This is an interesting question because of current job market conditions. “Keeping Your Job” is the new Promotion. Many people are losing their jobs at an alarming rate, and if you watch the news, it’s a tough job market out there. Competition is fierce for jobs, even entry-level positions. Pretty soon, unemployment will run out for a lot of people and the field will become even tougher.

So, can having a business card get you a job? It is certainly no guarantee, but it does provide a few advantages that can help your chances. And in today’s job market, any advantage over your fellow job-seekers is worth looking into.

Business Cards Provide Credibility – Add credibility to your resumẽ with a business card by clipping it to your resumẽ, or handing it to your interviewer. A business card gives the appearance that you really care about your profession, and take it seriously enough to get business cards printed.

Competitive Advantage – How many other candidates competing for the same position are going to have a business card? The answer is not many. Handing a business card to an interviewer makes them perk up and think… “Why does this person have a business card? What makes them think they are so special?”

It’s a simple trick that can work. Many interviewers scoff at the people who “glitter” up their resumẽ with pictures and large colored fonts. Most of the time, they want your resumẽ to be simple and to the point, and nothing is more to the point about who you are than a business card.

It grabs their attention because it is not expected. After an interview, you can hand someone a business card and they will look at it, and of course look at the name. This extra exposure to who you are isn’t much, but it’s unlikely anyone else is doing it.

Quick Contact Information – Interviewers have to file through stacks and stacks of applications to find a person’s contact information. Sorting through a stack of business cards is much easier. Firstly, not many people will be providing a business card. Then, it is much easier to sort through a short stack of business cards then a large pile of resumẽs.

What to Put on a Personal Business Card When Looking for a Job?

So you’ve decided to shock and awe your interviewer with a business card? Great, but what do you put on it?

First and foremost, you want your name and contact information displayed prominently. In this situation, it is probably not a great idea to add your picture or fancy design. Keep it short and sweet, and colors to a minimum. Address is not required, but phone numbers and email are.

For some professionals, you want to list what you do. This can include “Graphic Designer,” “Certified CPA,” “Licensed Dog Groomer.” Then quickly list your skillset, and years of experience: “14 Years Experience in Accounting” or “Photoshop · Quark · Illustrator.” If you have a portfolio online, then listing your URL on your business card is a must.

You want the highlights of your resumẽ on your business card, and nothing more!