1. Contact Cards help with Networking, Job Hunting during the Holidays

2. Contact Cards The winter holidays are fast approaching and many people are traveling home to visit with classmates, family and friends in the next few months. If you are job hunting, these people are a source of referrals for job leads. You will want to have a contact card ready to share.

3. Contact Cards A contact card is very similar to a business card. It shows you are a professional and are serious about promoting yourself.

4. Key elements of your contact card: Name Use your full name or the name you use on LinkedIn. Ensure you are consistent with how you use your name online and keep it professional.

5. Key elements of your contact card: Degree(s) conferred Right after your name list your degrees conferred, such as MD, JD, PhD, BS, AA etc.

6. Key elements of your contact card: LinkedIn URL This will let people know they can find out more about you and your skills online. Place your LinkedIn URL on the line below your name.

7. Key elements of your contact card: Phone Number You want your card to be relevant after you leave the military or your present place of employment. I recommend you use your cell phone and not a home phone number.

8. Key elements of your contact card: Physical Address: Placing your physical address is optional.

9. Key elements of your contact card: Email Address: You must have a professional email address. Do not use a work email or a school email.

10. Key elements of your contact card: Leave the back of your contact card blank. Do not list your job title or your skills. You do not want to limit your marketability by having a limited list of skills or job titles.

11. Key elements of your contact card: Military affiliation is an optional item. I recommend having one card that shows you are a Veteran and another that does not. If you are networking with military friendly companies then you would use the card that shows your military affiliation.

12. Key elements of your contact card: Do not put your rank on your business card. This can cause someone to stereotype or discriminate against you based on rank and not look at your current education or skill sets.

13. Key elements of your contact card: Ensure your contact card is made out of a quality card stock. Do not attempt to print them off on your home computer. Use a font that is professional and large enough to be read.

14. Key elements of your contact card: I do not recommend putting a picture on your card. Again, you do not want to be discriminated against because you are not the ideal weight, or have a hair color or a hair style that does not resonate with the hiring manager.

15. Key elements of your contact card: When you are attending alumni football homecomings, holiday parties, and work functions dont force your card upon anyone. If the person asks if you have a card, you will be ready.

16. Key elements of your contact card: Also, when people ask what you are up to you can say you are job hunting and ask them to let anyone they know that may be hiring that you are looking.

17. Key elements of your contact card: After you leave the event you can follow up with that person by sending a hand written note and include one or two contact cards.

18. Key elements of your contact card: The contact card is just one tool you should have in your job hunting toolbox. It only takes a person a few seconds to see you and your contact card and form an opinion. Ensure it represents you in a positive manner.

19. Key elements of your contact card: Coach Jaynine is the Coach for the Militarypreparing you for your next mission. Your success is her business. Download your Free Transition Assessment at www.coachforthemilitary.com or contact her at 910-539-2810.