As I nervously sat down in the chair, I wondered apprehensively what the first tough question of the job interview would be. I was thinking it might be something about having to tackle a problem, or how I could improve the company.
I could not have been more wrong.
“Here you go Bobby, that’s my business card. Do you have one for me?”
My heart dropped in my chest, and I froze. I just stared at him like he had three heads.
“Your business card,” he repeated. “You don’t have one?”
After the interview, the first thing I did was head online and create a business card. Whether that small incident at the beginning of the job interview was the reason for me not getting the job, I will never know. What I did know was that from then on, no matter what I was doing, I would have a business card, networking card, or just something to hand to someone else before an interview or serious conversation.
After purchasing the card, I noticed that speaking with people became a lot less stressful. Handing them the business card was the perfect ice-breaker. They seemed impressed, and there was no awkward tension for me to have to deal with. Even though I did not have a job, it was still nice to hand them something that expressed a little bit of who I was even before I really opened my mouth. Being social was no longer only through LinkedIn and Facebook. I actually felt that I could be more social after handing out these business cards.
The best part about this business card was that it took me literally five minutes to make, and they were really cheap. Coming from college, I always thought nice business cards cost a ton of money, but I was able to get 250 really nice, glossy cards for all of about $10. I’m sure you could find some great sites to buy well-made cards, but here is where I bought my business cards.
To anyone searching for a job, or thinking about finding a new job, please take my advice and purchase a business card today. At the interview with my current job, the interviewer was very impressed that I had one. It helped me immensely, and I’m sure it will help you too.