Job Seekers: The Importance of a Networking Card

Jerry S. was laid off from his job working in a call center five months ago due to a reorganization of the company.  Since that time, Jerry has been doing a lot of things right in his job search – he developed a clear and decisive job search plan, has been applying to jobs that he has researched, and he has been putting himself out there at networking meetings, job fairs and career-related seminars.   But, the one big mistake that Jerry has made is that he does not have a way for employers to remember him – he had no networking card to leave behind.

A networking card is a form of a business card that simply has your contact information on it that you can hand out when at a networking meeting or a job fair.  It is more professional than leaving your name on a piece of paper and it can position you as prepared and ready for action.  It actually could be a deal-breaker if you so happen to meet a hirer, like a recruiter or a manager.  Here are what should go on your networking card:

• Your telephone number(s)
• Your email address & LinkedIn address
• A short statement of your specialty job area, skills or brand – something memorable about you

You can either print them yourself or go to a store; if you do them yourself, make sure that you have a good cardstock, I recommend glossy, minimizing any details that could be distracting, and with a 12-point font so it is easy to read.  If you go to a store, such as Vistaprint or Staples (Staples actually is a Vistaprint vendor so you can order them in the store and they will print them there without the wait or shipping), be sure to pick a design that is simple and not overused, so plain may be better; be sure to edit the back before you print.  You can typically get 250 cards for $10-15 dollars, which is definitely worth the investment.

A problem that I see with people who are in job search mode is that they don’t realize they are missing the boat when they do not have a networking card, or one that is not attractive or stands out.  Do you really want to get lost in a sea of small strips of paper with a multitude of other job seekers or do you want to present yourself as a confidant and prepared job seeker, that knows his/her skills, what they have to offer and is ready to do so?  This is particularly critical considering that job seekers are being scrutinized on all levels – get prepared and stand out from the crowd!

5 Effective Networking Strategies for Your Job Search

I’m sure you’ve heard it by now – the BEST way to find a job in today’s market is through networking.   The “hidden job market” is becoming the easiest and fastest way to employment.  Due to the volume of resumes that a company receives for an open position, they are now looking for the way to find people who have the qualities and the references in a timely manner. What better way than to go through people you know and trust!  Here are 5 networking strategies to use for your job search:

1. Family/friends – be sure to tell the people who know you best that you are looking for a job, and what type; they know, or know of someone who knows, that can get you in touch with the hirer and can speed your search

2. Social media sites – LinkedIn is the premier site for professional online networking; it allows you to post your “resume” online, to connect with people you know or people who are in organizations you want to be in, to research companies, to join groups for education and networking, and to show your expertise by answering questions.  I heard a recruiter recently say that he would not look at anyone who did not have a LinkedIn profile!  There are other sites, like Facebook, Twitter, Connections, etc. to join.

3. Associations and Groups – join groups in your industry – or the one you want to be in to find people who are currently doing what you want. When you do, start volunteering to show your skills and get you noticed.  Some associations have mentoring programs or career pathing to help their members transition. and most have job boards.  Find networking groups as well as they are great places to let people know you are looking for a job.

4. Alumni associations – go back to your college or university alumni center to get connected with other alumni who are in your field.  Alumni usually want to give back (they also know people)

5.  Business cards – pull out all of your old business cards to see who you can contact to inform them of your job search; look at people you’ve met in your preferred industry for connections or to set up informational interviews for information gathering and resources

If networking is not part of your job-search strategy, you are missing opportunities to get you hired.  Go back and revise your plan to make these 5 effective networking strategies part of your job search plan.  What other strategies have you tried?