Create your Job Search "Business" Card

The best way to find a job in a tough job market is to get out there and speak to people.

Yes, speak to the obvious people, like employers, people who are already employed in the industry or by the companies where you want to work.

But don't stop there.

It is estimated that everyone knows between 200 - 300 people.

So, that goes for your hairdresser, plumber, pharmacist, cashier at the supermarket, doctor and his nurse, dentist and dental hygienist, anyone you meet socially. It means anyone you meet anytime, any place, any how.

They all know 200 - 300 people. So what are the chances they know someone who works in your field, and may even know someone who is hiring in your field?

But they can't help you if they don't know you need their help.

And they don't want your resume.

Instead, make Business Cards. They are really Networking Cards. T

hey will have your name and contact information on them.

Under your name will be the title of the job for which you are looking - the same way it would be written if you actually had the job. After all, you are still an engineer, salesperson, veterinary technician or whatever, even though you do not currently have a job.

Then they will have 3 bulleted items giving your greatest skills or experience. This can be taken from the highlights section or your resume.

If you want you can put more details on the back of the card, but most people never look at the back, so don't rely on it being read very often.

Give there cards out to everyone you can. Give more than one to anyone who is likely to have more than one person to whom to pass it on.

If you want to really go for it, leave them on tables in libraries, coffee shops etc, and especially if you go any places you know people connected with your type of work go.

Just make sure it's only your phone number, or perhaps phone number and email address that is on the card. No address.

You can make your own business cards by buying sheets of pre-perforated cards at your local office supply store. MS Word and WordPerfect both have "labels" templates which include business card ones that match your purchased sheets exactly.

Or you can order 250 free business cards, online, paying only postage, from Vistaprint. I have used this service several times and it is fast, efficient - and you really do only pay the postage!