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• 1. Self Assessment
• 2. Research
• 3. Decision-Making
• 4. Networks & Contacts
  • 4.1 Work Search
    • 4.1.1 Traditional Methods of Finding Openings
    • 4.1.2 Internet Sites Listing Job Advertisements
    • 4.1.3 Creative Methods for Finding Work
    • 4.1.4 Researching Employers
    • 4.1.5 Networking, Developing Leads and Making Contacts
    • 4.1.6 Networking Contacts
    • 4.1.7 Networking Diagrams
    • 4.1.8 Create a Job Seeker's Calling Card
  • 4.2 Resumes
    • 4.2.1 Preparing to Write Your Resume
    • 4.2.2 Major Sections of a Resume
    • 4.2.3 Types of Resumes
    • 4.2.4 Functional Resume
    • 4.2.5 Additional Resume Tips
    • 4.2.6 Action Verbs that Describe Skills
    • 4.2.7 Preparing an Electronic Version of Your Resume
    • 4.2.8 Resume Templates
    • 4.2.9 Resources on Resume Writing
  • 4.3 Letters
    • 4.3.1 Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.2 Comparison of Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.3 A Process to Develop Letters
    • 4.3.4 Creating Thank You Letters
    • 4.3.5 Sample Letter Format
    • 4.3.6 Resources on Letter Writing
  • 4.4 Interviews
    • 4.4.1 The Core of the Interview Process
    • 4.4.2 Selling Your Benefits
    • 4.4.3 Understanding Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication
    • 4.4.4 Approaches to Interviewing
    • 4.4.5 The Employer's Evaluation
    • 4.4.6 Tips for Effective Interviewing
    • 4.4.7 Your Rights in the Interview
    • 4.4.8 Resources on Interviewing
• 5. Work
• 6. Life/Work Planning

Step 4.1.8: Create a Job Seeker's Calling Card

This is similar to a business card in size. Although some people use business cards for networking (as mentioned in Step 4.1.5), the Calling Card is an excellent alternative: It gives your network contacts your name, telephone number and position desired It also presents your skills, preferred working conditions and qualities as a worker What you write on this card will help you with your telephone contacts and interview skills The information you put on the card should be printed by a quick-print shop

A Sample Calling Card

JOHN PAGE, B.A. University of Waterloo Email: [email protected] Phone: (123) 456-7890 Fax: (123) 456-7891 Career Focus: Customer Service and Marketing SKILLS: 2 years experience in delivering quality customer service Proven track record of profiling customers Bilingual in English and French languages Knowledge of customer database analysis techniques Interested in full-time or contract work

How To Use Your Job Seekers Calling

1. As a Calling Card: You waste time and effort if you visit a company and are not allowed to fill out an application. You can leave the employer with more than a quickly fading memory by simply leaving your card with the person to whom you have been speaking. You may say: "Thank you very much; I am really interested in working for this company. Could you please keep this card on file? I will check with you again in a couple of weeks." You can also ask if they would like you to submit a resume. In this situation, your card introduces you and gives the employer a permanent record of your visit, even without an application. It shows your initiative, interest and motivation.

2. As an Attachment to an Application Form: When given an application form, fill it out. Never use your card in place of an application. Rather, attach your card to the upper right-hand corner of your application with a paper clip or stapler. This will set your application apart from the others. Carry some paper clips when you visit an employer.

3. As A Business Networking Card: The card is an excellent tool to use to support your networking efforts. Give a card to each of your contacts to help them remember what you are interested in and to remind them to keep an eye out for job openings in your field.

To continue with Step 4.1.9, click here.