New year resolutions that stick

Not to burst your bubble but statistics do not lie:  the likelihood you will not accomplish your New Year resolutions are very high.  So, why do we go through the yearly ritual of listing what we want to do, share it with others and then do not follow through?

Because of two reasons: 1) we are creatures of habit; and 2) we overestimate our ability to change. 

Yes, we love to do what is familiar to us.  It makes us feel comfortable and in control.  So, if for the past several years we've been eating a whole bagel with cream cheese with a large coffee with 3 packets of sugar every morning and our resolution is to lose weight, it is going to be tough. Notice that I said tough not impossible.  This is where our belief that we can conquer and squash this eating habit kicks in.  We cannot accept that a bagel and cream cheese have such an influence over us.  We prefer to think that our will power can transform our eating habits just because we say so.

How can we increase the chance that we will accomplish our resolutions?  Let me offer a few suggestions.

• Become aware that what you are looking to achieve means changing your mindset and  lifestyle.  It is the same for those who are looking to lose weight, find a job, start a relationship. 
• Focus on one resolution at a time.  The greatest mistake most make is to write a list of many resolutions (i.e. swim with dolphins, do the Inca trail, save $500 a month, run the marathon) that are complex, require resources and focus, and at times, compete with each other.  How are you going to spend time swimming with dolphins, and do the Inca trail when you also want to save money?
• Enlist the help of others.  Find a friend, colleague that has similar goals so you can support each other.
• Visualize the outcome.  This is a popular method used by professional athletes and other high achieving performers.  Before you start, close your eyes and see yourself where you want to be.  See yourself 30 lbs thinner, or crossing the finish line of the marathon, or receiving confirmation of a job offer.  Spend time observing how this 'new' person is behaving, her posture, what she did the day before.  The idea is to backtrack from the day when the goal happens to where you are now and figure out the steps that got you there.

The most important piece of advice I can give you is to have fun during the journey.  Help yourself accomplish your goal one day at a time and you will get there!

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Holiday wishes...

Wishing you and yours a 

wonderful holiday season!

Let's enjoy a well deserved holiday and reflect on the year we leave behind and gear up for the year ahead of us.

To a happy and healthy 2012!!

NSHMBA Boston Gala: Embracing change, leveraging technology

On December 8, 2011, the Copley Marriott was buzzing with excitement for the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) Boston’s 9th Signature Gala. Every year the NSHMBA Boston hosts an event that celebrates the accomplishments of the chapter, its corporate partners, and members who are committed to accelerate the Latino initiative in education and career advancement. The result is always on target: people leave excited, inspired and filled with renewed energy to become a change agent in the Latino community and this year was no exception.

Boston Chapter President, Karina Arnaez’s opening remarks centered on one word: familia. Karina described NSHMBA as an organization that upholds the values of being a family unit. She said, "NSHMBA means different things to everyone, it depends where they are in their career progression.  The one constant is that we are a family and are here to support you and your career advancement." Mistress of Ceremony, Elisa Jaramillo, of Pegasystems, introduced keynote speaker Carlos Domínguez, Senior Vice President from Cisco Systems.

Domínguez presentation evoked humor, wonder and the realization that part of our success is directly correlated with embracing technology. He emphasized creativity as the number one desired skill in today’s work place.  He gave example after example of how pervasive technology has become in everyday living, from online dating to social media. His message was simple:  Folks who cannot embrace technology cannot lead.

Yvonne Martin, Carlos Domínguez, Armando Llorente and Karian Arnaez

Other highlights from the gala include awards given to several organizations and individuals for their advocacy and commitment to advancing Latino leadership through education:

• Corporate Award: Ocean Spray
• Non-Profit Award: Orale con Veronica
• Educational Institution Award: HULT International Business School
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Robert Aguirre (2010 NSHMBA Scholar at Harvard Business School)
• Champion Award: Brenda Ruiz, EMC
• Member of the Year Award: : Manuel Zapata (2010 NSHMBA Scholar at Boston University)
• Hayden Estrada Inspirational Leader Award: Armando Llorente

Before the evening came to a close attendees danced the night away with DJ Franklin Rosario.  Several looked at one another with delight and commented on the evening’s highlights. Among them was Armando Llorente, Vice President from Clark & Lavey Benefit Solutions, Inc. who said, “This year’s gala was a fabulous success, the group outdid itself!”
Evelyn Barahona contributed to this article.

Life lessons from Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons.  The name says it all. Social entrepreneur. Human rights activist. Best selling author. Mogul. His list of accomplishments and influence is so long, that at recent event hosted by Color Magazine in Boston, where Simmons was recognized, the Mistress of Ceremonies took a few extra breaths just to keep reading the introduction.

Simmons, a bit embarrassed and impatient to get on with business, smiled and humbly accepted the award. His speech was short, since he had previously had a conversation with Harvard Professor Charles Ogletree. 

Photo credit:  Color Magazine

During his talk with Dr. Ogletree, Simmons mostly explained the philosophy behind his book, "Superrich:  Inside and Out" came about.  But he emphasized the same key points:  get to know yourself, reach out to others and together improve your community.

To read an extensive interview with Russell Simmons, please click here.

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Holiday networking tips

As the holidays approach, what comes to mind? Presents, time off, or, perhaps, parties? How about networking? Networking?!

During the holiday season, our priorities tend to shift to taking time off, shopping or making travel plans. Others, looking for a job, consider postponing their search efforts until the beginning of the year when everyone is back in business mode.  Not so. Savvy networkers know that holiday gatherings provide a suitable environment to identify and engage in potential relationships. The plain fact that many professionals put their networking efforts on hold until after the holidays creates a prime opportunity to network. Simply put, there is less competition and more chances to get to know key people one on one.

Planes, Trains, Parties and the Food Pantry
A great number of people commute during the holidays. Planes, airports and other means of transportation are excellent places to engage in conversation and ‘practice' networking. Given the current wait time between check-in and boarding, travelers have a greater opportunity to make small talk that could lead to more meaningful conversation.

