here's my take:

if you're applying for an open position, it's probably not that important. they will review your cover letter/resume, portfolio (if asked for yet) and decide who to call in for interviews.

but if you're fishing, if you're going around doing informational interviews, if the position you want isn't open at the moment (or doesn't officially exist yet), then a biz card could be effective, because in that case, you wanna keep your name in the minds of the powers that be. cards go into wallets, beside computer monitors, in roledex files, etc. etc. they are another opportunity for your name to come up when the time is right.

I agree with Chuck

My business card was a 1 colour poster/ which folded up to a reasonable size and had a calendar on it. I made sure the graphics where good enough for them to pin it up on the wall since I was fishing. That way when there was a position available it would be easier for them to remember me. I got 4 offers in the same week;-)

My advice is make something you can afford that stands out. Die cuts are expensive, you might want to consider something else.

Good hunting!

I think it can always help.
Although the "look" has to reflect what you offer as a designer (high costs?), you don't have to spend a lot on such a thing... Cards are mostly valuable for what they are, not for the features in their presentation.

Anyway, people ARE sensible to these kind of promotion, so I'd rather have a simple nice card than none at all. I personally prefer creative and economic approaches, because as I see it they tend to reflect more of what one is and can do.

Regards,

_________________________________________________
www.gabssnake.4t.com

A business card is a must. You never know who you are going to meet. It's vital to have a card you can hand someone with your web site, phone number, and email address. It's less important once you have the interview but it can't hurt. You're better off with something simple, now, than waiting for your fancy die-cut card.

It's not all that important to the job interview process, but Pattyfab has a point, that it will help if you meet people casually at events and whatnot. Design firms may or may not have a job posted, but they're nearly always willing to make room for the right person because they're so hard to find.

Once you have the interview, if the resume isn't stellar and the portfolio is just okay, a personal card will not win you more points.

However, if you have a great resume and your portfolio is solid then giving me a business card makes it easier to get in touch with you. In that case it's a bonus, but still not necessary.

Best of luck in your search.

Patty's right: you need a business card, if for no other reason than for networking.

A good design, logo, attractive type and more than two colours doesn't hurt either.

Good luck with your search.

Sharon

I agree that having a business card is a must, for all of the reasons already stated above. I've had my own card since I started seeking freelance work about a year ago, and I always make sure to give it to anybody who interviews me, be it a recruiter or a studio manager.

If you are strapped for cash, Avery makes some great business card templates these days, which you can print on laser or inkjet printers... The edges are smooth and the papers are available in matte or glossy finishes.

Best of luck!

You can also print a small batch of cards with inkjet printer. I did just that, when I had a meeting with client's client, and we agreed, that it would look better if I had a card with my client's name, address and website, but my own mobile number. A local stationary shop sells A4 sized cardboard for printing purposes.

...and the colons were fine (semicolons wouldn't have been).

______________________________________________________________
Ever since I chose to block pop-ups, my toaster's stopped working.

Everyone needs a business card. It's a basic tool of communications and networking.

If you can make it 'wow!' great, but the basic need is just to be able to hand someone your contact information. They'll be that more likely to stick it in the rolodex and that more likely to give you a call when the time comes.

As for custom die-cuts, surf the scrapbooking sites that offer custom stamps and paper punches. You might be able to find something to match your concept or even fine a place that will make a custom one for you.

> I got 4 offers in the same week;-)

But not because you left a card, but because you looked at a problem, came up with a useful solution, and probably did a helluva good job with it. You gave them something that screamed ... I can do this kind of work, and do it well.

As well as the four who offered the job I'll bet there were fourteen others who were kicking themselves because they couldn't find a spot to put you.

Ahh... Don you're making me blush:-D

>A business card is a must.

I think it is not only a must but also a challenge to do your own business card. You'll get the chance to think about who you are or who you want to be. And what is in between ...

As an occasional portfolio reviewer at a design agency, I don't care if the person has a business card or not. Work samples and contact info in an e-mail is enough. BUT if the person does have a card it MUST look very good. Not a conceptual wonder and I don't care much for fancy die-cut stuff and lots of colours, but impeccable typographically and maybe with a hint of character. For me it's an extension of the portfolio, and rather than show up with something half decent, don't bring it at all. The same goes for the portfolio. I don't want to see work done if it isn't something the person showing the portfolio really likes her- or himself. Show less, rather than too much.

That said, a business card is practical for all reasons mentioned above, so...

Beeing a portfolio reviewer myself I agree with what Fredo is saying.
Less is more! Make sure everything is tops or leave it out.
I go through tons of folios though so a businesscard for me is a good way of remebering the person and the folio.

Are you doing your folio available in a handy digital format? Make sure you do. Paper float around a busy office environment and will sooner or later be likely to disappear. Most agencys who speak to jobseakers regularly have a space on their server for folios where they can go back and find an appropriate candidate when the need presents itself. Make sure you're in that pile.

The best way to get work is through networking, it's often who you know. Meet up for drinks, give people calls. If you can call them give them a call.

You do need an identity on paper as well as digital.

Business cards are a common way of getting your details across but are often lost on the desk or filing system. There is also a case of never being happy or sure that what you have done for yourself, and the process tends to drag on, you need to get going the longer your out the harder it gets to get back in.
Send examples of your work by email or post this works better, send relevant pieces of work not random. Emails are sometimes better and people tend not to delete emails and they can find you again if you have made an impact. This way people can see how you would fit in. If there is a opportunity going then they will remember you and give you a call.

If you can't get full time then freelance. Get your name of freelanceuk.com if your in the UK.

As Endre did make something that will be useful and standout, possibly instead of a business card to give yourself a better chance of staying away from that draw.

like i said, if you're fishing, you need a card. if you already have an interview, i don't think it makes much difference one way or the other, except as one more thing for an hr staff to keep track of.
i've interviewed people who gave me their cards, and ONLY if it's terrific did it make a good impression. if i've just spent time talking with a candidate, hearing why they're perfect for such and such creative position, and then they hand me a card that falls short, it probably hurts more than no card at all.

A nice business card on thick, toothy paper is a MUST! I recommend these folks for affordable eco-friendly cards printing with die-cuts, soy inks, and recycled stocks.... as well as for just being rad: http://www.pinballpublishing.com

ilynam,

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?

That printer is exactly what I'm looking for (the rad is bonus.)

Thank you so much!

Alaskan