FIU’s LinkedIn Representative, David Torrens, Shares His Most Useful Tips At BOLD Meeting
David Torrens, FIU’s LinkedIn Representative and former LinkedIn intern, led a presentation about the professional social media platform at BOLD’s meeting on Tuesday, September 13th. The presentation revolved around LinkedIn tips and networking information. David went over the basics of LinkedIn and offered useful advice to help students stand out in our current overly competitive job market. Due to COVID-19, many students are currently struggling with securing their next opportunity making David’s presentation incredibly relevant. With summer internship applications closing fairly soon, students must have a strong LinkedIn presence.
David began his presentation by going over the general necessary LinkedIn components such as having a professional profile picture, completed work experience, and summary. One important tip that he shared is that students should include any first job experience, adding that his profile includes his first job as a dishwasher at Panera Bread. “It mainly goes to show your nobility and will to have a hard work ethic. Recruiters understand that because they started somewhere as well. Where you start is not necessarily where you end,” said David. Another topic David touched upon is how key it is to diversify your LinkedIn profile from your resume. A LinkedIn profile is an opportunity for students to show information that goes beyond their resume. When listing work experience, it is best to organize it in a first-person paragraph format that includes as much quantifiable information as possible.
“As students, we need to have more ambition when it comes to finding opportunities because unfortunately, the competition has increased,” said David. The most effective way of finding opportunities on LinkedIn is by expanding your network. Many students may have some trouble making professional connections as they get started on LinkedIn. David addressed this issue and suggested that students reach out to recruiters and people that work in their preferred field with a note stating who they are, why they are reaching out and a simple call to action. Another way to build a stronger connection with industry professionals is by asking to schedule an informational meeting. “The rule of thumb when reaching out to people on LinkedIn is to keep it short, sweet and to the point”, David suggested.
David concluded the presentation by challenging all students to take it upon themselves to start creating content on LinkedIn. He encouraged all BOLD members to stay active on LinkedIn and to keep pursuing future opportunities.
Click here to connect with David!
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Written by: Alejandra Chahine, Director of Public Relations