A second opportunity for holiday networking is the holiday party hosted by student or professional organizations.  For those looking for work, holiday events hosted by professional organizations provide an optimal environment to connect with those interested in your field. An added bonus: the holiday season is the one time when companies sponsoring professional organizations make a point to be visible.

A third --often overlooked place to network-- is through volunteer work. An overwhelming sense of generosity kicks in during the holidays. While delivering meals on Thanksgiving Day several years ago, my husband and I met a woman who lived in our town and worked for a company that I had targeted as a potential employer. She gave me some pointers regarding the organization, and I helped her connect with a town official whom I knew well and she was trying to reach. It was a win-win that resulted from casual conversation and common interest.

Holiday networking may seem an unorthodox way to connect with people and build relationships. However, if you follow the premise that networking is a lifelong skill and not a tactic to a short-term goal, you will uncover the secret that savvy networkers share: Networking does not take a holiday!

Writer's note:  Parts of this post we previously published in Color Magazine.

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Mejora tu empleo estas Navidades

Latino Leadership 2.0

There was lots of dancing and hugging--and occasionally--crying.  Other times there were discussions about the environment, art, life, and work, sprinkled with jokes and anecdotes about our Latino roots.  A support group? No. It was Juana Bordas' Latino Leadership retreat in the Colorado mountains.

I had the privilege to join eighteen mid career professionals from across the U.S. in early November and attend the eleventh annual  Latino Leadership Development Program (LLDP) created by Juana Bordas, author, social entrepreneur and the founder of Mestiza Leadership International. Each day started with some kind of awakening--physical or intellectual.  We stretched our limbs to the tune of an inspirational song while we also learned to engage each other. "Latinos are kinesthetic learners," Juana said while leading the morning stretch. "We learn by doing."

Photo credit:  Liz Treviño

The program combined assessment tools generally used in leadership programs--Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, FIRO-B Test, 360  Feedback and the Change Style Indicator--with sessions and group dynamics about leadership styles, decision making and  teamwork. The icing on the cake was the opportunity to openly discuss how our heritage and being Latino influence how we are as leaders.  During one session titled Latino Assets, the group reviewed a list of "dichos" or sayings in Spanish and discussed how these translate into cultural values that can then be applied to the workplace.  For instance, the saying "donde come uno comen dos" (loosely translated to "do more with less" or "there is always room for one more") speaks about the value of sharing which can be translated into inclusion at work.

Having studied and participated in many leadership programs, I was struck by how the retreat meticulously interwove the results from assessment tools, group exercises, sessions and personal anecdotes into one customized version of leadership. As days unfolded, the group started to craft a new and improved version of themselves as Latino leaders.  A version that includes community building, work and life balance, self care and honoring our Latino culture.

Juana explained the vision behind the program, "The LLDP integrates cultural assets with mainstream leadership practices and asserts that high potential Latinos have a competitive edge since they add value through their multicultural backgrounds. This is particularly important because of America's expanding diversity."

Genesse Park, Denver, CO. Site for one of the group exercises.

Photo credit:  Anna Giraldo-Kerr

Alicia Avila, Business Liaison at Denver International Airport, said of her experience,“ Managing and leading in today’s world of work demands that we stay innovative, current, and inspired. This Leadership training program is one that every Latino interested in leadership wisdom should take and then impart to every Latino colleague!"

And as if that was not enough, each participant had the opportunity to have an individual session with a professional coach.  A team of coaches descended on the third day and meet privately with each person to devise a personal and professional action plan.

The end result:  Re-energized and refocused professionals ready to make a greater contribution in the workplace and community while leveraging their Latino roots.  All while having gained a group of colleagues and friends for life.  Who knew Latino leadership programs could be so uplifting, empowering and-- most importantly--fun?

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To have or not to have a one-page biography

Most career counselors and coaches sing the praises of having a knock out resume. Consider having a bio. A biography that is.  Bios (the preferred term) can be as short as 150 words and as long as one page in length.  The idea is to capture the essence of your professional experience and milestones in one or two paragraphs.

How to get started?

• Learn from others.  Do a search of other people's bios to get ideas.  Bios are mostly used to describe background and expertise of speakers. Organizations use bios to highlight the professional experience of their leadership team. Industry and professional associations are good sources to find examples. Look at those in the line of work of your interest. After reading a few, you will notice a certain type of messaging that tends to emerge.  
• Expand on your elevator pitch.  Using your elevator pitch as a launching pad, you can add more detail to how you describe yourself (e.g. accomplishments, areas of interest, awards). Note that one key difference is that the elevator pitch is communicated in the first person ("I have 10 years of experience in financial services and ...").  Bios are written in third person ("Anna has ten years of professional experience in financial services and ...").  Another difference is that the elevator pitch is used in one on one situations when engaged in conversation.  The bio is used as a written tool in printed and digital channels to introduce someone to an audience.
• Have a template.  Once you have a general idea of what your bio will say--based on your elevator pitch--write a draft of what you would like to share. Start with a summary of your career highlighting industry and functions.  Continue with goals accomplished ("During her tenure as a hospital administrator, Anna facilitated a cross-functional team to address customer concerns.  Customer satisfaction increased 40% as a result of their efforts.").  Having a template will allow you the flexibility to update your bio as you acquire more experience.  

Are you too young to have a bio? Not really.  Anyone who is career minded can benefit from having a biography.  Having a resume is a great first step if you are in the job market.  Having a powerful elevator pitch will help you get noticed in networking situations.  But having a bio will add another dimension to your professional identity.  Give it a shot!

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The art of following up

At a recent workshop about networking, I had to bite my tongue.  Although the tips and techniques shared were effective in emphasizing the importance of building relationships long term, another concern bothered me:  how to follow up with someone after the initial meeting.

