In this episode of Who Hired This Person?, host Kaitlyn sits down with Tristan Gates, Senior Human Resources Generalist at BNSF Railway. With a career rooted in intentional growth and industry-specific insight, Tristan shares what it takes to hire successfully in one of the most regulated and operationally complex industries in the country. From balancing policy with people to learning the hard way about fast hires, he offers a refreshingly grounded view of what great HR looks like—especially when safety, structure, and consistency are non-negotiable.

🔹 The HR Spark from College:

Tristan’s HR journey started in a college classroom, where a business professor helped him realize that organizational impact begins with people. That interest turned into two master’s degrees and a long-term career at BNSF.

🔹 Inside the Rail Industry’s Hiring Needs:

Unlike more general industries, transportation hiring requires candidates with highly specialized, hard-to-teach skills—and most of the learning happens on the job. It’s a niche, high-stakes environment.

🔹 Safety Above All Else:

Hiring for roles regulated by the FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) means screening for specific certifications, training levels, and performance history. Missing those details isn’t just a red flag—it’s a compliance risk.

🔹 The Resume Isn’t the Whole Picture:

Tristan reminds us that even the most impressive resumes need to be validated through interviews. A polished application doesn't always reflect readiness or fit for the job.

🔹 Spotting Red Flags Early:

One red flag Tristan has learned to catch? Candidates trying to negotiate location after applying for a role with a clearly stated site. That hesitation signals a lack of readiness—and possibly a short tenure.

🔹 Balancing Policy with People:

In a structured environment like BNSF, HR can’t just fast-track favorites. Even when a manager champions a past employee, HR pushes to ensure fairness, open competition, and adherence to process.

🔹 Hard Lesson: Don’t Rush the Hire:

Early in his career, Tristan made quick hires to improve time-to-fill metrics—only to rehire for those same roles a few months later. Now, he takes time to screen thoroughly and coach managers through the long view.

🔹 The Magic Wand Wish: Faster Hiring, Not Sloppier Hiring:

If he could fix one thing? The length of the approval and offer process. While due diligence matters, Tristan believes there’s room to streamline internal approvals to improve candidate experience.

🔹 Advice for New HR Pros:

Know your industry, study your pipeline, and understand the job descriptions you're hiring for. Ask questions, do the homework, and never underestimate how hiring shapes your company’s success.

✅ Safety, fairness, and quality must come before speed in regulated industries.

✅ Great hiring starts with deep knowledge of the roles—and the people behind them.

✅ Red flags aren’t always obvious, but asking the right questions will reveal them.

✅ HR isn’t just filling positions—it’s building the foundation of a strong organization.

✅ Taking your time up front can save months of headache down the road.

🔗 Explore careers at BNSF Railway: www.bnsfcareers.com