Networking Cards

Networking cards are a great way for to pass on your information to professional contacts you meet. They are similar to business cards except they include your personal information. These cards are great for college students who do not yet have business cards. They can also be great for those who are working and have business cards but who are seeking a new job because these cards contain the information you would like prospective employers to know.

Networking cards usually contain your name, contact information, education, and additional selling points. See the information below to know what to include on your networking cards:

Name

Write your name as you want to be referred to professionally. For example, if your friends and family call you "Lizzy" but at work you wish to go by your full name of "Elizabeth," then write "Elizabeth" on your card.

If you go by your middle name and wish to use your middle name professionally, include your first initial and write out your middle name to alert people that you use your middle name. For example, if your name is Leslie Michelle Smith and you go by your middle name, write "L. Michelle Smith." This may save confusion later on if your first name is written elsewhere.

Contact Information

Make sure that you include your contact information so that you can be reached.

Address

Some people will save space by not including their address because most contracts will not need it. If you do include it, make sure you write it professionally. Use capitalize letters to begin each word in your address.

If your mailing the address and street address are different, use your mailing address. If contacts do need your address it is most likely because want to mail something to you.

Phone number

Include a phone number where you can be reached for professional conversations. If possible ,use a number that only you will answer to avoid others answering in an unprofessional manner or forgetting to give you a message.

Email address

Include a professional email address. A professional email address is one where the user name is derived from your name. Avoid cute or funny usernames on the email address you give to employers.

Education

This must be included because your education is a major selling point.

Degree

List the title of the degree you are working on. Use the exact wording for your degree. Double check that it is correct. See your transcript or college catalog to be certain.

Major

List the title of your major. Use the exact wording for your major. Just as you did degree, double check the wording on your transcript or college catalog.

Name of college

Include the name of your college where you are earning your degree. Include the city and state as well.

Selling points

State any other selling points that you might want to highlight to an employer. You could list your skills, key accomplishments (academic or professional), or your professional goals.


Use the information above to create networking cards. Remember to carry them with you because you never know where you might meet your next professional contact.