If you plan on attending any type of networking event where you might run into a potential employer, I strongly recommend purchasing a set of business cards. But, since you don’t have a job or officially belong to an organization, what type of information should you include?
In a recent interview with Kevin Murray, senior manager of recruiting at VistaPrint, he provided six necessary elements of a networking business card for students and recent graduates looking for internships and entry-level positions.
1. Name. One essential for every business card is having your name in a professional manner. When designing cards, you will want to use your full name in a business font. This is a calling card that allows you to brand yourself, so avoid using nicknames and less professional font types.
2. Title or specific area of expertise. If you’re searching for an internship or an entry-level position, the receiver of the business card needs to know what you do and how you can help their business. Be sure to say it right up front. For example, “Software Engineer” for the new computer science grad looking for full-time work, or “MBA Candidate” for the grad student seeking an internship.
3. Phone number. You never know where you’ll be when an opportunity arises, so be sure to provide the most reliable phone number. Whether this is a home or cell phone, you want to make sure that an employer can get a hold of you. Whatever number you decide to include, just make sure your outgoing voicemail message is not embarrassing.
4. E-mail address. As you network for jobs with potential employers, be sure to provide multiple points of contact. For a variety of reasons, many employers these days make their first contact to a candidate through e-mail. Also, remember to keep correspondence professional. While a funny e-mail address may be fine for personal correspondence with family and friends, don’t run the risk of appearing less professional to a potential employer. If necessary, set up another e-mail account with a professional sounding address to handle communication for your job search.
5. Other forms of contact. If you have a personal blog or have professional social networking sites (i.e. LinkedIn), you should include those links on the cards, as well. These links can show your work portfolio or even link to your work history. It’s a good idea to leave out a link to your Facebook or MySpace page, given that these are typically geared more toward family and friends.
6. On the reverse. While the front of the business card is a place to offer your contact information, the reverse also serves as a vital spot to sell yourself. If you have a Web site or online portfolio, you should promote this boldly on the reverse of the card, or you can list a number of areas of proficiency that can separate you from other candidates.
Comments
Heather - I did this when I was looking for my first job after grad school. It really helped set me apart from others & made me seem much more professional to the businesses I was networking into. Great article.
This is a great idea and I'll definitely use it to enhance my job hunt. Do you have any recommendations for printing companies?
I'd also recommend ensuring that the card is printed matte--so folks can write on the front and back of the card. Also, when networking--great idea to include on the back of someone else's card: where you met, one distinguishing detail about them and something you can share with or connect with them on when you follow up.
Think strategy: I tried many designs, and found simple to work very well. In addition to design, one of the most important components is your strategy. I found this strategy to distribute the cards very helpful. Read: tinyurl.com/lbh2ac
Amazing article that will definitely set me a part while looking for an internship this summer. Thanks for the help!
Thanks so much for the awesome article. As I prepare my card, I run into the issue of "title" or "position" would it be appropriot to put my degree rather than the position I'm interested in?Other companies all the same position by different names in the construction management industry.
Thanks again!
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