Latinos@Work

Career Resolutions Latinos Can Keep In 2012 - Part 1

For Immediate Release (for those who have not figured it out yet): 2012 has been designated as the Year of the Latino Professional. Prominent players that contributed to this selection include:

• Employers must be competitive locally and/or globally and have set significant goals for Latino recruitment, retention, and upward mobility.
• Colleges and Universities are evolving programs to address the needs of Latino students, alumni, and the companies that employ us.
• Mainstream and Latino Professional Organizations for launching more major initiatives to improve our professional growth and career advancement.
• YOU who is dedicated to your professional evolution

In the spirit of the New Year and the Year (decade or millennium) of the Latino Professional, we encourage you make career resolutions that are a combination of those that challenge you to grow, some that are easily achievable, and an anti-resolution or two. Successful resolutions are founded in results-driven S.M.A.R.T. goals which are:

Specific

Measurable

Action Oriented

Realistic

Time-Constrained

The 2010 Resolution that will Rock Your World: MY CAREER IS JOB #1

This is a big, life-changing resolution. It requires that you take an active role in your career awareness on a day-to-day basis. When the "career management mentality" becomes second nature to you, you'll not only achieve your goals but will become a better, more effective and more valuable asset to your employers.

To develop S.M.A.R.T. goals and make your career a priority:

• Internalize the mantra "tu eres el arquitecto de tu propio destino - you are the master of your own destiny." Read Twelve Characteristics of Latino Career Success and Latin@Work's other job search and career management aricles.
• Take a project management approach to your career and adopt the mindset that YOU are the client or assignment. Write out your plan, assess your options, analyze your resources, and focus on activities that will help you achieve your goals.
• Define career success on your own terms.
• "Envision" your career -- one, five, ten, and 20 years out. Visualize in detail the work you do, your physical surroundings, the people in your professional circle, and the feelings you have at this stage of your career.

To be successful in your career, you must be willing to invest in yourself and take a proactive approach to career development and management. Like anything that is worthwhile, it will take action, persistence, and time. The steps to achieving your MY CAREER IS JOB #1 resolution will be discussed in detail in our next article.

Easy Resolutions that Latino Professionals Can Keep

Put the following items on your "to do" list: 

Latino-Specific Job Search Communications: Reach Out and Touch Someone

You have written compelling resumes and cover letters, evolved your network, collaborated with your mentors, and identified job opportunities, Hispanic employee resource groups, and company contacts. Now it's time to leverage your efforts and follow up!  Below are some practical examples of how to reach out and touch someone who can open additional doors in your job search via email, snail mail and telephone.

Sending Email and Hard Copy Cover Letters to Company Contacts

If possible, always send your correspondence by both email and regular mail to ensure that the recipient receives it. In addition, it is important to follow-up your written communication with a phone call.

Example 1:

Follow-up letter (after submitting your resume to the Human Resources Department in response to an advertised position.) 

Marisol Colon

Senior Vice President for Hispanic Affairs

Latino Inclusive Company, Inc.

1 LIC Plaza, Mail Code 5111

Los Angeles, CA 90001

Re: Purchasing Supervisor

Dear Ms. Colon:

Latino Inclusive Company's Procurement Services Division advertised for a Purchasing Supervisor position on iHispano.com. As a resource management and purchasing professional with a track record of achievement in expense reduction, vendor partnership agreements, and revenue enhancement, I have the credentials you need. Additionally, I am an active member of the Hispanic Purchasing professionals Committee of the National Contract Management Association. My background includes...

Closing Paragraph: Attached are copies of the resume and cover letter I submitted to the Department of Human Resources. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss how my experience can contribute to the achievement of your corporation's objectives for growth and success.

Example 2: Follow-up letter (after making a Hispanic Employee Network contact)

Dear Mr. Rivera:

Jaime Díaz recommended that I contact you directly. We met at the Latino Inclusive Company, Inc. recruitment booth during the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) Career Conference.

