Latinos@Work

Latinos And The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service: How Are You Participating?

"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve . . .” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 16, 2012, our nation celebrates the 26^th anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday with a “Day of Service” and to encourage ongoing action throughout the year.

Dr. King had a strong history of reaching out to and collaborating with the Latino community. He publicly and privately supported the efforts of the National Farm Workers Association (today’s United Farm Workers of America), as well as, many other Hispanic movements.

Hundreds of Latino organizations are reciprocating by supporting this national initiative. “Dr. King has inspired people from around the world to advocate for equal opportunity. Honoring his legacy through service pays tribute to his dream,” said National Council of La Raza (NCLR) President and CEO Janet Murguía.

What are your plans for today and participating in our evolving generation of service?

Below are a few links to help you find some great projects that need volunteers in your area:

MLKDay.gov 

Servir.gov 

NationalService.gov 

National Council of La Raza community affiliates

In January,1992, César Chávez wrote Lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- “My friends, today we honor a giant among men: today we honor the reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.…If we fail to learn that each and every person can make a difference, then we will have betrayed Dr. King's life's work. The reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. had more than just a dream, he had the love and the faith to act.

Posted by Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias

Principals, Global Diversity Solutions Group LLC and MulticulturalResumes.com

Authors, Barron’s The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos

Also at http://twitter.com/LatinosAtWork

Contact: Murray@GlobalDiversitySolutions.com or rmb@GlobalDiversitySolutions.com

Connect with Corporate Diversity And Hispanic Employee Networks to Improve Job Search and Career Success

Connecting with company-based Diversity and Hispanic Employee Networks (also called Affinity or Employee Resource Groups/ERGs) is an important strategy to add to your career management toolkit. These are in-house organizations comprised of multicultural and/or Latino employees and often receive formal corporate support for their activities. 

ERGs play a key role in improving a company's diversity competence. Most networks are active participants in the recruitment, development, and retention of Latino employees. Many also serve as business-focused resource groups driving initiatives that  increase the corporation’s competitive advantage.

These networks are growing rapidly throughout corporate America ranging from the AT&T’s HACEMOS, General Mill’s Hispanic Network, PepsiCo’s Adelante to Xerox’s Hispanic Association for Professional Advancement. 

For Latino Job Seekers

Diversity and Hispanic Employee Networks can facilitate an entrée into the company of your choice.

You can contact members of the affinity group to gain inside knowledge of:

• Potential employment opportunities
• Appropriate hiring managers
• Navigating the selection processs
• How to have your resume referred past the gatekeepers into the hands of decision makers; sometimes with a recommendation to invite you to an interview
• Preparing for the interview
• Corporate culture
• Working environment for Latinos at the company you have targeted  

For Latino Employees 

Diversity and Hispanic Employee Networks enrich their members by providing a forum for people from similar backgrounds, culture, and interests to come together to network, develop personally and professionally, identify issues of concern, and provide mutual support and advocacy. They share information, reduce feelings of isolation, address issues of common concern, and create bonds to other employees and the company. The groups also can enhance the member visibility that results in key assignments and promotional opportunities.

Accessing Employee Networks

Affinity groups can be found on through Latino professional associations and company websites. Try the instructions below for those employers you are interested in.

• Go to the company website
• Usually you will find a diversity link on the home page, about the company, commitment and / or in the careers links
• Search the diversity section for a diversity or Hispanic affinity group
• The employee network may have a description, contact information and even it’s own web page. If not contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (or similar function) directly
• Another strategy is use the site map or search options to search for the group

Remember that networking is a two way street. Latinos fought hard to establish Diversity and Hispanic Employee Networks to improve our career opportunities. Take time to support these groups and participate in their activities.

We will be providing employee network contacts and some communication strategies in future posts. You can find out more the groups at the National Council of La Raza’s (NCLR) Hispanic Employee Affinity and Network Groups Resource Guide and DiversityInc.

 ¡BUENA SUERTE!

Posted by Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias

Principals, Global Diversity Solutions Group LLC and MulticulturalResumes.com

Authors, Barron’s The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos

 

Honoring our Latino Heroes on Veterans Day

 
Millions of Latinos have and continue serve with distinction in the U.S. military, yet their significant contributions and sacrifices are relatively unknown. Their heroism helped forge this nation and preserved our freedom.

Latinos have received awards for valor and bravery far in excess to their proportion of the population. Forty-three Latinos have won our nation’s highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Major initiatives are underway to ensure that the proud legacy of Latino military service be accurately preserved and woven into our national consciousness. We will continue this discussion in future posts.

Below are two articles to begin our conversation.