Picture this scenario.  You attend a workshop, career fair or a networking session.  The most natural next step is to exchange business cards or to ask for someone's card to stay in touch.  What really happens afterwards? Nothing.  There seems to be a belief that having someone else's card in our possession is enough to reach out to them later when it is needed.  False. This is not the most effective way to follow up with someone we just met.  They may have met many people that day.  So, how do you stand out? By following up right away.  Here is how.

• Send a quick and short note within two days.  Include where you met to give a point of reference. Mention something about discussed during your conversation that will help remember you.  Here is an example:  "Good morning Ms. Smith, it was a real pleasure meeting you at the Careers in STEM workshop at Princeton University last Monday.  As an engineer (here you include your current professional status), your comments about the outlook for job growth in the field of chemical engineering were highly encouraging." 
• Rank the relationship.  Decide whether this contact is someone with long term potential or if you are mostly interested in a more tactical relationship like an informational interview or a resume critique.  Beware: if your main goal is to have her introduce you to a hiring manager, you must be patient and take time to build trust. 
• Find ways to remain top of mind.  A common way to remain on your contact's radar is to send occasional emails with articles or links related to her area of interest.  Other ways to build engagement:  ask for a short meeting for an informational interview, extend an invitation to participate in a future workshop, conference, or send a note during a major holiday.

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Career lessons from the Occupy protests

Whether you are in favor or against the Occupy Wall Street protests, and its subsequent spin offs, one thing is clear to me as a career coach:  Those involved in organizing protests have two types of skills that have allowed the movement to endure and grow.   One is communication skills.  The other is teamwork.

Communication skills allow parties to interact, to send and to receive messages effectively. Occupiers--as they are referred to--have maximized the power of technology to disseminate their message, recruit volunteers and keep the media informed.  This skill also comes in handy when discussing issues with opponents or those eager to learn. Being able to describe their concerns in a clear, concise and engaging manner has helped them gain status as an emerging influencing voice for the American people.

Team work skills are mainly about working effectively with others towards a common goal. Occupiers provide a vivid example of some of the most common tasks handled by teams: Delegating duties, negotiating outcomes, and organizing resources.  The media reports that occupiers have been dutiful at operationalizing the different support systems they need to focus on their protests.  For instance, they have a current list of supplies on hand and have rotation schedules for cooking, cleaning and inventory management.

How do these apply to you and your career?

I am not asking you to join the occupiers.  That is a very personal decision.  What I would like to suggest is for you to reflect on your level of comfort and dexterity. In other words, how are your communications and team work skills?  You might say that you did enough of that already in college.  And I would say back that practice makes perfect.  Do you think that any major sports super star says "I am great already.  I am the best golfer, soccer player, swimmer, etc.  I don't need to practice?" Never!  The key from getting from good to excellent is to keep at it.

One last thing about excelling as a communicator and team player:  It applies to everyone and to every type of career.  These two skills are just as important to the college student studying biology, to the young graduate looking for work in psychology, or to the seasoned professional making deals in international finance.

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The ABC's of job fairs

Believe or not job fairs are still around.  They are the most effective vehicle for employers to maximize their recruitment dollars.  Aside from the usual advice about preparing for a job fair (i.e. bring lots of resumes, visit every booth, have a firm hand shake) here are three commonly suggested tips with a twist.

Attitude.  By attitude I am mainly talking about the way you carry yourself.  Yes, you are looking for work.  Yes, you are really hoping that this time you will get an interview that will lead to an offer. But do you have to look, sound and appear desperate? No! In addition to exuding confidence through your clothes, hair, and accessories, attitude is also about your posture and most importantly your disposition.  In other words, how are you enduring the constant selling of yourself?  Are you able to keep your head up high and continue to smile even if you keep hearing, thanks for no, thanks?

Bring extras. Here extras refer to materials that might differentiate you from the rest.  Do bring your resume as this is a requirement to get your foot in the door.  But how about having some other type of collateral to showcase your talent and skills? For example, in addition to getting business cards, you could have marketing brochures made.  If your area is writing or research, you could bring a list of documents and studies that you have produced.  I have even seen links of short videos added in resumes as a way to stand out from the crowd.

Communicate clearly.  That is, communicate your value clearly.  This is another way of saying have your elevator pitch ready. And by ready I don't mean to sound like a broken record.  Your pitch must come across as natural although you and I know that you have repeated it a dozen times in front of the mirror. And do not stop at the elevator pitch.  Be prepared to answer questions as a result of your pitch.

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Elevator pitch tips

You probably have heard it many times,"when looking for a job, you must have an elevator pitch." An elevator pitch or elevator speech-- for those who might need a refresher--is a summary of who you are and what you are looking for.  And although it comes in many flavors, an elevator pitch, for the purpose of this post, is aimed at showcasing you and your talents and experience as a potential employee.

The internet offers thousands of suggestions on how to develop and deliver an elevator pitch, so I won't repeat what it has already been said.  What I would do, though, is pinpoint a few obvious-- but often missed--tips about creating an effective elevator pitch.

Be Short.  Experts tell us that an elevator pitch should be about 60 seconds long.  Have you ever tried to speak non stop for a whole minute?  You can say a lot in a minute.  So, if the idea of doing a 60-second summary sounds intimidating, think in terms of sentences.  For example, let's start with six sentences.  The first two could introduce you (e.g. name, industry focus, major).  The next two could address your professional experience and interest (e.g. internships, previous work, accomplishments).  The last two could link your experience to the employer's current needs and suggest next steps (e.g. interview).

Be Clear.  Sometimes in trying to impress someone in the shortest amount of time, we  use fancy words that could become tongue twisters or make us sound fake.  Use common language.  Your goal is to help the listener understand who you are and what you can do for them.  Quantifying results is a always a winner (i.e. increased revenues by 30%, decreased expenses by 40%).