Mr. Díaz mentioned that your Employee Resource Group, L.A.T.I.N.O., is assisting with Hispanic employment at your company. I would appreciate a chance to speak with you about career opportunities...

Closing Paragraph: My achievements are further detailed in the enclosed résumé. I look forward to hearing from a L.A.T.I.N.O. representative soon...

Example 3: Unsolicited Letter (to Latino contact listed on a company website)

Dear Ms. Mendez:

Your name came to my attention while researching Latino Inclusive Company, Inc. on ihispano.com. I am seeking your guidance, as the Director of Diversity Employment Programs, on how to secure an interview for a marketing representative position with your corporation. Some of my applicable strengths and capabilities include...

Closing Paragraph: The enclosed résumé summarizes my background and experience in the above areas. If you are interested in a highly motivated marketing representative with a proven track record for success, please contact me...

Phone Calls to Company Contacts

The telephone can be also a powerful ally in your job search.

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

 

Job Search Questions Latinos Can Ask About Potential Employers

 

Do you want to increase your chances of landing an interview and securing a job offer with a company that is committed to the success of Latino employees? 

When conducting your research on a potential employer there are additional questions that Latinos can ask of company representatives at a diversity career fair, Latino contacts at the company, the corporation's in-house Hispanic Employee Resource Group, Hispanic professional associations or other knowledgeable members of your network. These sources are often open to providing the critical information you need to achieve success in your job search. 

Assessing the Company Culture 

Your basic questions are "What makes your company an employer of choice for Latinos?" and "What do Latinos need to know about your company to determine if it is the right fit for them?" 

It is often best to ask some personal questions to start a dialog such as:

• What do you enjoy most about working for the company?
• Why did you apply for a job with the company?
• Why have you continued your employment with the company?
• What do you see for your future with the company?  

You may need to ask follow-up questions including: 

• What is the work environment for Latinos?
• How many Latinos are in the company, at what levels, and specifically work in the department that you are applying for?
• What characteristics do successful Latinos in this company seem to share?
• What support systems does your company have for new Latino employees (orientation, onboarding, training, mentors)?  
• What support systems does your company have for the retention, development and advancement of Latino employees (professional development, educational benefits, special assignments/rotations, career tracks, mentors, employee networks)?
• What is the retention rate of Latinos vs. others in the position for which I am interviewing?
  Identifying Company Access Contacts / Strategy
• Your basic question is "What are the best strategies for Latinos to get their résumé reviewed by the right people and secure an interview in your company?"

 Some sample follow-up questions are:

• Who can I contact in your company to get my résumé reviewed and secure an interview (such as actual hiring official, Division Manager, Latino/Diversity Recruiters, Chief Diversity Officer, Latino Managers or employee groups)?
• What is the best way to initiate contact and follow-up with these individuals?
• Can I use your name as the person who suggested I communicate with these contacts?
• Preparing for the Interview
• Your basic question is "What do I need to know about your interview process to be selected for employment?"

You may need to ask follow-up questions such as:

• What types of interview formats are used for the position I am applying for (individual, panel, sequential, behavioral, case)?
• What characteristics are the interviewers looking for in a candidate for this position?
• What do the interviewers look for from Latino candidates?
• How do you assess Spanish speaking and writing proficiency?
• Should I bring my career portfolio to the interview and what should it contain?
• Do you have other recommendations for preparing for the interview?

It is up to you to determine whether a particular employer is aligned with your core values, beliefs and career goals. Performing your due diligence on the corporate culture and selection process of potential employers can help you find a great career match.

 

¡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 

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 

 

Career Resolutions Latinos Can Keep In 2011 - Part 2

In Career Resolutions Latino's Can Keep In 2011 - Part 1, we discussed that 2011 is the Year of the Latino Professional and "Easy Resolutions Latinos Can Keep." In 30 days, will you know where your resolutions are? Below are some additional recommendations that be helpful for keeping yours.

