Even the Unemployed Should Have a Business Card

Most of you receiving this newsletter realize the powerful punch of business cards for obtaining clients and maintaining business relationships. Although most people wait until they are in a position worthy of a business card to purchase them, business cards can also be extremely effective for those of you that are currently in-between jobs or are looking for that first big job break. Handing a business card to someone you meet in a job interview or just someone you run into in a restaurant can be the beginning of a very successful relationship.

You will never be able to have a resume in your pocket at all times, so why not put your vital information and any other pertinent information on something compact and portable? Remember the old adage that it is easier to find a job when you are employed. Having business cards gives you the appearance of being employed, and may even give you an air of confidence when entering an interview or networking.

Having the ability to network at the drop of a dime is what business cards provide. Many times, job seekers catch a break by giving a business card to the right person and making a good impression rather than sending off hundreds of resumes to jobs posted online. When meeting someone for the first time, hand out your card after talking with him or her some and decide whether or not they are someone who can help you. Prematurely handing out a business card gives the appearance of being too eager and may end up forming a negative relationship. A business card should complete a meeting with someone when networking.

As far as your card design, black ink on white paper is recommended for those job-hunting. Professionaltaste.com can provide job seekers with great-looking black on white business cards for a great low price ($30 for 500 cards). Use a mobile phone number or your home phone number only if you have your own line (so callers will not hear your roommate’s or parent’s answering machine message). Put background information on the back, but leave room for notes.

Using business cards while unemployed may seem like an oxymoron, but I challenge you to try it and see where they take you. Good luck!