Latinos@Work

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

 

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 

 

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.

Take Advantage of the 2010 NSHMBA National Conference Career Center for Job Search & Career Management Success

Open to all Latino professionals, the 2010 National Society of Hispanic MBAs Career Conference & Career Expo  includes a comprehensive Career Management Center. You will receive coaching from over 100 leading career and human resources experts. The conference will be held on October 21-23 in Chicago. The Center will be open on the first two days. Services include:  

  Collateral Career Services                Coaching

Résumé Critiques Mock Interview Sessions Elevator Pitch Practice Résumé Editing Computer Stations and Printers

Job Search Professionals@Work Executives Entrepreneurial Success

Résumé Critiques Your résumé is the key to opening the door to an interview. Our experts will work with you to edit and enhance your résumé and cover letters. Personal résumé critique Specific recommendations on improving your résumé Industry-specific résumé development questionnaires and tools transferred to your portable flash drive for use on your computer - Hard copies available Résumé and cover letter writing checklists Résumé Editing Computer Stations and Printers   Mock Interview Sessions Learn to turn your interview into a job offer. Our experts will work with you to strengthen your interviewing skills. 20-minute structured one-on-one mock interview with experienced coaches and HR professionals. Receive immediate feedback and recommendations Interview preparation worksheets   Elevator Pitch Practice Making a critical first impression with employers can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our experts will work with you to craft your 30-120 second elevator speech. Practice your introduction to Career Expo exhibitors Rehearse your formal interview opening Hone your networking conversations   What to Bring Hard copies of your résumé Flash drive containing your résumé for editing at the Computer Stations and Printers and to receive Word versions of résumé development worksheets, as well as, other career management tools.    Career Management Center Coaching Partners   The Career Management Center is coordinated by Global Diversity Solutions Group LLC and JobSearchGuideforLatinos.com Posted by Murray A. Mann Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias Authors, Barron's The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos

Job Search Coaching Create a blueprint for a successful job search. Receive one-on-one coaching to address your specific job search needs, including: Managing your job search campaign Marketing your résumé and cover letters effectively Layoff survival guidance Successful networking techniques Leverage online tools and social networking sites Generating interviews and getting past gatekeepers Salary negotiation Navigating the Career Expo Checklist Professionals@Work Coaching Today more than ever, professionals need to be conscientious in managing their careers for job security and advancement. Receive personal coaching to take your career to the next level. Navigating the Workplace Managing the performance review process Critical conversations and communication skills Leveraging career advisors, mentors and sponsors Building a successful personal brand Managing your online identity Your specific issues Executive Coaching Life in the C-suite presents unique pressures and challenges. Our senior coaches bring real life experience to help you address critical issues in your career. Managing your career as an executive Leadership development strategies Navigating the C-Suite Entrepreneurial Coaching Will you be one of the 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in 2012? Meet with industry experts dedicated to your success. What does it take to be an entrepreneur Launching a new enterprise Managing your business Mainstream and MBE funding and business support

 

 

 

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: 

NCLR Conference Provides Employers with Effective Strategies to Recruit, Retain and Develop Latinos

Companies that want to be competitive in the marketplace must have a comprehensive strategy for recruiting and advancing Latinos” according to Dr. Robert Rodriguez, author of Latino Talent.

Dr. Rodriquez lead a standing room only audience of Fortune 500 companies at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Conference in a session on best practices for employing Latino professionals. 

“Companies are seeking Latino talent for their intellectual capital,” according to Dr. Rodriguez. The Hispanic population growth and consumer spending, that is approaching one trillion dollars, are driving the corporate commitment to getting recruitment right. “Employers that have a textured understanding of Latino culture and demographics are going to be more successful,” he continued.

During the Thursday NCLR Town Hall Meeting, Mary Medina, Board Member of the National Forum for Latino Health Care Executives, said that for health care providers, culturally competency is critical to quality service delivery, cost savings and attracting consumers.

Isaias Zamarripa, General Mills Director of Diversity and Talent Acquisition, stressed the importance of continuity throughout the recruitment and selection process to avoid the attrition of well qualified Latino candidates. By way of example, he suggested that employers begin the onboarding process at point of contact with qualified applicants.

Dr. Rodriguez’s presentation covered Latino employment related cultural dynamics, Latino demographic segmentation and the following talent acquisition/management mistakes and best practices:

Latino Organization of the Week: National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. Established in April 1984, NAHJ created a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists.

National Association of Hispanic Journalists
1000 National Press Building
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20045-2001
E-mail: nahj@nahj.org

Website nahj.org

Phone: 202.662.7145
Fax: 202.662.7144

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Latino Organization Profile of the Week: Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE)

The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) has delivered more than 25 years of Latino Career Success.

Mission

To inspire and guide Latinos in achieving their educational and professional aspirations and positively contributing to our communities.

Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement


25 E. Washington St., Suite 820


Chicago, IL 60602


Tel.  312.435.0498


Fax   312.435.1494

info@hace-usa.org

www.hace-usa.org 

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Career Conferences

• Leading job fairs for professionals combined with development workshops
• High impact recruitment opportunities for employers seeking the best Latino talent in 1000’s of career opportunities filled in HACE’s 20 year history
New national venues in partnership with leading career fair and placement operators

Latino Recruitment Series

• Evening or Saturday event to showcase your company's unique career opportunities
• Event assures one company obtains all the resumes and attention that day
• Builds a positive buzz about the company within the Latino community for employment and marketing purposes

Recent Initiatives

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.