Career Resolutions that have Worked for Other Latino Professionals

Want to take your career to the next level? Consider these:

• Create a career portfolio (physical and / or electronic) to record contributions, special projects, and career accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Check out the free tools at VisualCV.com or iHispano.com.

• Evolve your personal career brand every day. Your daily "to do" list should include an activity that builds or reinforces your professional reputation. For example, it might be the way you greet your colleagues, the manner in which you execute a major project, or the fact that you followed up with an important contact. Read In Today’s Economy, Building a Strong Personal Brand is Key to Latino Job Search and Career Success - Part I and Checklist for Developing Your Personal Career Brand: Part 2
• Communicate with at least one older and one newer person in your network each week. Rekindle relationships with people from your past. Commit yourself to expanding your personal network of career contacts. At the very least, your name will stay on their radar. Staying in touch can be as simple as wishing someone a happy new year or sending a birthday card. Read Latino-Specific Job Search Communications: Reach Out and Touch Someone
• Begin or expand your "Career Board of Directors". Studies show that mentors, coaches, champions, experts, and colleagues are vital to your professional advancement. Read up on how to make the most of mentor-mentee relationships: The Critical Role of Mentors in Latino Career Success and My Career Mentor Checklist.
• Join your company's Latino or diversity employee resource group or affinity group. These in-house networks can help you adeptly navigate the workplace culture. To learn more, read: Hispanic Employee Networks / Affinity Groups.
• Give back to the community. Helping Latino colleagues or those coming up behind you opens up even more opportunities for other Latinos. Giving back adds to your own value and helps build your personal career brand.

The Anti-Resolutions

It is also time to resolve to not do some things that could inadvertently damage your career:

Career Resolutions Latinos Can Keep In 2011 - Part 1

For Immediate Release (for those who have not figured it out yet): 2011 has been designated as the Year of the Latino Professional. Prominent players that contributed to this selection include:

• Employers must be competitive locally and/or globally and have set significant goals for Latino recruitment, retention, and upward mobility.
• Colleges and Universities are evolving programs to address the needs of Latino students, alumni, and the companies that employ us.
• Mainstream and Latino Professional Organizations for launching more major initiatives to improve our professional growth and career advancement.
• YOU who is dedicated to your professional evolution

In the spirit of the New Year and the Year (decade or millennium) of the Latino Professional, we encourage you make career resolutions that are a combination of those that challenge you to grow, some that are easily achievable, and an anti-resolution or two. Successful resolutions are founded in results-driven S.M.A.R.T. goals which are:

Specific

Measurable

Action Oriented

Realistic

Time-Constrained

The 2010 Resolution that will Rock Your World: MY CAREER IS JOB #1

This is a big, life-changing resolution. It requires that you take an active role in your career awareness on a day-to-day basis. When the "career management mentality" becomes second nature to you, you'll not only achieve your goals but will become a better, more effective and more valuable asset to your employers.

To develop S.M.A.R.T. goals and make your career a priority:

• Internalize the mantra "tu eres el arquitecto de tu propio destino - you are the master of your own destiny." Read Twelve Characteristics of Latino Career Success and Latin@Work's other job search and career management aricles.
• Take a project management approach to your career and adopt the mindset that YOU are the client or assignment. Write out your plan, assess your options, analyze your resources, and focus on activities that will help you achieve your goals.
• Define career success on your own terms.
• "Envision" your career -- one, five, ten, and 20 years out. Visualize in detail the work you do, your physical surroundings, the people in your professional circle, and the feelings you have at this stage of your career.

To be successful in your career, you must be willing to invest in yourself and take a proactive approach to career development and management. Like anything that is worthwhile, it will take action, persistence, and time. The steps to achieving your MY CAREER IS JOB #1 resolution will be discussed in detail in our next article.

