By Michael Gabriel Sumastre Mr. Endicott Personal Career Planning Class

 You should be willing to give information about yourself, specifically your preferences, achievements and interests, that will help you connect with others.

 If you keep your profile private, you won’t be able to find people to connect with. If you’re concerned about your privacy and safety online, you don’t need to shut out the LinkedIn world, but you do have to practice caution and choose what you share.

 Choose a professional-looking photo. People want to know what you look like. Be sure to use a shot of just yourself, not a group or family photo. Make sure it’s a clear one.

 Even if LinkedIn is a professional social network, you should reach out to former classmates and schoolmates – especially your fellow graduates. Many of you will be in the same boat, searching for job opportunities, so connecting with them will help you.  Your professors can advise you as you move about LinkedIn and try to network with as many people as possible.

 Of course, choose only the ones you know will give you a good review.  Choose those who share your interests and passion. They might have connections that can benefit you later. Additionally, you should act as a connector.

 LinkedIn’s Introduction feature will help you find an individual, group, organization or company that interests you.  Get in touch or connect with school or college classmates, former professors and mentors, former work colleagues and previous employers. Ask them to give you a recommendation based on the professional skills you indicated in your profile.

 As much as possible, log in and update your account every day.  Share news about the industry or niche you move in. Post some interesting trivia that your groups might find interesting.  Add keywords to your profile or use interesting, relevant key phrases in your posts and comments. This will make it easier for people to find you.  The Answers Tools can show off your potential. It will make you an authority on your selected niche.

 Personalize your profile so you can list all of your accomplishments, honors and awards, the courses you finished, as well as other experiences that might give you some points.  Use the right words and correct grammar. Avoid using slang or writing in phrases. Text speak should be avoided.

 19. Your College Alumni Group.  20. If you want useful discussions and tips for job-seekers, including tips for nailing job interviews, the New Grad Life Group is an excellent choice.  21. Another group with a similar concept is the College Graduate Job Hunters Group.  22. You can always search for a professional group focused in your interests and skills, like a Fashion Designers Group or a Creative Writers Group.  23. The Student and New Grads Group is perfect because it will connect you with people who can share tips about getting into entry- level jobs.

 24. The Creative Portfolio Display can give connections an idea of your work. They’ll get a peek at what you’re capable of doing. It’s an online portfolio of your best work.  25. LinkedIn Student Jobs is a tool that helps new graduates find entry-level jobs.