Hispanic Lifestyle Update | Episode 13 • APRIL 18, 2025

In this edition of Hispanic Lifestyle Update, we share insights on preparing for a job search during challenging economic times. We present details on the underrepresentation of Latinos on Fortune 1000 corporate boards, photos from Paris, France, and from our archives, an interview with the late director Diane Rodriguez.

What Do Employers Look for in Hiring New Employees During Challenging Times
When the economy tightens and recession looms, the job market becomes more competitive. Companies may scale back hiring, tighten budgets, or restructure departments—but hiring doesn’t come to a complete halt. Instead, employers become more selective and strategic. Understanding what companies value most in potential hires during an economic downturn can help job seekers stand out and secure opportunities even in challenging times.

1. Versatility and Adaptability Are Key
During a recession, employers look for candidates who can wear multiple hats and adapt quickly to changing conditions. Hiring managers often favor professionals who bring a broad skill set that can be applied across different roles or functions.

Tip: Highlight your transferable skills and cross-functional experience on your resume and during interviews. If you’ve led projects outside your primary role or taken on new responsibilities during a crisis (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), share that story.

Additional insights @ https://bit.ly/3ExRTb9

Underrepresented – Corporate Boards
As of 2024, Latinos/Hispanic Americans hold only 5.05% of board seats among Fortune 1000 companies, reflecting a modest rise from 3.2% in 2019. While this marks progress, it continues to fall significantly short given that Latinos represent nearly 20% of the U.S. population.

Fortune 1000 and 100 Companies
In the Fortune 1000, only 40% of companies have at least one Latino board member, which means 60% of these influential organizations lack any Latino presence on their boards. The picture is slightly better among Fortune 100 companies, where 53% have Latino representation. However, this figure has remained stagnant over the past few years.