Easy Resolutions that Latino Professionals Can Keep

Put the following items on your "to do" list: 

Take the Latina Blogger Survey by Latinos in Social Media [LATISM] Results to be Presented at BlogHer 2010

The following post is reprinted with permission

Latinos in Social Media [LATISM] Launches Latina Blogger Survey

July 6^th, 2010

Contact:

Elianne Ramos

Vice-Chair, Communications and PR

646 -932-7752

elianne@latism.org

Click graphic to take the survey or http://bit.ly/bp22Wn

NEW YORK, NY, USA – July 6, 2010 – Latinos in Social Media [LATISM], the largest organization of Social Media professionals of Latino origin, announced today the launch of the most comprehensive survey of Latina Bloggers conducted to date.                                

Called “The LATISM Latina Bloguera Survey,” and conducted throughwww.surveymonkey.com, the leading online research tool, the goal of this survey is to go beyond the demographics, geography and language questions to get an in-depth look at why Latinas blog and the impact of their cultural background on their blogging.

The Blogger market is a large one and growing rapidly. According to a 2007 study conducted by Blog search engine Technorati, there are more than 71 million active blogs online. Latinas, one of the fastest-growing blogging demographics, have traditionally been overlooked and undercounted in these type of surveys.

According to LATISM’s Chair and Founder, Ana Roca-Castro, the aim in conducting the survey is to provide visibility to the Latinas in this arena while providing valuable comprehensive information to the corporations who are interested in reaching this highly coveted market. “One of the highest priorities at LATISM is to function as a bridge between corporations and organizations, and the Latina bloggers out there who need their support. This survey is an important step in that direction,” said Roca-Castro. “These passionate women capture the effervescence of our culture in a way that is, literally, changing the face of blogging. LATISM is the megaphone through which their stories can be amplified so that their messages can reach even farther.”

A detailed report of the survey will be presented during the Latinas In Social Media panel at the BlogHer 2010 conference. Results will also be featured in a video that will be unveiled during the panel presentation and at the Social Fiesta BlogHer community party held at the Hilton Hotel in New York on August 5^th. After the initial unveiling, the report will be distributed online as a special package at a special LATISM landing page on Latism.org. The Survey Package will include the report, summary video and individual blogger clips.

The LATISM Latina Bloguera survey will be the first of a series of surveys that LATISM is planning to conduct through 2011.  Additional information about the LATISM Bloguera Survey can be found at Bloguera survey.

###

LATISM BLOGUERA SURVEY FACT SHEET:

Who: Latinos in Social Media, the largest organization of people of Latino origin who are engaged in the social media arena

What: A comprehensive survey of Latinas bloggers demographics, psychographics, preferred topics and blogging tools as well as the impact of their cultural background to their blogging

WHEN: Survey will run from July 1^st to July 15, 2010

SAMPLE: 500+ adult females of Latino descent ages 18 and older

Geographical location: USA and Latin America

Survey Methodology: The first Latina Blogger survey is being conducted online via Surveymonkey.com through July 15, 2010. The survey has a confidence level of plus or minus three percent. This is the first of a series of surveys commissioned by Latinos in Social Media [LATISM], to explore the state of online and social media usage among Latinos.

Video Interviews: Interviews with 20 top Latina bloggers to help capture a more in depth understanding of why Latinas blog and what makes Latina bloggers unique.

RESULTS unveiling: During Latina Blogger Panel at the Blogher ’10 Conference, August 5^thand 6^th, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel in New York City. Encore presentation at LATISM’s Social Media Fiesta during the Blogher Conference. Results will be available thereafter on a landing page at Latism.org

SURVEY RESULTS PACKAGE:

• Detailed report of findings
• Press releases
• Summary Latina Blogger video
• Individual blogger clips

ABOUT LATISM:

Career Resolutions Latino's Can Keep In 2010 - Part 2

In Career Resolutions Latino's Can Keep In 2010 - Part 1, we discused that 2010 is the Year of the Latino Professional and "Easy Resolutions Latinos Can Keep."  It is 30 days into the new year, do you know where your resolutions are?