Be Sincere.  This is a tricky suggestion because the success of delivering a flawless elevator pitch relies on having spent time rehearsing.  Be aware.  I suggest to spend time rehearsing, but do not come across rehearsed.  You must sound sincere.  Rehearse to the point that you feel comfortable saying it to anyone in front of you.  But do not, please, do not rehearse it with the intent of memorizing every word.  If you forget one word and go blank, you are dead in the water.

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Managing your professional reputation

When you think of the word reputation, what comes to mind? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines reputation as a "common opinion or quality as judged by people in general."  Note the definition suggests a neutral meaning of the word.  In other words, one can have a good or bad reputation.  And, according to the dictionary, it is up to other people to decide!

How is this possible?

If you are not convinced, think about times when you have heard others talk about a friend, former colleague, or professor.  "He was sooo confusing.  I bet nobody understands what he means not even at home." Or,"she comes across so well put together.  She is probably busy interviewing for jobs." The man in the example may be a brilliant person but the "common opinion" of those around him is negative. Meanwhile, the woman in the example may always be nervous but knows how to project confidence, so no one around her notices.

Yes, it is not fair.  And, as we know from other experiences, life in general is not fair. And, although others' perceptions are a big component of one's reputation, the rest of the equation is about our own actions.  So, the good news in terms of managing your professional reputation is that it can be done. The key word is: managing.

To help you get started, take a look at the two factors we just mentioned in more detail:

Actions you have control over. Here the word actions is used loosely to mean traits, behaviors, skills.  These are all self-generated outcomes created by you.  They could be as subtle as posture, demeanor, eye contact or as obvious as a tapping on the floor, a fishy handshake or an eloquent presentation.  Through practice and  discipline, you can get better at any of these.  Again, you and only you have control over them.

Actions you do not have control over.  This is where people's judgments come in.  It is important to remember that people's opinions are based in their own experiences, biases and filters.  So, the woman who looks polished and confident to some could be perceived as cocky and snobby to others.  There is no way of knowing how people will judge her.  All she can do is continue to be prepared.

In a nutshell:  You are not able to please everyone.  But you can manage your professional reputation by proactively focusing on the actions you can control and being consistent in the image you want to project.

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Career tips during Hispanic Heritage month

The festivities to honor Hispanic Heritage month are well on their way.  And, aside from free food and live music, there are hidden opportunities for job seekers looking to engage in the celebration while continuing to identify potential job leads.

Typically, two groups host events related to Hispanic Heritage month:  Student organizations and Professional organizations.  Let's look at each and the job seeking opportunities they offer.

Student organizations focus on social events to attract new members.  On occasion they will invite a speaker to campus.  I remember listening to actress and director Rosie Pérez give an impassioned talk at Babson College a few years back. In these types of events, your goal as a job seeker is to meet and build a network of peers and, perhaps, college professors and advisers who may share your area of interest.  Another way to participate is to practice your leadership, organizing and event management skills by volunteering to help the planning committee.

Professional organizations offer a different experience.  They usually attract sponsors (read companies looking to hire) and openly promote sharing resumes and business cards.  This type of event is the optimal venue to find job leads.  A job seeker would benefit the most by learning in advance what companies will be attending in order to research them ahead of time.  Networking skills that go beyond exchanging information will be the most effective.  For instance, you could ask the company representative for an informational interview or ask him about his experience with the organization.  Volunteering is also another tactic that will give  you an insiders view and possibly catch the eye of recruiter.

Hispanic Heritage month places the spotlight on Latinos.  Organizations interested in learning about Hispanics--or Latinos--will make themselves available through sponsorships and hosting events.  What a better forum for you to showcase your talents, skills and experience!

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Life after 9/11

My 9/11 story starts with a lay off.  I was laid off on September 11, 2001.  The rumor mill had confirmed the date weeks ahead, so I was aware of my possible fate.  At the time, I was a Boston-based technology analyst following Internet and e-commerce trends.  The technology bubble had burst months before, so I was convinced that I would be one of the employees to lose my job that day, so I packed ahead.

The morning of 9/11 I felt a sense of anticipation as I waited for the Human Resources representative to show up in my office.  Instead, I started to receive phone calls from colleagues as far away as Denmark and Chile. "There has been a plane crash in New York City," one of them said.  "And the plane came from Boston."  

By the time the Human Resources manager stopped by to talk about my termination package, I was numb in disbelief about the attacks taking place in New York and Washington D.C.  I had worked at 2 World Trade Center years prior.  Downtown Manhattan was where I started my professional life.  First in Wall Street and later at the World Trade Center.  As I heard her list the different package options, my brain could not register the sounds she was making.  Who cared about a job?  My lay off became so insignificant.  I wanted the HR person to leave my office that second so I could call my former colleagues, friends, family.  All lived and worked in Manhattan.

The day after 9/11 was one of the hardest days I have ever lived.  At first, I thought I had a horrific nightmare.  But then reality set in and I felt paralyzing physical pain.  I wanted to stay under the blanket, but I was not sick.  My former city, New York, had been ripped open.  My old work neighborhood looked like a nuclear war zone.  The towers that greeted me every time I came back from a trip into JFK airport had been obliterated.

Then, all of the sudden, I remembered the images I saw on TV the night before of countless firefighters and first response personnel who kept on going despite feeling broken inside.  How in the world could I complain about my pain when others were suffering a million times more?  Their strength lifted me up and helped me understand the fragility of the world we live in.  It was the kick in the rear that I needed to gradually get back on my feet--physically and emotionally.

Over the years, remembering all of what transpired during and after 9/11--the unthinkable evil acts and the extraordinary acts of kindness and courage--has shaped how I make decisions in my personal and professional life.  When I am torn about an engagement that might comprise my values, I ask myself, "Would I be OK having this project mentioned in my obituary? How would I like to be remembered?  And if you think you are too young or too cool to have such sobering thoughts, remember 9/11 and the weeks, months and years after it.  It has been 10 years and it feels as it were yesterday...

