The Smallest Marketing Tool Boasts Maximum Power
Did you know that the average job search takes six months? However, good strategies that include a targeted position, networking, a great resume and cover letter, and an effective short “pitch” will shorten the job hunt timeline. Innovative ideas – used wisely – can further accelerate the job hunt.
Re-purposing the business card as a job search tool can be a wise addition to the job hunter’s strategic tool-box.
Whether named a networking or job search card, this tiny tool joins the resume and cover letter in the self-marketing category. It has advantages over the usual documents: its size and portability. Easy to carry, readily accessible, and easily tucked into a wallet, it is unlikely to be prematurely discarded. And, because this tool is not used by many, it is memorable.
The card’s contents are critical. At the very least, it must contain the obvious: name, contact info, and the position you are looking for. But you must also pay attention to the use of colour and design elements. Too much colour and you’ll put people off; too much info, and you’ll confuse the eye, too much design (unless you are in the arts) and you risk looking outlandish.
Communicate Your Value
Most importantly, your card must contain your value proposition. With a few well-chosen bits of information, also known as a tag line or catch phrase, your words can influence the recipient’s interest. Remember that money talks: show how your work benefited a past employer. If you didn’t generate income (as our sample Sales Manager below), perhaps you redistributed tasks and reduced payroll by one position; improved customer service and significantly reduced time spent dealing with complaints; aligned an HR process with business needs that supported a corporate goal; improved hiring strategies and reduced turnover; revitalized a downtown core by identifying, customizing and implementing a trend … the possibilities are limitless.
The How-to’s
In addition to your contact info, add a LinkedIn profile address if you have one, and list your title or the position you are going for. Finish with a bullet or two that show your accomplishments. (If you are tech-savvy, you may choose to distribute information on both front and back of the card.)
What a great first impression! It stirs immediate interest, and can provide that much-needed competitive edge in today’s challenging job search environment.
– submitted by Stephanie Clark, www.newleafresumes.ca