Career Resolutions that have Worked for Other Latino Professionals

Want to take your career to the next level? Consider these:

• Create a career portfolio (physical and / or electronic) to record contributions, special projects, and career accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Check out the free tools at VisualCV.com or iHispano.com.

• Evolve your personal career brand every day. Your daily "to do" list should include an activity that builds or reinforces your professional reputation. For example, it might be the way you greet your colleagues, the manner in which you execute a major project, or the fact that you followed up with an important contact. Read In Today’s Economy, Building a Strong Personal Brand is Key to Latino Job Search and Career Success - Part I and Checklist for Developing Your Personal Career Brand: Part 2
• Communicate with at least one older and one newer person in your network each week. Rekindle relationships with people from your past. Commit yourself to expanding your personal network of career contacts. At the very least, your name will stay on their radar. Staying in touch can be as simple as wishing someone a happy new year or sending a birthday card. Read Latino-Specific Job Search Communications: Reach Out and Touch Someone
• Begin or expand your "Career Board of Directors". Studies show that mentors, coaches, champions, experts, and colleagues are vital to your professional advancement. Read up on how to make the most of mentor-mentee relationships: The Critical Role of Mentors in Latino Career Success and My Career Mentor Checklist.
• Join your company's Latino or diversity employee resource group or affinity group. These in-house networks can help you adeptly navigate the workplace culture. To learn more, read: Hispanic Employee Networks / Affinity Groups.
• Give back to the community. Helping Latino colleagues or those coming up behind you opens up even more opportunities for other Latinos. Giving back adds to your own value and helps build your personal career brand.

The Anti-Resolutions

Career Resolutions Latino's Can Keep In 2010 - Part 1

For Immediate Release (for those who have not figured it out yet): 2010 has been designated as the Year of the Latino Professional. Prominent players that contributed to this selection include:

• Employers must be competitive locally and/or globally and have set significant goals for Latino recruitment, retention, and upward mobility.
• Colleges and Universities are evolving programs to address the needs of Latino students, alumni, and the companies that employ us.
• Mainstream and Latino Professional Organizations for launching more major initiatives to improve our professional growth and career advancement.
• YOU who is dedicated to your professional evolution.

In the spirit of the New Year and the Year (decade or millennium) of the Latino Professional, we encourage you make career resolutions that are a combination of those that challenge you to grow, some that are easily achievable, and an anti-resolution or two. Successful resolutions are founded in results-driven S.M.A.R.T. goals which are:

Specific

Measurable

Action Oriented

Realistic

Time-Constrained

The 2010 Resolution that will Rock Your World: MY CAREER IS JOB #1

This is a big, life-changing resolution. It requires that you take an active role in your career awareness on a day-to-day basis. When the "career management mentality" becomes second nature to you, you'll not only achieve your goals but will become a better, more effective and more valuable asset to your employers.

To develop S.M.A.R.T. goals and make your career a priority:

• Internalize the mantra "tu eres el arquitecto de tu propio destino - you are the master of your own destiny." Read Twelve Characteristics of Latino Career Success and Latin@Work's other job search and career management aricles.
• Take a project management approach to your career and adopt the mindset that YOU are the client or assignment. Write out your plan, assess your options, analyze your resources, and focus on activities that will help you achieve your goals.
• Define career success on your own terms.
• "Envision" your career -- one, five, ten, and 20 years out. Visualize in detail the work you do, your physical surroundings, the people in your professional circle, and the feelings you have at this stage of your career.

To be successful in your career, you must be willing to invest in yourself and take a proactive approach to career development and management. Like anything that is worthwhile, it will take action, persistence, and time. The steps to achieving your MY CAREER IS JOB #1 resolution will be discussed in detail in our next article.

Easy Resolutions that Latino Professionals Can Keep

Put the following items on your "to do" list: