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This article walks you through all the additional details you need to think about when designing a business card to attract a recruiter’s attention.
Think about your branding
Find a style, colour and font that best aligns with your industry and target audience. A bold, colourful layout might be a great fit for a creative designer, but a financial advisor would likely need a minimalist, polished design. You can find ideas on Pinterest and Dribble; search for “business card + [your profession]” to find the right look.
No matter the tone, keep it professional. Images and designs should show your professional side, not the party side!
Further creative options for your business card
When designing a business card, one way to distinguish yourself other than style, colour and font is size. If you are a finance professional but want to make a mark, consider sizes beyond the horizontal standard. Square and vertical designs are subtle changes that can have a big impact. But take care and remember that non-standard sizing might mean people won’t be able to fit them into their wallets.
If you opt for a standard format, changing the card’s material can also give you an edge. Matte finishes are great for writing on; perfect for personalising your cards! Embossed letters and gilded edges can really upgrade your look and help you stand out, but remember the added cost of doing so.
Essentials to include on your business card
Your name, job title, phone number, and email address are crucial items to include on your business card. If you have one, add your personal website, your portfolio, or your LinkedIn profile. If you have all three, we suggest keeping to one or two of these to avoid clutter.
Additions for your business card
There are many other options for business card designs to help you to stand out in a saturated market. We feel the following are the best use of your time:
- Taglines: If space allows, add a tagline or brief personal profile. But space is at a premium on business cards, so you will need to be ruthless with your words! We recommend more detail when your job title isn’t self-explanatory, or if you address a particular niche in your work.
- QR codes: A QR code is a brilliant way to drive traffic to read more about you and can help you avoid the clutter of lots of links and explanations. This might be a more visually arresting way to ensure recruiters visit your website, portfolio or LinkedIn profile. The added benefit is that you can take them there without them having to type anything! If you add a QR code, ensure you always keep it up-to-date.
Be realistic with your job title
Some people might want to get creative with their job title, and write a title that they want rather than the position they are currently in. If you’re in a position where you are looking for a role quite different from the one you have, we suggest highlighting your skills rather than a role you are currently seeking. “Bringing teams together” or “Data visualiser” are two phrases that emphasise your skills and avoid recruiters feeling hoodwinked!
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Do you already have a business card, or have we inspired you to get one? Let us know your tips for creating a great business card by following us on our social media channels. We post monthly tips and tricks for securing the best roles in finance and banking.