Should you have business cards made when you’re looking for a job? Is it worth the expense? Do people keep them, or are they discarded — or worse yet — are they viewed as old school?
Are business cards dead?
There appears to be mixed feelings on this topic. While business cards are a traditional way to market a business, there are those who feel keeping track of cards can be a waste of time when the information can be stored electronically.
I am not sure there is right or wrong answer. The main goal is to have your information available.
There is a difference between a networking card and a business card.
A card used during your job search can have a different look than one used to market your business. Some job-search consultants advise job seekers to develop a card that basically is a commercial that sells your skill set and accomplishments.
A job-search card serves the purpose of selling and branding your skills. You want the recipient to hang on to it and recall what you’re interested in pursuing.
A business card states your title, company and contact information, and exchanging business cards is one of the most common networking techniques. The salutation at the end of an e-mail message often resembles a business card.
Avoid putting too much information on a networking card. A good card, whether it is for job searching or more traditional business needs, should reflect good taste.
What do you think? Are business cards really dead?
