How to get to the real world

"Get active," urges Lindsey Pollak. And she doesn't mean going to the gym.

In an era of health-conscious crazes, college students are bombarded with new and improved ways to improve their physical selves.

But methods of improving their career health are more elusive. Although students comprehend the need to build their résumés, develop interview skills and expand their professional networks, few actually know how to do so.

In Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to do before You Join the Real World, author Lindsey Pollak offers action-steps to jump start a career.

Pollak, who spoke at the Financial Women's Association Baruch Mentoring Program luncheon last week, shared her top seven tips.

1. Get organized.

"Today's average student will switch careers eight to 12 times," said Pollack.

So much change means much to learn from and much to keep track of.

She advises starting a career notebook. Whether it is a computer file, a Five-Star spiral or even a shoebox, the career notebook should be used as an assessment tool, to help you evaluate past experiences and know exactly what you want in future ones.

In addition to a career notebook, Pollack urges students to get their own business cards. These need not contain anything except for a full name and current contact information.

It is also wise to have your voicemail sound as if it were a company extension. An employer calling to offer a job post-interview may be turned off by, "Yeah, you reached me. Now go away."

2. Become an expert researcher.

College graduates often simmer in a stew of identical GPAs and identical majors.

To not blend in, "differentiate yourself by what you will do," urged Pollak. Become an industry insider.

Set up a Google News Alert for the industry in which you wish to work, especially the company with which you will be interviewing. Make sure to read insider industry blogs and newspapers.

The obvious choice for finance majors is The Wall Street Journal, while someone interested in publishing should subscribe to Publisher's Weekly.

In addition you should "do the human stuff, too," said Pollak. "If you're applying to work at Lifetime, guess which TV shows you should be watching? Or if you are after a job at Google, what e-mail address should be listed on your résumé?"

3. Clean up your online image.

If you post it on the World Wide Web, it is there to be seen world-wide. Thus, your Facebook profile - even if you claim it is "private" - should not be rated higher than PG.

Images displaying bar romps or half nude upper bodies are unadvisable if you are seeking a job at a more conservative institution. If that cramps your style, then maybe that job is not for you.

4. E-mail like a professional.

"HEY! resume attachd! Can't wait to hear back l8r!!! :-P xOxO - sexilady@aol.com."

It is doubtful that a recruiter receiving the aforementioned message will call back "l8r."

Do unto text message typing and smiley faces as you did unto your high-school ex's pictures and love letters: erase them from your professional life.

Re-read your e-mails before you send them, use spell check and make sure your subject lines are as clear as newspaper headlines, identifying both you and the nature of your message.

Avoid exclamation points - except for the day when you get the job.

5. Network with your neighbors.

"70 to 80 percent of jobs are found through networks," said Pollak.

And who makes up these networks? The people around you. Professors, alumni, mentors, classmates and co-workers are all viable resources for getting jobs.

Talk to those you know about your interests and plans. Chances are, someone they know - someone within their network - is seeking to get what you are seeking to give.

6. Maintain the connection.

It is not enough to mention an interest or desire once - you must follow up.

"But persist without being a pest," recommended Pollak. "Help other people first."

This is as simple as sending a thank-you card after an interview, presenting a greeting card during the holidays or inviting someone out for coffee.

If the memory of you is equated with something pleasant, a person is much more likely to want to have you around, and help you out.

7. Don't curb your enthusiasm!

When boxing coaches talk about their fighters having "heart," they mean "strong desire to win" - one which may even supersede the competitor's superior physical ability.

Make sure you have "heart." Recruiters want to see that you want the job, so show it.