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Making lemonade from lemons: the job seeker mantra

Lately, it seems that everything is conspiring to test our optimism.  First, there were several tremors felt across the United States and Latin America.  Then, Hurricane Irene caused havoc the Caribbean and along the East Coast, from Florida to New England. Telephone lines, internet and electric power were interrupted.  How can we focus on looking for work under these conditions?

I was one of those who was in a technology stand still.  We lost electricity for three days which meant I got behind  in my work and deadlines.  It took lots of will power to channel my frustration into some kind of productive outcome but somehow I got there.  Here are the steps that helped me.  They may help you.

• Go with the flow.  It is useless to get angry about an act of God.  Accepting that there are circumstances beyond our control, like the weather, diffuses the feeling of helplessness. 
• Refocus and re-prioritize. Once you have accepted your new, temporary reality, see what you can get done.  Could you go to the library to continue your online search?  
• Test your resourcefulness.  Make a game of finding solutions to the challenges in front of you. If you need to write a thank you letter, do it by hand until you can get to a computer. It is as simple as that.  You would be surprised to know how many people spend the day complaining about what's wrong and do not do anything about it.
• Acknowledge what is working.  The feeling of appreciation will put things in perspective.  Although our level of comfort was radically changed, it did not compare to what others went through.  And this applies to Irene or to being unemployed.  

Remember, there are always others who are better or worse than we.  Understanding this dynamic does not make us complacent.  It turns us into grateful, resourceful, creative individuals that can be productive under any circumstance.

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Maintaining your cool during interviews

Given the volatile economic environment we live in, we are bound to think and to react out of fear.  We will promise results we are not sure we cannot deliver.  We will accept situations that make us uncomfortable. How does this fear-based reaction translate into your careers and job search?

When a hiring manager asks, 'would you relocate to Latin America?,' you immediately jump and say, 'of course!' knowing that you have some personal responsibilities that make it difficult.  Or if an interviewer asks, 'how fluent are you in Spanish?,' you say, 'I am pretty fluent. I am a prolific writer and engaging speaker,' knowing that you are massively stretching the truth.

When placed on the spot during an interview, do what politicians and other personalities do when being interviewed:  stall in a subtle way.  I call it smart stalling.  The goal is to gather a bit more information to answer the question in a clear and confident way.  Here are a few steps:

1. Ask additional questions.  For example, when asked if you are willing to move to Latin America, you could ask, where? what country? This will give you a break to quickly check with yourself and see how the possibility of a move might affect you. After the interviewer tells you where, you could make a positive statement about the country and say, "I will certainly be willing to consider moving there if the job requires it."
2. Show authentic enthusiasm.  As a job seeker, hungry for work and a salary, you could easily nod and smile from ear to ear to every requirement described during the interview.  Interviewers have caught on and know that people are desperate to work and would say yes to practically every job demand.  You will be able to stand out from the desperate pile of applicants by expressing your enthusiasm according to your level of interest.  For example, if you like the customer service part of the job, say so with a wide smile--because it is true.  But if you are not too thrilled about the record keeping that follows, then you could say that you are looking forward to learning more about this function.  Just don't lie about how much you love to keep records.  
3. Provide specific examples of your ability.  For instance, when the interviewer asks you about your level of language proficiency--or any other type of knowledge--give specific examples of how you have applied this knowledge in your professional life.  Did you translate customers feedback into Spanish and created reports for management?  Did you write periodically for the company newsletter?  

By staying true about your credentials, experiences and levels of interest, you will be able to demonstrate a maturity and confidence as an interviewee that will help you come across as the poised professional every one wants to hire.

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Effective networking tips for job seekers

There are infinite articles about networking to find a job.  They all say pretty much the same:  you have to get out there and sell yourself.  The implication is that networking is an activity focused on meeting the "right" people that will help you achieve something.  In this case, that something is a job lead, an interview, or an internship.   Wrong!! Networking is about cultivating relationships for mutual benefit. The key word is cultivating, which means that results from networking will not happen overnight.

So, what is the quickest way to produce effective job hunting results from networking?

Start with people who already know you.   I mean people who will return your calls, emails, those with whom you have had several interactions and have stayed in touch.  Why?  Because they could act as your ambassadors and help establish your trustworthiness with others.   They could help you consider perspectives or ideas you have not thought about.  And most importantly, they could offer support when things are not happening the way you expect.

Sort them by categories and rank them.  The three categories are:  friends, family and professional contacts.   Although you may be tempted to name everyone that you hang out with, focus on those that will feel comfortable to offer feedback, share your passion to proactively look for opportunities and believe in your ability to succeed as a young professional.  Use these three qualifiers to rank them.  For instance, of all of the family members mentioned, who are the top three that could be best at offering practical advice, or the one with the most knowledge about the type of career you want to pursue?

Looking for work does not have to be done in isolation.  But before you start asking everyone you know to send you job leads, do a bit of homework.  Take the time to work your network of contacts and be clear about how they can be of assistance during you job search.  This approach will save you lots of time, find qualified allies, and get you faster results.

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First impressions tips and strategies

The crude reality of looking for work is that potential employers make their decision in the first few seconds of meeting you.  They spend the remainder of the interview trying to find facts to support their first impression.  It is your immediate task to convince them that you are credible and likable.  Your resume got you the appointment.  Now, you need to rely on your appearance, body language and confidence to move you to the next round.


Appearance.  Think of appearance as how you come across visually.  It has nothing to do with physical attribute (how tall/short/etc.)  Have you heard of the phrase, dress for success? Well, it is true. Dressing to be perceived as successful (meaning capable, sharp and reliable) includes and excludes accessories, and even perfume.  Your impeccable work experience can be easily outshined by too much mascara or cologne.  A conservative look is generally the best way to go.

