I agree with Shakira, we are the invisible applicants, everyone knows and talks about us, but in the final analysis, we are just that, words, too difficult to understand or involve in the recruiting process. As a retired Assistant HR Director,note; after over 25 years as HR professional, I still retired as Assistant Director, anyway, I have seen this problem at eye level. Most “qualified” candidates “prepare” for the interview, say what the panel members, ask for, by assessing them relative to their backgrounds and get hired. On the other hand, professional latinos, at least the experienced HR professionals, expect their background speaks for itself, even if they are not in a trendy outfit or using just the right diction for the panel. I am also aware of the pre-selection in the back rooms, either already knowing who the hiring manager wants or pushing for a preferred candidate. I recall one instance, when the director, of a $43M annual budget facility, let us all know, who he wanted for the position, not one panel member disagreed, as the HR rep, I knew this was cronyism. Later on, it turned out the “preferred” candidate, just delegated her responsibilities to supervisors, leaving most problems for HR to handle. This are the kind of leadership decisions in our public and private sectors that have this country in the business mire if finds itself today.