by Artem Altman

Created on: June 20, 2008

"Don't Curb Your Enthusiasm"
Career expert offers Hunter students 90 tools for entrance into the real world

Writer Lindsey Pollak visited Hunter College (New York) on Oct. 24, 2007 for an information session about her new book, Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World.

"I'm an expert on doing nothing," said Pollak, making light of the biggest mistake that people make when they go about preparing for the real world.

"There is no need to worry if you can't find a job right away," Pollak pointed out. "It takes an average of three-to-nine months for a college graduate to get their first job." Pollak also explained that nowadays, the average person will hold between eight and 12 jobs during his or her lifetime.

Pollak went on to discuss the growing importance of maintaining a "clean" MySpace or Facebook page while searching for a job. Many of the job recruiters she spoke to told her that they frequently check out an applicant's profile.

"They are just looking out for a red flag, anything that would make them not want to invite you to their workplace," said Pollak. "You should know that someone might be watching you, without a sense of humor.

Pollak then shared a story about an interviewer she spoke with who would not hire the application if she said she had never visited the company's website during the interview.

"The more you know about the industry," said Pollak, "the more it seems that you are [fit to work] in that industry."

Stressing the importance of good grammar, Pollak denounced the way that instant messages, text messaging and colloquialisms have lead to the corruption of the English language.

"When you attend networking events, work in internships, write cover letters and interview for jobs, you want to speak the same language, and have the same reference points as the people you want to work with."

Don't curb your enthusiasm!" Pollak instructed those assembled in the Hunter College West lobby. "Doing nothing is the worst thing one can do."

Getting form College to Career: 90 Things to Do before You Join the Real World is available for sale on Amazon.com.
Other works from Lindsey Pollak:
a guide to networking in the new millennium titled The Savvy Gal's Guide to Online Networking (Or, What Would Jane Austen Do?)

For more information, visit Lindsey Pollak's website www.lindseypollak.com where you can find more tips and career advice.

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