Here’s a common scenario for many professionals:
You are seeking a new or better position that pays you what you’re worth. Now you are attending major conference or association gathering that is full of key players. Attendees include several people from at least 4 organizations that you would like to work for. You’re talking with some of the people, so at the end of this conversation as they give you their business card you hand them your … What do you give them? Giving them your resume is just not appropriate or effective. You might as well have a neon sign flashing over your head: Job Seeker.
Two-sided personal business card
Personal business cards are back in fashion, but not common. While I’ve been working with people to use these since the early ‘90’s it is still non common, therefore sets you apart from the crowd. How you are perceived is a major factor in your success and getting to the decision makers. While technology is a great tool it can also separate the job seeker/ career advancer from the decision maker. If you hand them you resume you’ll be perceived as a job seeker. If you provide them with a 2-sided personal business card you are now at the level of the networking professional.
Whether you’re employed or not, this is the way to go. You will be using your personal information (phone number, address, email address, etc.), not employer contact information. Plus, you want to be contacted at home or your cell phone, not at work. Confidentially must be maintained. Also include your LinkedIn customized address. Make it easy for people to learn more about you; but you control what they have access to.
This card is a mini resume. The front of the card has all of your identifying information as indicated above. Give yourself a generic, yet meaningful title (Customer Service, Web Development, Accounting, Project Management, etc.). The back of the card contains 4-6 bullets of your best skills/qualifications. These are a mix of technical abilities and workplace competencies. You simply put your best items from your resume and adapt to bullet format. If you are a student or recent graduate include the qualifier of Trained In or Relevant Coursework. Many times current training is a good substitute for experience.
Use of graphics is an option, but be conservative, gender neutral and avoid clutter. Use of certain colors can also be gender based; use it to your advantage depending upon your strategy and goal. “Feel” of the card is also important. Visual and tactile are the two first impressions of a card. Don’t skimp here! Go to a brick and mortar office supply store and feel the stock before you buy. Use their printing services to maintain quality. Simply take your e-version (Word doc version is recommended) to the site and print out 250-500. Before that phase run the “prototype” past a few trusted people for their input; word attachment format.
A good card can have a “shelf-life of 3-5 years. Students or new graduates are only good until you find your first position.
Letter of Introduction
This is an alternative to the standard cover letter. It is a stand alone but accompanies your business card. It is as simple as the title indicates; it’s introducing you. The purpose is to use 2-4 items in your background that are related to an employer’s business or needs. Obtaining the person’s name and title are required when using this tool. You want to make sure that the decision maker opens and reads the letter. A critical item in this letter is that you are requesting a meeting with them (a phone conversation is an acceptable alternative). Remember to use the word meeting, not interview in your request. Again, you want the leverage of a professional having a business discussion with another professional.
Summary/Highlight Sheet
This is an extended version of a business card since you have more room. A two thirds or three quarter page document is recommended. It is also accompanied by your business card for contact information. This is used as a follow up from a brief meeting at an event or a previous phone contact.
A Good LinkedIn Profile
The emphasis is on good and effective. While you expose yourself via Cyberspace, you can direct activity once you understand the various features and how LinkedIn works. Have your customized LinkedIn address, not the default they assign.
A Good Job Search Package
Here’s your full package;
- - 2-sided personal business card
- - Letter of introduction
- - Summary/Highlight sheet
- - LinkedIn
- - Resume
These items are not standard practice; therefore you’re separating yourself from the rest of the herd. Currently there are more job seekers than there are good jobs. You need to use every advantage to reduce your failures, get to the person who can say “yes”, thus achieve success. The business card is essential in networking. Provide these items to your contacts, especially those you are your references. It makes it easier for them.
Having other people assist you in job search reduces the wear and tear that you will experience in this process.