A Tribute to the Forgotten Force by Jim Estrada

U.S. Latino Patriots: From the American Revolution to Afghanistan, An Overview by Refugio I. Rochin and Lionel Fernandez 

This Veterans Day, as we commemorate all U.S. men and women in the military and many who have died in military service to this country let's be sure to remember the Latinos among them and thank them for their service.

Posted by Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias

Principals, Global Diversity Solutions Group LLC and MulticulturalResumes.com

Authors, Barron’s The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos

Also at http://twitter.com/LatinosAtWork

Contact: murray@GlobalDiversitySolutions.com or rmb@GlobalDiversitySolutions.com

Leverage Hispanic/Latino Professional Associations in Your Job Search and Career Management

 

Hispanic/Latino professional associations can play a pivotal role in maximizing career opportunities for Latinos. Many organizations sponsor career centers, job postings, career fairs, professional development, mentoring, networking, professional and student chapters, scholarships, research, advocacy, profession related resources, benefits programs, and social functions. The groups often maintain strategic partnerships with employers that hire from their member's specialized career fields.

A few national organizations, like the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), serve Latino professionals and students from all industries and often joint venture programs with other Hispanic professional groups.  

 Below is a sample list of industry-specific professional associations and some steps you can take to maximize the organizations' resources:

• Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA)
• Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)
• Latinos in Social Media (LATISM)
• National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives, Inc. (NAHFE)
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)
• National Association of Puerto Rican and Hispanic Social Workers (NAPRHSW)
• National Hispanic Sales Network (NHSN)
• National Latino Police Officers Association (NLPOA)
• National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

A comprehensive list of Latino professional associations with background summaries, service listings and contact information will be added to the Latinos@Work blog.

Action Steps

• Review the organization’s website thoroughly for services and member benefits.
• Identify a chapter in your local area.
• Sign up for the group’s electronic newsletters, eList and mailing list (check privacy policies).
• Search current job postings and check out companies that support the association.
• Submit your resume to the organization’s resume database or job matching system. (Check privacy policies)
• Establish a networking relationship with appropriate staff contacts and members. Use the associations networking tools to initiate contacts with members.
• Participate in the organization’s message boards, forums and blogs for information gathering and networking.
• Attend onsite or online organization events, professional development activities and career fairs/conferences.
• Identify mentorships, student chapters, scholarships, and internships.
• Volunteer if you can.

 ¡BUENA SUERTE!

 

Posted by Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias

Principals, Global Diversity Solutions Group LLC and MulticulturalResumes.com

Authors, Barron’s The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos 

 

Maximize Your Culture and Language Skills in Your Job Interview

 

In our turbulent economy, U.S. companies are aggressively seeking competitive advantages in the increasingly diverse local and global marketplaces. It is a matter of not only growth, but for many, survival. These companies are not likely to be successful unless they understand the cultures and languages of their customers and employees. Multicultural experiences and/or language skills are very critical business assets employers are seeking in order to thrive in this new business landscape.

How can you communicate your multicultural experiences and/or language skills as an asset? Some of us, we must first embrace that these attributes are advantageous and worthy of consideration.

Therese Droste, a Washington D.C. based career columnist, suggests writing a list of the benefits you bring to the workplace. Below are few examples that have appeared on lists developed by clients and our readers: 

• My language skills will be used to resolve cultural or language conflicts or problems between customers and colleagues.
• Being multicultural or multilingual demonstrates I can adjust my style to different people and situations. 
• Being multicultural or multilingual indicates I have experienced looking at problems and opportunities from different perspectives.
• Being multicultural or multilingual indicates I think before I act.
• Being multicultural or multilingual means I know how it feels to be misunderstood, and I also know what it takes to reverse misunderstandings.
• My accent will be seen as an additional competence that helps me communicate better with colleagues and customers from diverse backgrounds.
• I understand leadership and creative solutions within the context of my diversity 

The next step is to take your list and match them with positive experiences in your life in which your multicultural background or multilingual abilities helped you resolve a problem or communicate better with another person. It’s similar to creating a life resume. Yet because so many of our life experiences become distant memories, you have to ponder the past, target such situations and write them down. Your multicultural assets must be presented in a manner that proves that you can help drive a company’s business goals.

Let’s say you’re asked in an interview how you would deal with a problem situation with a colleague or customer. You could preface your answer with: “Partly because I know how it feels to have the shoe on the other foot…” and then fill in the rest with a specific example of how your background helped you solve a similar problem. Simply put, you provide the employer with an example of how you used your experiences as a multicultural and / or multilingual person to solve a past business problem or show how your skills helped you in a previous job. We suggest you read Be the S.T.A.R. of Your Next Job Interview and use the article’s worksheet to prepare your answers.

