How to Accelerate Your Job Search with Networking Cards

Hand out a networking card to everyone you meet.

Independent of the economy, you can always be on the lookout for a better career. One of the best ways to get your foot in the door with many businesses is with the use of networking cards. Networking cards are similar to the typical business card, except that instead of listing the company you represent you are listing a job objective and your skill-sets. Using networking cards will accelerate your job search on a daily basis.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• High quality stock made for business cards
• Good dictionary and thesaurus
• Big smile and cheery disposition

1. Visit job fairs and hand your networking cards to everyone that you meet. Do not just stick to talking to people advertising jobs, instead take the time to make your way around the room and introduce yourself. Keep in mind that you are only six people away from someone that you really want to meet, so meet as many people as you can.

2. Mail out a networking card with each of the bills that you pay. The person opening your bill may have a family member or friend that is looking for someone just like you. Do not skimp on the little bit that it costs to make the cards, use them to accelerate your job search.

3. Create a slogan to use on your networking card. This will help people to see what you represent and why they should hire you. Slogans are very powerful and having one on your networking card is giving you another opportunity to voice who you are and advertise yourself. The name of the game here is to sell yourself.

4. Hand out extra cards and request that they are given out to friends and associates. Allow others to help advertise you. You never know when the time will come that the card can be presented to someone that can give you your dream job.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your cards professional looking. Cards that are bent up or dog-eared will detract from your image rather than add to it.

References

• Quint Careers: Networking Business Cards--An Essential Job Search Tool
• LA Chinese Learning Center: 10 Powerful Networking Tips Using Business Cards