by Karine Blackett You probably have your ré;sumé and cover letter ready to go for your job search or at least have plans to get them ready. But there is another tool you can create immediately that will serve you in finding a job and in networking in general. The Networking Business Card or NBC is a key asset to take you toward your career goals. You might be thinking, "How can I have a business card, when I don't even have a job?" Think about it. What if you had a little résumé the size of a business card that you could hand out whenever you met a new contact? Your NBC would have just enough information on it to sell your skills, provide contact information and give your contact an added visual that will associate you with your career intent. Many find that they continue to use the NBC even after they land their ideal job and have other business cards. It is a great networking tool. Your NBC will be unique and display your personal information and style. Important items for you to include on your NBC are: - First and last name
- Degree (if you are in school, list degree and that it is "in progress")
- Skills - list a few (that you possess) that are essential to your chosen field
- Email address & phone number
- A visual such as a computer for IT jobs, healing hands for massage therapy, etc. Keep it eye-catching and professional
Your Networking Business Card is your mini-résumé listing contact information, skills, and employment objective in a way that will reach more people and can be used a variety of ways that will help launch your career. Use your NBC: - When making professional contacts
- In informal situations
- At conferences
- Job fairs
- Enclose with your résumé
- Enclose with thank you notes
To make your NBC you can use card stock paper and your own printer, go to a private print shop, or you can go online to a source like Vista Print (www.vistaprint.com) or Overnightprints.com at http://www.overnightprints.com/main.php?A=start_bizcard. You should be able to make cards for about five dollars. Consider adding a picture of yourself as well! Make Your Networking Business Card today and start selling yourself! To learn more: http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/8-15.shtml
http://www.quintcareers.com/networking_business_cards.html | 
2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education