job changes as a red flag, but I see it differently. If someone moves between roles with a clear pattern of progression—taking on greater responsibilities, learning new skills, and making an impact—it’s a sign of ambition, adaptability, and strategic career growth.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Follow up. Whether it’s with a hiring manager, a candidate, or a networking contact, following up is one of the simplest but most powerful habits in business. It shows reliability, keeps communication open, and often leads to unexpected opportunities.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away. Whether it’s a quick workout, a walk outside, or just five minutes of deep breathing, taking a break helps me reset and come back with fresh energy. Sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to stop staring at it for a while.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships. The recruitment industry is all about trust—between recruiters, candidates, and hiring managers. I focus on creating meaningful connections by listening, providing value, and following through on my commitments. When people trust you, they’ll want to work with you again and refer others to you.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I made the mistake of relying too much on technical qualifications when screening candidates. I passed on some great people because they didn’t check every box on paper. I’ve since learned that soft skills, adaptability, and cultural fit are just as important—sometimes even more so—than a perfect resume. Now, I look at the whole person, not just their qualifications.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that connects job seekers with real-time, short-term mentorship from industry professionals. Imagine a service where someone preparing for an interview could schedule a 15-minute session with a recruiter or hiring manager in their field for quick coaching. It would bridge the gap between job seekers and industry insights.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Greenhouse. It’s an applicant tracking system that keeps everything organized—from job postings to candidate interactions. I use it to streamline workflows, track hiring progress, and ensure no candidate falls through the cracks.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Third Door by Alex Banayan. It’s about how the most successful people in the world found unconventional ways to break into their industries. It’s a great reminder that there’s always another way to reach your goals—you just have to be persistent and creative.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Drive to Survive on Netflix. Even though I’m not a huge Formula 1 fan, the way it captures the strategy, high stakes, and behind-the-scenes dynamics of the sport is incredible. It’s a great reminder that success—whether in sports or business—is about more than just talent. It’s about mindset, preparation, and execution.
Key learnings
- Balance Technology with Human Connection – AI is changing recruitment, but real relationships still matter most.
- Take Smart Risks – Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment.
- Build Strong Relationships – Whether in recruitment or any industry, trust and follow-through create lasting opportunities.