Do you have one of these...or are you missing out?
Our profiles/resumes are now online and with email we barely use paper anymore, but the ONE paper item you need in today’s job market is a business card.
I know what you’re thinking, I don’t even own a business I don’t need that. Even if this is true, when you think about it YOU are your own business.
Each time you go on interviews you are in the business of finding a job and selling yourself.
You want those who interview you to remember you days after an interview is over and not forget you seconds later. A simple business card helps you achieve just that and remind them of who they just met! It does not need to be fancy or expensive.
What it does need to do is have the following information printed on it:
1- Your first and last name 2- Your email (make sure it’s current) 3- Your phone number (again current) 4- Optional you can add a few words about who you are or what job role you are looking for, an inspirational quote, or small list of attributes about yourself (like a mini pitch).
A great time to give out a business card is usually at the end of the interview as you say thank you and shake hands OR if they ask in the beginning for one (some will). Plus it makes you look fantastic and that you took the time to not only make the cards, but you brought some just for them!
Great sites I have enjoyed using to create a business card:
-Vistaprint (I have used them for MANY projects and they always have sales and are very affordable)
-Moo.com (a little expensive but the cards even with the cheapest paper will blow you away. I always receive compliments on these for my photography business)
-Tinyprints.com (really nice designs w/ lots of variety and middle of the road for price)
Remember, aside from interviews a business card also comes in handy if you meet someone on the street, train, plane at a networking event, while you are grabbing coffee in the morning or anywhere you want to connect, so ALWAYS have some in your wallet or purse!!
Does anyone have any sites for business cards that they like to use?
How often do you give out your business card and when?
As a back to work mother I NEVER know who I will meet. I am also so crazy busy that if handing someone a beautiful piece of paper with my contact info on it makes my life better, then I am all for it.
I guess the REAL question is why wouldn't you have a business card?!
Hello gud day..im elvis rendon
Yes, you definitely need some business cards! Speaking of, I need to order some more (haha).
I actually like to use Moo.com too but I have also used JukeBox which offers some really cool wooden business cards.
I know my girlfriend used a seller on Etsy.com before to design her business card, and then once she received the template she just went to Staples and had them printed right there for her. They also sell their own business cards online as well.
There are so many places and ways to order them. It all really depends on what you like the best.
As for handing them out, I give them to anyone I feel would be a great person to connect with and would help my career path.
I once met a woman that strangely turned out to be the CEO of a company I was interested in working for at a GAS STATION!!! I couldn't believe it. I do live in a small New England state, but still how awesome right?
We were just making small talk about the weather one day, it was freezing and we were both pumping gas and really COLD with this nasty wind blowing. I was glad we could exchange cards and occasionally she reaches out to me to to do freelance work for her company.
Do yourself a favor and find a business card you like and start by ordering 50-100. You will be surprised at how fast they disappear!
but isn't all of my contact info already on my resume. why would i need a business card? i'm willing to trying anything as long as it helps me get a better job but I don't want to be overly pretentious. tell me more
A business card is my main thing I like to use when I go to job fairs and networking events. I've also left my card with ONLY my name, email, and services on it (no phone) and placed it on bulletin boards in grocery stores, left it at restaurants after I have eaten, at the library in the common news area as well as coffee shops like Starbucks, and even on the seat of the train before so the person after me if they needed my services could reach out. Someone asked why you wouldn't want to just use your resume...a business card is quick, easy and efficient. It gets the job done!!! I think it's also very classy to have one and makes me feel like an awesome candidate right off the bat. ...but that's just me.
Does anyone have any new suggestions for places I could place my business cards or where I can hand them out?