Body language.  Wearing the right suit or earrings is not enough.  If you are slouched or do not make eye contact, you will not project trustworthiness.  What you are not saying with words you are saying with your body, posture and overall stance.  A firm handshake is a good example of positive body language. 


Confidence.  There are other ways to convey confidence in addition to dressing well and standing up straight.   This is where you want to give the interviewer an idea of how you will be interacting with colleagues on a daily basis. You want to come across engaging and comfortable around new people and situations.  For instance, answering or asking questions clearly and effectively.  

If you are a bit baffled by how first impressions work, turn the tables for a minute. Remember a past interview where the interviewer did not give you a good vibe.  Was it the limp handshake? Or the rushed conversation?  Or the lack of eye contact while reviewing your resume? As you can see, it works both ways!


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Four things to do while looking for work

One of the hardest challenges for job seekers is to figure out what to do in between job interviews.  Waiting to hear from recruiters could turn into an excruciating experience that could fill you with frustration and anxiety.  What to do, then, in the meantime? After sending the customary thank-you letter, stay busy.  Below are four suggestions to remain occupied:

Schedule your daily activities.  There is nothing more demoralizing than waking up and having the feeling that you are not needed anywhere.  You can effectively manage your time regardless of your employment status. It's up to you to approach your job search as a job. Create your own activities and put together a schedule.  Block time for job searching, networking, do some physical activity and time to unwind and do something fun.  A little structure will help you stay motivated.

Learn something new.  Learning does not stop after graduation.  There are plenty of reputable, online resources available to expand your knowledge.  The OpenCourseWare Consortium is a community of of universities around the world that provide free university-level courses online.  There are thousands of options to choose from.  Another way to learn something new is to get in the habit of staying up to date on world and industry events.  Remaining current will give you plenty of fodder when engaging in conversation during an interview or networking.

Practice your networking skills weekly.  Networking is a strategic, systematic activity to build and cultivate relationships for mutual gain.  The key word here is mutual.  Inexperienced networkers meet people with the expectation of asking a favor.  This approach rarely works.  Effective networking takes time as both parties need to get to know each other and build trust.  Being in between jobs gives you the opportunity to attend events and start nurturing relationships that could become future job leads.

Journal and spot lessons learned.  Looking for work could become a draining activity that requires perseverance, confidence and resilience.  You are bound to feel the pressure mounting as times goes by.  Writing your feelings in a journal will provide you with a safe environment to be truthful to yourself.   Besides, having the opportunity to revisit your thoughts could give you a chance to reflect and to learn from the experience.

Despite of what others may think, being in transition does not mean you have no life.  It is all a matter of organizing your time, and finding activities that keep you focused and motivated.


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Make your summer count! 
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Congratulations new graduate: Karen Herrera-González!

Karen's determination carried her through her college years despite having the added responsibility of being a mom.  She completed a five-year program and graduated with a dual degree!

Graduation date: June 3, 2011
School:  University of Massachusetts Boston  Degree:  Bachelor of Arts and  Masters of Arts 

Major:  Social Psychology;  Applied Psychology.

Career aspirations: I would like to find a job where I can help the youth develop who they are academically, socially, and personally.  Many students that I've worked with in the past have no idea why they want to do after high school or or why they should go to college.  I would like to be an adviser or a mentor to high schools students or college students.  In the future, I would like to establish my own program that focuses on teen mothers and helping them succeed in college.

Current job: I am the financial manager for the Institute for Learning and Teaching (ILT) at University of Massachusetts Boston. My main responsibility is to communicate with all the programs that work with middle and high school Latino student under the ILT regarding their grants and administration of the programs.

Tips to get an internship or job:  Network! Network! Network! In order to land your dream job/internship, you have to get out of your comfort zone and sell yourself.  No one is going to notice you unless you put yourself out there.  Let your voice, talent, and abilities be heard!

Anything else you would like to share: Never give up! Many times life will throw obstacles in our path to test our abilities...what we're capable of.  Giving up is very easy but it is not rewarding in the end.  Instead, fight those obstacles because in the end it will feel great when you can finally say "Lo hice! I did it!"

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A slow job market: glass half full or half empty?

Recent reports have confirmed what has been obvious to every internship and job seeker for a while:  The job market has, once again, slowed down.  Potential employers are being incredibly cautious about hiring which creates a feeling of despair and frustration among those looking for work.  

Although you might not like the sobering news, it is important to take a proactive approach and to stay focused on job hunting.    Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Do a thorough reality check.  Take a hard look at the key resources you have on hand:  money, contacts and opportunities.  Job hunting is an enterprise in itself.  It requires resources and a nimble strategy in order to work.  Do you have any source of immediate income?  If so, how are you spending it?  How long can you go on?  Do you have a budget?  If not, put one together.  It will help you keep track of where your money is going.  Also, take the time to review your list of friends, acquaintances and other sources of job referrals.  Select 12 people from that group whom you think could become your eyes and ears and help you find job leads.

2. Seek temporary employment of any form.  This is an option that many try to avoid waiting for the "real" job to come to the rescue.  By considering temporary work as an option, you accomplish two things:  1) you force yourself to stay motivated and engaged in the process; and 2) you create opportunities to explore roles that you might not have considered otherwise.  Another perk is that you will have a steady flow of cash and possibly gain new skills.

3. Manage negativity in a constructive way.  It would be very easy to mope and complain about the bad economy.  If you choose to do so, my question to you is:  how is that helping you find a job?  If you need to vent your frustration, do so in private and for a limited time. You can have scheduled whining sessions, if you like.  Letting the anxiety out is important and will help you regain focus.  Once you are done venting, get back on the job hunting saddle and keep moving forward.

Even in the most challenging times, one can rise above it all and manage uncertainty in a positive way.  By staying focused and engaged in your job search, you will remain psychologically strong and radiate confidence.   A confident, optimist candidate will certainly stand out from all others.  That could be you!

