The 21st century workplace

The 21st century workplace is here.  It's technology driven.  It's global and multicultural.  It challenges old success and leadership paradigms that advocate for one winner and many losers. It requires excelling in three specific areas:  Innovation, Cultural Competency and Collaboration.

Being innovative can be as easy as finding the fastest way to complete a routine task to solving an intricate problem that has pestered employees for years.  The key element for anything to be considered innovative is the perception that it is different from what has been used or tried in the past.  In other words, the newness combined with the effectiveness of the idea is what makes it innovative.  Think the iPhone.

Being culturally competent can take several meanings.  The most popular description is the ability to interact and work effectively across cultures.  Then the question becomes: what is a culture?  Simply put, culture refers to the set of norms, values, beliefs and traditions followed by a group of people.  In this context, culture generally describes different ethnic communities (e.g. Latinos, Asians).  However, culture can also refer to other types of groupings:  small businesses, large corporations, start ups, government agencies, etc.  These organizations have a distinct set of values and ways of conducting business and making decisions that differentiate them from each other.

Being collaborative is a phrase that is thrown around a lot.  Collaboration is not easy.  It requires trust among team members and the willingness to support one another.  The traditional way of working and leading has been the total opposite.  So, this is the one trait that requires significant individual effort to start and group follow through for it to happen.

Some questions to ponder:

• Does my current professional experience show signs of these traits? How? What concrete examples can I offer a prospective employer?
• Which of the three is my dominant trait? Which would I like it to be?
• Whom do I know (personally or through the media) that embodies these traits?

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Career trends in 2012

Skills, knowledge and traits...oh my!

Career trends in 2012

Two opposite trends will dominate the career landscape in 2012:  there will be a steady flow of jobs in traditionally recession-proof sectors such as education and health care, while jobs will also be found in self-made opportunities, also known as the gig economy.

It is no secret that the economy is on the mend.  Latest economic indicators are pointing towards a slow but steady recovery.  Key word here is slow.  What does this mean to those who are looking for work?  It means that there are no guarantees of landing a job in a shorter period of time than last year.  Your best bet is to anticipate what career trends are emerging or carrying over from last year and position yourself to seize opportunities presented by these trends.

One trend that has taken hold over the past few years is the gig model of work.  We all have had gigs in one form or another:  babysitting, waiting tables, or tutoring. This approach of hiring temporary help has migrated to the workplace.  According to The Atlantic, there are approximately 42 million Americans working as freelancers, consultants, independent contractors. This number does not only capture seasoned, experienced professionals.  Recent grads are also engaged in pursuing their own opportunities which includes starting their own business.

What to do as a job seeker under these circumstances?  Take a very good look at your current career goals, pick a side and give it a shot.  The career landscape is uncertain, but it also presents unexpected opportunities for those who are willing to proactively manage their careers.

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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

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

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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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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