How to Design Business Cards With No Current Job
Networking is an effective way to make business contacts and to connect with people who might be able to help you land a job. Many people become frustrated when they are told to network when they are unemployed, because they are acutely aware of the necessity of handing out business cards at networking functions. Fortunately, it's not necessary for your business card to have an actual business name and a title on it.
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Instructions
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Place your name in the center of the business card layout. Use uppercase and lowercase lettering or all capital letters, but make the typeface bold because your name is the centerpiece of the card.
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State your past profession directly under your name. Use a general term, such as "Writer," "Chef" or "Attorney," but do not use the actual position title, as that can imply you are still in that position. If you do not have a professional title, leave this space blank. If you are a student, state your expected degree and graduation date in this space. For example, a student from Boston College might write "Boston College English B.A. Candidate, 2010."
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Place your email address in the bottom left-hand corner of the card. Include a website or blog address only if it is appropriate and relevant to the contacts you intend to make. For example, it you are seeking a job in journalism, you might want to include a blog you maintain to discuss current events in a professional manner. Never include websites or blogs that contain profane or "adult" content and don't use an email address that contains unprofessional or vulgar slang. Sign up instead for a new address that includes only your first and last name.
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Place your telephone and fax number, if applicable, in the bottom right-hand corner of the card. This is the location where most people expect to find your contact information. Use a permanent home phone number that will not change in the near future. Make sure that your answering machine or voice mail greeting is appropriate for business contacts. Avoid using your cell phone as a contact number unless it is your only phone line.
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Place a professional photo of yourself or a generic graphic in the top left corner of the card to make it more interesting. While optional, having a picture of yourself on your calling card will help your networking contacts remember who you are. People who attend networking events may meet dozens of individuals over the course of an evening. Making your card distinguishable from the dozens of other cards that were collected at an event may increase your chances of having your networking efforts pay off.
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References
- Photo Credit my business card image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
