Image via Flickr user j.o.h.n. walker.
Are you graduating from college or a master's degree program? Are you worried about your prospects after you get your degree? Then I have one word for you, "plastics." All kidding aside, if you are graduating this May and worried about how you'll fare in the job market then put that anxiety to good use. Design yourself a set of new graduate
business cards. Armed with new graduate business cards, you can more easily share contact information with people. When you are out and about you can hand over a card that sums up your background, what you are looking for and how to get in touch with you. It's easy for people to pass the cards along to others, too. It will also make a really good impression on potential mentors, employers and references if you take the initiative to have professional-looking business cards made. Here are some quick tips and pointers for creating successful new graduate business cards that can help you land a job.
1. Put your resume online To make your business card marketing and networking more effective, set up an online placeholder for your resume, portfolio and contact information. One easy way to do this is to start a blog on a free platform such as Wordpress or Tumblr. You can use the static pages of the blog to hold your resume and other contact information. This way, you can list the URL on your business cards and when you walk around with the cards it will be like you're carrying a stack of resumes in one hand and a graphic design portfolio in the other.
2. Put your credentials on the card We all know the kind of information that goes on a regular business card, but what do you put on a new graduate business card? That's easy, any information that will make you seem qualified to potential employers. Start with the name of your alma mater, the kind of degree you earned and any academic honors. Add information about the kind of job you're looking for and be specific. It also helps to include bullet points or a short sentence describing any special skills such as knowledge of a foreign language, computer programs or anything else that will better qualify you for the type of job you seek.
3. Try a postcard, too For graphic designers and fine artists, in addition to or instead of a business card, a
postcard may be a good option for showcasing your talents and trying to land work. Use the front of the postcard to show a collage of your work or feature one main image that your proud of. On the back of the card add a URL and other contact information. You could also treat the postcard as a graduation announcement and print a set of postcards to send out to your network of friends and mentors. The cards could show your work, contact information and announce that you graduated and are looking for opportunities. Remember to have fun with the new graduate card designs. Showing your unique personality and creativity will get you noticed. If you play the card design too safe or make it too corporate looking, then the whole effort might come off as stuffy. So make it snappy and personality packed!
Interesting post. I never really thought about how great it would be for new graduates to get business cards while job hunting. With the current state of the job market, it is more important than ever for students entering the job force to differentiate themselves-and a business card or postcard is a great way to do it! Unfortunately, they dont tell you this in college, I hope upcoming graduates read this and take notice!