Once you’ve identified and embraced the value your culture and language bring to the workplace, you will articulate them better and gain an employer’s confidence.

¡BUENA SUERTE!

 Posted by Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias

Principals, Global Diversity Solutions Group LLC and MulticulturalResumes.com

Authors, Barron’s The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos 

HISPANIC Résumé Checklist

In the post HISPANIC Résumés Generate Job Interviews, we discussed the how to craft your résumé to rise above your competition and be selected for consideration by an employer. Below is a checklist to guide you in this process.

• Is my résumé crafted to be read from the hiring official's perspective and does it address the employer's needs?
• Is my résumé focused on a specific job target or theme?
• Does my résumé contain a Professional Profile or Qualifications Summary that communicates my Personal Career Brand – who I am, what I can do, and the value I bring to an organization?
• Does my résumé contain keywords that highlight specific industry, job-target related, bilingual and/or bicultural skills?
• Does it include Latino-specific key words -- Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and 
Accounting (ALPFA),Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), Latinos in Social Media (LATISM), National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA),  officer, member, volunteer . . .?
• Does my résumé emphasize my quantifiable / qualifiable accomplishments and skills?
• Does my résumé illustrate how I can handle the job? That I have positive work attitudes, solid interpersonal skills and a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected?
• Is my résumé inviting to read? Does the layout look professional? Is there adequate white space? Are the fonts readable? Is the résumé printed on quality paper?
• Does my résumé demonstrate soft and transferable skills such as verbal and written communication, organization, leadership, planning, aptitude for learning, adaptability, creativity, resourcefulness, problem solving and work ethic?
• Does my résumé include plenty of active verbs (managed, coordinated, planned, implemented, directed, initiated, conducted, completed, recommended, . . .)?
• Is my writing clear, action-oriented, and well organized?
• Are my claims believable, backed up by examples, and measurable results?
• Have I (and others) proofread my résumé for typos, grammar, consistent formatting, and readability?
• Does my résumé contain dedicated professional contact information including an job search only email address? Examples: Marisol.Sosa@isp.com (a different service such as gmail), JorgeDiaz_MBA@isp.com, Rosa@RosaMartinez.com
• Have I tested the plain text or ASCII version of my résumé to ensure its internet functionality?
• Will my résumé make it passed a 15 to 60 second initial screening?
• Will my résumé pass the recruiter or hiring official's detailed scrutiny?
• Does my résumé provide the framework for an exceptional interview?

 ¡BUENA SUERTE!

 Posted by Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias

Principals, Global Diversity Solutions Group LLC and MulticulturalResumes.com

Authors, Barron’s The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos 

Seeking HR-Diversity-Career Management Professionals to Assist at 2011 National Society of Hispanic MBAs Career Expo - Career Management Center

The National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) is recruiting HR, diversity and career professionals to volunteer to critique résumés, conduct mock interviews and provide career coaching at the 2011 Annual Conference and Career Expo - Career Management Center. The event will be held from October 13th-15th at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
 

This year’s conference is expected to attract more than 8,000 attendees and over 250 corporate and academic exhibitors.

NSHMBA is known as one of the premier Hispanic organizations in the country and works to prepare Hispanics for leadership positions throughout the U.S so that they can provide the cultural awareness and sensitivity vital in the management of the nation’s diverse workforce.

Colleagues who have participated in previous national conferences have called this event one of the best volunteer opportunities they have experienced providing not only an opportunity to build pro bono hours but also to work with top talent at an exciting and vibrant event.

To learn more about the 2011 NSHMBA National Conference and Career Management Center, click on the following links:

http://www.nshmba.org/2011_conference/attendee and http://www.nshmba.org/2011_conference/career_management_center

You can volunteer directly online through our dedicated career expert registration system at: http://www.nshmba.org/conference/CMC-Volunteer. The system will allow you to secure your free registration, conference badge, benefits, set-up your volunteer schedule and identify your coaching preferences, including target audience.

CAREER MANAGEMENT CENTER HOURS / VOLUNTEER SLOTS

You may volunteer for hourly, half-day or full day slots for any of the following days:

• Thursday, October 13: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 14: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 15: 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS
 

We want to make this experience a win-win for all our volunteers.  As part of this effort half and full-day volunteers will be provided with:

• Extended refreshments or Lunch
• Parking
• Entrance to the Career Expo
• Access to Professional Development Day workshops
• General receptions and networking events during all three days of the conference
 

Additional Volunteer Benefits

Volunteers with 12 or more hours will have access to invitation only sessions and events.

