Every time you go to a social event, think of it as a networking experience. Right Management reports that 46 percent of respondents found jobs in 2012 through networking. That’s more than Internet job boards, agencies/recruiters and newspaper classifieds combined. You don’t need to carry a resume and portfolio with you everywhere you go, however—a simple business card will do. What you put on that business card will help you get from the introduction to the next step: the interview.
White Space on Business Cards
Leave enough white space on your card so recipients can make notes about you, or so you can make notes to help them remember you. In the same vein, choose a paper stock that’s easy to write on—a highly glossy stock isn’t very friendly to pens or ink.
Your Contact Information
Aside from the obvious name, phone and email address, consider what else you want people to know. If you have well-built LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter profiles, include those, but leave off personal Facebook and Twitter accounts that you use to connect with your friends.
If it applies, include a link to a website or blog where you’ve posted your resume and a portfolio of your work. Make sure your site features a professional photo of you, which will help your contacts remember you.
Vanity Calling Cards
Business cards with your photo are overkill. Don’t do this unless you are in the performing arts. When your contacts visit your LinkedIn or other social pages, they’ll see your image.
QR Codes
Marketingland.com agrees: QR codes are a thing of the past. These are quick-response codes that smartphones scan and take users to websites, email addresses or any URL you connect it to. Think about it—when was the last time you scanned one? Use this space for valuable information.
Tag Lines
Just like a business uses a tagline to give the reader more information about what it does, create one to describe and remind contacts who you are and what you do: journalist, financial analyst, accountant, software engineer. Whatever your career’s keywords are, work those in this area.
Design Tips
Keep it simple, unless you are a graphic designer and want to show off your skills (and even then, use a light hand). If you use both sides of the cards, do so sparingly. Leave the back side as open as possible for that white space mentioned in the first tip. This would be a good place for your tagline.
Stay away from script fonts and use colors and fonts that are easy to read. Find an online printing service that makes it easy to design your own card and turns them around quickly. Save the money you’d pay a designer and put it toward your interview suit.
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