Students had the chance to ask a Microsoft recruiter everything they ever wondered about job hunting in today’s evolving tech market during a workshop at Florida Polytechnic University on Nov. 12.
Microsoft recruiter Amy Arnold spoke to a room of about 30 students about how to build a strong profile on the social platform LinkedIn and use it as part of a successful job hunt.
“About 450 million people use LinkedIn. That’s a lot of people you can potentially connect with,” she said.
Arnold said students should highlight what they’ve done, what they’re doing, and what they hope to do in their professional profiles. She also discussed the importance of using the platform to join groups related to their field and following industry leaders.
Mechanical engineering junior Jeremy Torres was excited about the opportunity to get time with a recruiter from one of the world’s largest tech companies.
“I learned a lot and I’m going to back to my dorm right now to work on my profile,” Torres said. “I think it’s great being here at this school and having these opportunities to reach companies and learn new things that can help me in my career and my future.”
After Arnold’s presentation, she fielded questions from attendees for more than half an hour. Among the very first was a question about the traits Microsoft looks for when hiring software engineers.
“It’s about being a learn-it-all, not a know-it-all,” Arnold said. “With Microsoft, it’s OK to say, ‘I don’t know this, but can you help me learn it?’ It’s a very collaborative environment.”
Arnold said job seekers should take care to present themselves deliberately and with an eye on professional goals.
“Be known for what you know,” Arnold said. “If you’re writing stuff, share it on LinkedIn. It’s a great way to get noticed.”
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Lydia Guzman
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