Ask Sue
A Weekly Q&A Column About Professionalism, Etiquette and Problems in the Workplace
by Sue Morem

Business Cards for a New Graduate

Dear Sue: I am graduating from college in May and am looking for a job in PR. Someone suggested I make business cards to hand out. I am wondering if this is a good idea and if so, if I should use a business card in place of resume or along with it.

I am not sure what to put on the card. Do I put my interest/type of job I am looking for on it? And, because I am not sure where I will be living after I graduate, I am wondering if I need to include an address on the card.

– Soon-to-be-grad

Sue Says: A business card is a wonderful idea. You can use the card in addition to your resume, but will find it especially useful to hand it out before it has been determined if giving someone a resume is necessary or appropriate. A card can be a great networking tool, which will make it easier for people to remember you, help you, and pass your name on to others.

You don’t need to include a street address, but you might consider including the city and state or region you are in. Knowing what part of the country you are in can be beneficial for those setting up interviews or looking for someone in a particular area.

Include your name, email address and phone number; chances are if someone is interested in talking with you that they will pick up the phone to call or send you an email.

Do what you can to convey what you offer, and to answer the question, "Why should I be interested in contacting you?" The card is a temporary tool to aid you during your job search--and most people will understand that. You are one step ahead of your competition by having the card, so if I were you I would design it the way you want and include the information you think is most important to communicate who you are.

Sue Morem is a professional speaker, trainer and syndicated columnist. She is author of the newly released 101 Tips for Graduates and How to Gain the Professional Edge, Second Edition. You can contact her by email at asksue@suemorem.com or visit her web site at http://www.suemorem.com. 

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