The Diesel Tech Whisperer: Emily Brooks' Journey in Talent Acquisition

Navigating Talent Acquisition with Emily Brooks In this episode of the Your Career BFF Podcast, host Anna Morgan chats with Emily Brooks, talent acquisition manager at Mid-Atlantic Truck and Equipment, about the unique challenges and opportunities in recruiting for the heavy equipment and vocational vehicle industry. Emily shares her journey from hospitality to recruiting and discusses the high demand for diesel technicians, the impact of industry skill gaps, and the importance of relationship building in talent acquisition. The conversation also touches on hiring strategies, including the value of trade jobs and programs to upskill employees, as well as navigating recruitment in a tech-focused world. Emily and Anna also delve into the significance of transparency, understanding personal stories, and fostering a supportive work environment for all employees. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:27 Emily Brooks' Career Journey 03:59 Challenges in Diesel Technician Recruitment 06:11 Investing in Trade Skills and Training 13:20 Navigating Background Checks and Building Trust 19:07 Creative Ways to Improve Recruiting 19:24 The Importance of Employer Branding 20:13 Implementing New Recruiting Systems 20:37 Building a Talent Community 21:23 Ease of Use in Recruiting 22:34 Transitioning from Hospitality to Recruiting 24:07 The Value of Transferable Skills 26:20 The Role of Recruiters in Building Relationships 28:03 Current Recruiting Needs and Roles 29:01 Encouragement for Job Seekers 33:05 The Human Element in Recruiting 37:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Emily Brook | ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Don’t Miss: EVOLVE TA & HR Experience 2026 Thursday January 29th, 2026 | Atlanta, GA | ⁠Get your ticket NOW! EVOLVE — Anna Morgan⁠ Elevate your brand with the Evolve Event - ⁠book a partnership call⁠. Be a Career BFF! If this episode inspired you, please ⁠SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel⁠ and leave a review — it helps more professionals find their BFF in career growth! Stay connected with Anna Morgan: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Website⁠