Career experts may prepare a one-page handout with résumé or career tips and business contact information for distribution.

CAREER MANAGEMENT CENTER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

You may volunteer for one or more of the following areas.

• Résumé Clinic: HR and career management experts will spend approximately 10 to 15 minutes critiquing a job seekers résumé.
 
• Mock Interview Clinic: Formal interviews are scheduled for 20 to 30 minutes. Interviewers will be provided with interview questions and critique form.
 
• Elevator Speech Clinic: Coaches will spend 5 -10 minutes assisting individuals with their introductions for networking, Career Expo booths and formal onsite interviews.
 
• Job Search Clinic: Coaches will spend approximately 15 to 20 minutes assisting participants on their specific job search needs.
 
• Career Management for Professionals and Executives: Coaches will spend approximately 20 to 30 minutes assisting working professionals on their specific career management needs.
• Entrepreneurial Coaching: Coaches will spend approximately 20-30 minutes assisting individuals who are preparing to start their own business or seeking assistance in growing their businesses.

The Center will also have a computer center for editing and reproducing résumés.

We will provide you with onsite instructions and resource material for each of the above services when you volunteer.

If you have any questions, contact Murray A. Mann or Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias at CareerCoach@nshmba.org and 312-404-3108.

Remembering our Latino Heroes on Memorial Day

Millions of Latinos have served with distinction in the U.S. military, yet their significant contributions and sacrifices are relatively unknown. Their heroism helped forge this nation and preserved our freedom.

Latinos have received awards for valor and bravery far in excess to their proportion of the population. Forty-three Latinos have won our nation’s highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Major initiatives are underway to ensure that the proud legacy of Latino military service be accurately preserved and woven into our national consciousness. We will continue this discussion in future posts.

 Below are two articles to begin our conversation.

A Tribute to the Forgotten Force by Jim Estrada

U.S. Latino Patriots: From the American Revolution to Afghanistan, An Overview by Refugio I. Rochin and Lionel Fernandez 

This Memorial Day, as we commemorate all U.S. men and women who have died in military service to this country let's be sure to remember the Latinos among them and thank them for their service.

 

Posted by Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias

Principals, Global Diversity Solutions Group

Authors, Barron’s The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos

Also at http://twitter.com/LatinosAtWork

Contact: murray@GlobalDiversitySolutions.com or rmb@GlobalDiversitySolutions.com

Latinos And The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service: How Are You Participating?

                          

"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve . . .” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 17, 2011, our nation celebrates the 25^th anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday with a “Day of Service” and to encourage ongoing action throughout the year.

Dr. King had a strong history of reaching out to and collaborating with the Latino community. He publicly and privately supported the efforts of the National Farm Workers Association (today’s United Farm Workers of America), as well as, many other Hispanic movements.

Hundreds of Latino organizations are reciprocating by supporting this national initiative. “Dr. King has inspired people from around the world to advocate for equal opportunity. Honoring his legacy through service pays tribute to his dream,” said National Council of La Raza (NCLR) President and CEO Janet Murguía.

What are your plans for today and participating in our evolving generation of service?

Below are a few links to help you find some great projects that need volunteers in your area:

MLKDay.gov 

Servir.gov 

NationalService.gov 

National Council of La Raza community affiliates

In January,1992, César Chávez wrote Lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- “My friends, today we honor a giant among men: today we honor the reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.…If we fail to learn that each and every person can make a difference, then we will have betrayed Dr. King's life's work. The reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. had more than just a dream, he had the love and the faith to act.

Build a Strong Career Board of Advisors (Career Compadres) Step-By-Step During National Mentoring Month

National studies confirm that individuals who have mentors are significantly more successful in their careers than those who do not. Mentoring is beneficial for everyone and at all levels of the career continuum. The research shows that having a strong core of advisors and mentors is even more crucial for Latino careerists.

Do you have good mentors?

Do you know and fulfill your responsibilities as a mentee?

Are you a good mentor to someone?

Click on the links below to access a step-by-step guide to build effective mentor relationships.

Please share your recommendations and your success stories with our readers.

Career Compadres Series: The Critical Role of Mentors in Latino Career Success - Part I

Career Compadres Series-Part 2 Career Mentor Checklist

Mentors are Critical for Career Success: A Roadmap For Employers, Career Coaches and Individuals

                    ¡BUENA SUERTE!

Posted by Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias

Principals, Global Diversity Solutions Group

Authors, Barron’s The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos

Also at http://twitter.com/LatinosAtWork

Contact: Murray@GlobalDiversitySolutions.com or RoseMary@GlobalDiversitySolutions.com