Over the course of the last two weeks, I communicated with 49 bilingual [Spanish+ English] candidates both online and offline, 12 of which were interested in a client's staff vacancy, and resulting in meeting 4 individuals in back-to-back meetings. Ultimately, I submitted 4 bilingual candidates forward. A lot can be learned from meeting face to face and the value is incredible. First, we learn from the opposite end, that is how the receiving end sees the picture, to gain a complete 360 picture. The candidate learns more precisely from an independent and external source about the position. A birds eye view. In turn, we learn about the interest of the candidate. The candidate in turn learns about us. The value of meeting face to face provide us the opportunity to share information and insight, gain a fresher perspective and build trust. Recently, I was going through Trust Agents by co-authors Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, which reminded me that in a world of interconnectivity, the … [Read more...]

What goes in your resume will determine whether or not you will go before an interviewing committee. Organizations have systems (automated or human) that look for key words, including: experiences (professional or volunteer), knowledge (academics), skills and abilities (i.e. can you lead, do sales, aggressive marketer, Latino community outreach etc.). The majority will base their decision on your professional experience and your references, so it is important you be as detailed as possible, and think through it. Every resume must be tailored to the position you are applying for. Keep it to one page (unless its a curriculum vitae or CV) and have someone with a good eye review it. Here is a collection of "must include in your resume" tips when applying through BilingualHire: Name/Contact Information: Ensure you put your full at the very top. Ensure you put your home address. And, make sure you put down a way to get a hold of you. Include your direct phone number (cell phone works … [Read more...]

In 2004, when we launched we didn't know (like any start-up) where this was going, how far and to what extent. Then, our company, Beaverton-OR based RED Consulting Group LLP, was hired by one of our very first clients, The Linfield College-Portland campus to help recruit the Director of Multicultural Programs and a Financial Aid & Scholarship Counselor. Over the years we've worked closely with Linfield College on their bilingual staffing needs. Fortunately, this has been a win-win for both our organizations placing three high-caliber bilingual talent (this is our fourth) which have helped Linfield meet their business needs. Today, we are in the midst of once again meeting the bilingual staffing needs of Linfield in their quest to fill the Financial Aid & Scholarship Outreach Counselor post. In short time, we'll be interviewing and submitting the resumes/cover letters of pre-screened high-caliber bilingual talent to join the Linfield team. We are extraordinarily grateful to be … [Read more...]

Last Friday, at the invitation of MEChA Statewide, a non-profit formed by community leaders and teachers to provide programs and support for Oregon's MEChA high school chapters, I participated at the '09 MEChA Leadership Institute hosted at Portland Community College at Rock Creek. The MEChA Leadership Institute, a yearly premier training for Oregon high school MEChA officers (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, public relations and historians), is held annually to develop, mentor and prepare the officers for leadership responsibilities. I first moderated a large discussion group related to MEChA covering educational excellence, school involvement, community involvement and cultural awareness. The second session was on MEChA Officer Development, roles and responsibilities of the Presidents/Vice President. The Sessions There were a total of 18 Oregon high schools and 1 middle school represented. I was happy to run into several students from Hillsboro whom I had met … [Read more...]

In the U.S., first generation (foreign born) parents have difficulty sending their kids to college. All? Not all, but a good number. Is it because they don't know the admissions and financial aid process? Maybe. Is it because of being overprotective (especially Latino dads)? Part of it. Or is it because they don't know what to expect? Partly, yes. First generation parents more than likely have not visited a college campus, have never been to an orientation or heard directly from university admissions officials speak about the U.S. college experience, unless perhaps one of their teenagers has gone onto college. What Do We Want To Know? For Latino parents, like all parents, we want to know what this college is about. Sleeping quarters? Safety? Where are my kids going to eat? More than the day-to-day, will my kids get the care, attention and support they need to finish college? Is there student support services? Are there advocates for my kids? Will they succeed? This last point is a … [Read more...]