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Congratulations new graduate: Sandro Giraldo!

It is with overwhelming excitement that I share the news about my baby brother's graduation!

Graduation date: May 18, 2011
School:  Mercy College, New York, NY
Degree: Bachelor of Science  Major: Business
Job prospects: Currently works as an Administrative Assistant for Consolidated Edison in New York.  Attended school while working full time.
Main job responsibility: Administrative services to the department of Electrical Engineering.
Tips to get an internship or job:  Read as much as possible about the company before going to the job interview.  Showing interest in what the company does can make you stand out from the competition.  Also this can help you understand better your future role within the company.
Anything else you would like to share:  I used to believe that getting a degree will help me get ahead in life.  Now that I have this degree, I realize that I have gained so much more.  I have learned from teachers and students alike, from their backgrounds, their aspirations, their fears.  I have happy memories which will stay with me and shape me until my last breath.  I have gained long lasting relationships; it’s a journey…..

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Congratulations new graduate: Jesica Orozco!

A big shout out to Jesica who will be starting her new job on Monday May 23 with Catholic Family & Child Services in Yakima, WA as the ILS (Independent Living Skills) Trainer.  Best of luck!

Graduation date:  May 8, 2011
School:  Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Degree:  Bachelor of Science, Major:  Psychology
Main job responsibility:  Helping foster teens transition smoothly out of the foster program into independent life.
Tips to get an internship or a job:  Prior to receiving an opportunity for employment or an internship make sure to follow these tips:
1.Networking is essential. Introduce yourself to people who are in positions that you are interested in. You never know who may be the one to aid in the process of securing a placement.
2. Community Service is a great way to gain experience without having employment.
3. Utilize your career center. They have many programs you may not be aware of.
In an interview:
1. Be prepared! Makes sure to review the job or internship duties and think of instances in which you have performed those duties.
2. Dress in proper attire. First impressions are key. Smile and have a firm hand shake when introducing yourself.
3. Emphasize your skills and encorporate any accomplishments that are relevant to the job duties.
4. Be yourself. Be confident, you have many amazing skills to offer.
5. DO NOT lie. If you you come across a question you do not understand, ask the interviewer to clarify or simply state you are not experienced in that area, but would love the opportunity to learn.
5. Thank the interviewer when leaving and ask for a time frame in which you will hear a response. Follow up with a thank you note and reaffirm your interest in the agency.
Anything you want to share:
Never allow anyone to discourage you from your dreams. Nothing is easy, but with hard work and dedication you can achieve greatness. Be strong, stick through the tough times, but know when to ask for help. There are many people in the world who would love to help you succeed.  Always remember:  "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I'm Possible!" -Audrey Hepburn

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Letters of recommendation 201

In my previous post I explained how to go about choosing someone to write you a letter of recommendation.  But what about if the person you want to ask is not in your immediate network?  Don't panic.  Let this be a lesson about networking, which is an art you must develop in order to be a successful professional. Back to the topic. How do you convince someone who does not know you well to say to others that you will be a great employee?

If your target is one of your professors, then you have won have the battle. You are on his radar because of taking his class or working on a project but perhaps he doesn't know you well enough.  At this point, ask yourself why do you want this person to write you a recommendation. Is it because you are certain you will get an A in his course? Is it because he is influential in the industry of your interest? It will be crucial to have this clear when you approach him.

Then, find out from his assistants (yes, plural) about his schedule and workload.  This information will tell you how busy he is and when there might be a window for you to ask him.  If you need a letter of recommendation from any of your professors within the next couple of weeks, timing is not on your side.  Between finals and grading, this is the worst time to ask any professor to help you out.  So, be ready to expect a flat, "sorry, I can't."

However, your chances could greatly improve if you come prepared with a script and offer some options.  For example, you could start the conversation by saying:

"Hi professor X, I am Y from your Z class.  I was wondering since (here goes the reason why you want his recommendation) 'I enjoyed your class so much and did really well' or 'my main interest after college is physics and your last article in ABC blew my away,' if you could consider writing a letter of recommendation for me." 

You can add that you are applying for a position in a particular function and company. You must do your homework and make sure that there is a direct relation between the job you are applying and the person who is recommending.  For instance, if you are asking your accounting professor to vouch for you, the job you are interested in better be in accounting and not marketing!  This connection needs to be obvious to the professor, so he will be more inclined to make time for you.

If he says no out flat, ask him if timing is the issue.  If he says yes and that he is too busy right now, do not back away.  Ask when it would be a better time and offer some dates.  And make sure to make an appointment to see him when he says he will be available.

Lastly, always have a back up plan particularly if you are in the last stages of interviewing.  If your professors are all busy right now, touch base with counselors or previous supervisors.  Or find someone who is close to the professor who said no and ask them to help expedite your request.  When there is a will, there is a way, right?

Best of luck!

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Letters of recommendation 101

You are in the middle of finals but there is one other project that needs to be handled at this time:  Securing letters of recommendation.  Asking someone to vouch for you could feel more stressful than writing a 20 page paper, but it is as important as getting an A. Here's a way to jump start your efforts to get the most effective letters of recommendation.

What are the three words you want your potential employer to remember you by?  Do you want them to be convinced of your leadership skills, community involvement or academic achievements? Or your internship experience? Your work ethic? Once you decide what those words are, ask yourself this question:  Who is the person who can best convince potential employers I truly have these qualifications?

The answer to these questions will determine who is the best person to write a recommendation for you.   Professors or former internship supervisors are prime candidates.  Also consider anyone who supervised you during a volunteer project or even a high school contact.   If you stayed in touch with them throughout college, and they have witnessed your development as a young professional, they can be a very credible reference.

Be picky about whom you ask.  Don't settle for the person that you are friendly with unless you are convinced this person is the best advocate you could have.  Letters of recommendation are the last step towards a job offer.  Make sure you give potential employers no doubt you are the right person for the job!

