A few years ago, I was giving a presentation at a Re:Focus on Careers event (this is a great networking group by the way). A man who was job searching came up to me and we started talking. He was asking me questions, and when I asked for his contact information, he had to scribble his name on a ripped up piece of paper. I wasn’t even in a position to hire him and I was not impressed. Imagine doing that same thing with a prospective employer, or valuable networking connection.
Don’t let this be you.
This topic came up at a more recent career event that I presented at. People were asking me if they needed to have a business card when they are unemployed and job searching. The answer is simple, yes! You need to have a card (or something with your contact information to give out to people) when you’re on the job search, regardless of your current work situation.
Some college students have asked me this as well. Does it make sense for a college student to have a card? I say the answer is yes here too. You have to give the people who you are networking to something with your contact information on it so that they can keep in touch with you. What an impression that would make, a student in college with a business card! I guarantee you’ll stand out.
Business cards are a must, they are not optional.
There are many resources out there to create business cards. You can get free cards at Vistaprint.com. Print them out on your computer at home. Do whatever it takes to ensure you make the right impression and come across as a professional who cares about your job search and about connecting with others.
Hallie Crawford
Job Search Coach
