Are you using all the tools you can in your Job Search arsenal?

One of the main things we focus on with our clients during our Computer Training Class for Job Seekers –  is to Network, Network, Network!

Margo Scurry, Technology Trainer at JLJC emphatically challenges her students to make every opportunity a networking opportunity.

For instance:

It’s Sunday and you’re in church.  It’s been a long, hard week of job searching and you’re right where you need to be to recharge.  The service is uplifting but then you overhear someone in the pew behind you mentioning they just got hired and the company is still looking to hire about 50 more folks in your field no less.

What do you do?

Even if you have a copy of your resume with you, you don’t want to make a big deal out of your job search during church but you also don’t want to lose this opportunity.   So, voilà, you whip out your resume business card at the end of service asking the fella if you can offer your card to him to be passed on to the hiring manager. You then proceed to develop a relationship with your new contact and exchange information for later follow-up.

What’s a resume business card?

A resume business card is a mini-resume printed on standard business cardstock.

Although not the foundation of your job search, a resume business card provides you with a simple way to capitalize on any impromptu opportunities that come your way to build new business relationships.  Small and easy to carry and store, resume business cards allow you to provide critical information to new acquaintances without overburdening them or seeming too aggressive or desperate.

And because resume business cards aren’t mainstream yet (lots of folks just aren’t using them) – they give you an edge in helping you to stand apart from the crowd.  Most people will hold onto a card a lot longer than a piece of paper. Even using them at job fairs – resume business cards are handled and stored differently from full size resumes, possibly giving you a competitive advantage.  At a minimum, the person has a face to put with a name, and with any luck, you’ll stick in their mind when they have an opening.

How do I get a resume business card?

There are many ways to develop your own resume business card.  You can use one of the many online companies that create business cards. Or if you are interested in saving some cash you can easily design one yourself . Use a simple Avery template and Microsoft Word or using Publisher,  Corel or Adobe – they all have user-friendly design wizards.  Avery also has an online design and print feature.  Check it out here.

Here are some of Margo’s guidelines to follow when designing your resume business card:

1)      Keep your design clean, simple and professional, utilizing color and design elements minimally.

2)      Include key contact information: your name, phone number, email and Web or LinkedIn address (if you have one).

3)      Develop and include a short tagline (your unique selling proposition) and career objective to quickly brand yourself while at the same time letting your reader know what type of position you are seeking.

4)      Add any certifications or significant software proficiencies

5)      Optionally, you can use the back of the card to deliver selected career highlights and/or your most marketable qualifications.

6)   Make sure the card is balanced with plenty of white space (don’t overfill the card with too much information).

It’s a brilliant idea because it’s not always appropriate or even comfortable to hand someone your resume—you’re not about to whip it out when you bump into an old neighbor in the grocery store or while riding the bus—but it’s never really awkward to offer your card. These particular ones leave a lasting impression since they feature much more detail than just your name and number.