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Phone Interviewing Tips

This post was inspired by several comments triggered by a thread in the Latinos in College Facebook page.  The big take away:  phone interviewing requires a different set of skills than in person interviewing.  So, let's cut to the chase, shall we?

Getting ready for a phone interview follows the same process as an in-person interview:  Your goal is to come across as being the best candidate for the job and to be invited for a second interview.  The main difference between a phone and an in-person interview is how the applicant and the interviewer engage in the process.  In a phone interview, your voice is the way the interviewer will get to know you and decide if you should move to the next level.

Source:  Google.com

Most of us are very conscious of how we sound.  We think we sound too childish or husky or our accent is too strong.  One way to get ready for a phone interview is by practicing on the phone.  You could leave a voice message for yourself or someone else and replay to hear how it sounds.  If you are not happy with what you hear, do not despair.  Spend time listening to the news on TV or radio and imitate the pace and pronunciation of the reporters.  Focus on channels related to your area of interest (business, health, education), so you can practice the words used in your industry.  Another way is to warm up your vocals chords by humming.  Yes, humming is the secret weapon of professional speakers.  It is easy to do and it's free! If you practice these two techniques often, you will gain confidence in how you sound and present yourself on the phone.

Another factor to keep in mind when interviewing on the phone is the length of your responses.  Pause yourself when answering questions.  Do not ramble on.  Give the interviewer a chance to ask a follow up question. If you talk non stop, you will sound nervous and will appear that you are trying to make up for what you do not know.  Answer questions in two to three sentences. If you have more to say, you could ask,"would you like me to elaborate?" and wait for the interviewer's answer.

And lastly...remember to smile while you are on the phone (as several Facebook friends mentioned).  Believe or not it will make a difference!

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The 50 million factor

It's official.  We, Latinos, have passed the 50 million mark.  Last week, the U.S. Census officially announced that there are 50.5 million Latinos in the United States.  You might be wondering what does the 50 million mark have to do with you and your career? My short answer:  A lot!  The explosive growth of the Latino population in the United States will create an unprecedented demand for products and services that will translate into job and career opportunities.  And you could be part of this trend!

As an example, here are three areas where, in my opinion, jobs will increase due to the 50 million mark:

• Human Resources - The increase in jobs and careers to serve the Latino market will inevitably result in the need to recruit and retain talent that can help organizations reach this group effectively.  A human resources professional who has the savvy to build relationships with Latino students and professional organizations will have upper hand when selecting qualified applicants. 
• Consumer products - Companies have been trying to tap into the Latino consumer market for decades.  The difference this time is that the impact is greater because of the numbers reached.  For instance, the Census tells us that one in four babies born in the U.S. is of Latino descent.  This fact creates opportunites for infant and children products from clothing to toys to educational items.  Other consumer products that are ripe for the Latino market:  food and beverages, clothing, music and mobile devices.
• Marketing and Communications - Speaking of consumer products reminds me of the time when General Motors (GM) tried to sell their Chevrolet Nova to a Spanish speaking audience and failed. It took GM a while to realize that "Nova" was interpreted as "doesn't go" by their targeted audience.  This blunder could have been avoided if the company would have relied on language and culture sensitive employees to manage their marketing campaign.

As you evaluate your job and career options in these areas, think of them not only as a prospective job candidate but also as a consumer who has first hand information and experience.  Language skills is only one of the pieces.  Understanding and articulating the cultural values of Latinos as they relate to how they perceive different products and services is the key to a successful career serving the Latino population.  Who better than you to do this work?!

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Career strategies during spring break

I know, I know.  There are many things you are thinking of doing during spring break.  Resting.  Sleeping.  Working.  Spending time thinking about your career is probably not on the list.  With that in mind, let’s explore a few ways to fine tune your career goals while keeping a festive, fun mood during spring break.  Shall we?

• Do a status check.  What has been working so far?  Are you happy with your grades? Are you all set with your internship? Job prospects?  What is not working?  What is overwhelming you?  What is the one thing you would like to accomplish by the end of the semester that is not happening right now?
• Include “career/job time” in your schedule. Review your current school schedule and purposely set time aside to focus on any job/career related activities.  Play around with different days and times.  For example, if you have no classes scheduled on a particular day, you could make that day a job/career day.  Or you could schedule one to two hour chunks of time on different days.
• Decide what to do during job/career time.  Make a list of all the pending career-related items you want to accomplish by the end of the semester.  Prioritize them and assign them an estimated time of completion.  These will be the tasks to do during your career/job scheduled time.

Spring break is a great time to brainstorm on ways to make changes while having a much needed down time from studying.  Have a happy and fun break….wherever you are!

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The 411 on informational interviews

One thing is clear:  Knowing how to conduct Informational interviews is a must if you are looking to find an internship, a job or just get clearer on your career path. 

Three steps that will make informational interviewing a smart, effective and productive process:

• Do thorough research about the company or career of interest.  I repeat.  Do thorough research and I mean thorough.  Go beyond the website.  Find alums in your school that work in the company or work in the jobs you would like to have.  One particularly effective technique is to set up Google search for the topic, company or job description you want.  This way you will be able to skim through information that has already been compiled for you.
• Decide on a specific question to lead with during your interview.  Once you become knowledgeable about the company you are interested, you can pick a few areas where you can go deeper.  These could be a specific area or products within the company where you see your skills be valuable.  Those you are interviewing will be more eager to share their opinion with you if they realize you are really serious about the subject of the interview.
• Find decision makers and advocates. Focus on places where decision makers and advocates gather.  Industry and professional associations are the most common places to find them.  Conferences are also good places to network.  Volunteering to any of these venues gets you closer to meeting speakers, authors, and experts.

Take advantage of the opportunity that Informational interviewing offers:  to learn about a job or industry of interest while making contact with those actively involved in the field.  The best of both worlds!

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