Job Search Communications: Reach Out and Touch Someone

You have written compelling resumes and cover letters, evolved your network, collaborated with your mentors, and used / to identify job opportunities, Hispanic employee resource groups, and company contacts (see More Articles for the complete iHispano Career Tools Series).

Now it's time to leverage your efforts and follow up! Below are some practical examples of how to reach out and touch someone who can open additional doors in your job search.

Sending Email and Hard Copy Cover Letters to Company Contacts

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

Below are some examples of "reach out and touch someone" correspondence:

Example 1: Follow-up letter (after submitting your resume to the Human Resources Department in response to an advertised position.)

Marisol Colon
Senior Vice President for Hispanic Affairs
Latino Friendly Company, Inc.
1 LFC Plaza, Mail Code 5111
Los Angeles, CA 90001
Re: Purchasing Supervisor

Dear Ms. Colon:

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

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

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

Dear Mr. Rivera:

Jaime Díaz recommended that I contact you directly. We met at the Latino Friendly Company, Inc. recruitment booth during the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) Career Conference. Mr. Díaz mentioned that your Employee Resource Group, L.A.T.I.N.O., is assisting with Hispanic employment at your company. I would appreciate a chance to speak with you about career opportunities...

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

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

Dear Ms. Mendez:

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

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

Phone Calls to Company Contacts

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

Example 1: Cold calls to identify Latino-specific or Latino-friendly contacts.

"Good morning. My name is Roberto Ruiz. I would like to get the name, title, mailing / email address and phone number for the Vice President of Diversity" (You can just ask for the name and phone number if you prefer.)

You may try to get information for more than one contact at a time if the receptionist / operator is receptive to your requests. Additionally, be prepared to be transferred to the person or office you are trying to reach.

Example 2: Getting past a secretary – Often, the secretary will try to screen calls and ask, "What is this in reference to?" Be sure to have a good response ready!

"Estrella Triana, a mutual friend from the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), suggested that I contact Mr. Uribe directly. It's a personal matter." (This information will be conveyed to Mr. Uribe and may make him feel obligated to call you back.)

Example 3: Call to follow-up an unsolicited letter that mentions a networking referral. If the contact picks up the phone, you should be prepared to be warm but get to the point directly. Be considerate of other people's time and schedules. Introduce yourself and the purpose of your call.

"Good morning Mr. Rivera. My name is María Elena Ortiz. Jaime Díaz recommended that I contact you directly. I am calling to confirm that you received my correspondence and résumé. I would like to take a few moments of your time to discuss my job search with Latino Friendly Company, Inc..."

If the contact is unable to talk with you or you hear tension on the other end then ask,

"Have I caught you at a bad time?" "Can we schedule a time to meet or have a telephone conversation?" "Is there another member of L.A.T.I.N.O. I should contact?"

If you reach the contact's voicemail, then leave a short but specific message:

"Good morning Mr. Rivera. My name is María Elena Ortiz. Jaime Díaz recommended that I contact you directly. I am calling to confirm that you received my correspondence and résumé. I would like five minutes of your time to discuss opportunities with Latino Friendly, Inc. I can be reached at 942-555-5555 or via email at meortiz1000@email.com. I am looking forward to hearing from you or a member of L.A.T.I.N.O. at your earliest convenience. Thank you."

These examples of job search communication have been provided as a starting point. We realize that following up may not be easy, but remember, "Se aprende haciendo" (we learn by doing). Communicating with your contacts requires time and energy -- but the return on investment makes it very worthwhile.

¡BUENA SUERTE!