I'll be transitioning from active duty in seven months and I'll be attending several career conferences/hiring events in the meantime. I'd like to be able to hand out a card with my contact information, but I'm struggling with how to present myself. I think the card will be a good way to stand out and be remembered. Is it better to print cards that refer to me by the job I'd like, the job I have, or no reference to my organizational role at all?
Example:
Alexander R. Ludington
Nuclear Engineer
OR
Alexander R. Ludington
Transitioning Submarine Officer
OR just my name?
Answers
Hi Alexander, I would definitely leave your military rank on the card. There is no reason to put you current/past job title on the card; however, the title you are seeking helps them to remember you so use that. Add your phone and email address and you are good to go. Good luck to you.
Alexander,
I would definitely note your military titles and positions on the business card.
If you place a desired title position on the business card next to your name, then it should be one you are set on, and it will not change. Otherwise, you have to print cards again and again as you find different career opportunities. Personally I would keep the title general or not place one on there at all. You could use something as simple as "Engineering". Or i.e. Business Management, Lead Engineer, Human Resources Manager, Operations Manager... Broad strokes. You can then spin it toward the position at hand.
Use the back of the card to reveal key skills you obtained that will provide great value towards solving the business problems of your target career opportunities.
Email me if you have questions: info@LowellSandoval.com
Bets wishes,
Lowell
I definitely would recommend leaving your military position and rank on the card. Especially if you are pursuing a career where there is a small presence of military candidates. Those titles make a huge impact on how you are perceived, obviously you would need to back it up with your experience and knowledge, but military experience will get a lot of doors open for you.
Alexander,
The card should contain your contact info (no address) and the title of the position you are seeking.
While you are or have been a nuclear engineer, is that the position you are seeking? The memory you want the person to leave with is a professional that is seek a career as a _________ (fill in the blank). When you fill in the blank it really needs to be a position that companies are hiring for.
Remember it is not about what you want to do, but rather what are the needs of the buyer(employer). They are looking for people that can solve their problems/add value.
Hi Alexander,
Thanks for your service! Handing out a business card is a good idea. I still have the card from a captain from a VA job conference years ago.
I might suggest it all depends on the conference that you attend. You might print different cards for different conference. (some internet sites claim $10 per 1000) If you are attending a VA sponsor or very pro- military service oriented job conference, having a title of Transitioning Submarine Officer will quickly show your level of competency to the recruiters…
If you attending a general job conference, suggest just the name and follow with MBA, PhD or Certified Professional Engineer, CIPM…to minimize any potential political issues.
If you are attending a conference that specifically hire nuclear engineer, putting the “Nuclear Engineer” on the card make sense.
The point is if you want to leave a lasting impression, the business card is just like the resume, it needs to be focus and concise to get the maximum benefit.
Hope that make sense and good luck!
Good Ideal Alexander, keep it clean, no more than 5 lines.
Name
Rank
Title
Contact Info like Phone
E-Mail
Also have your printer send you a copy to your cell phone, and the reason why is that you can easily transfer your business card to them and you also have their number in return for your records. I would recommend a black card with silver print that is on heavy card stock, you also want water proof ink. A mission statement on the back would also be a good Ideal.
If you go to the UPS Store and look at their samples you will see the differance, black and silver stands out the best, professional looking and draws you to it. Here is an example.
http://www.upsstoreprint.com/studio/phoenix?nid=BUS_BSC_3-5_x_2_MAN_1S_F3_4C.xml&parent_product=6510&sku=7bbdafe1-5c22-4e00-b062-d9d2f8ab5c4b
Good Luck!
Sincerely: Ward Garrison
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