Networking is the process of meeting people, having conversations, exchanging information,
and nurturing relationships. A good network of professional contacts can help you
stand out in an applicant pool, be considered for opportunities to grow, and potentially
lead to promotion.
You’d be surprised by how many people you know. Think of SBU faculty and staff you
know. Consider your friends and students you work with through clubs, fraternities/sororities,
and other activities. Family and extended family members can also be part of your
network.
You can expand your network easily
People in your network who know you well may be able to introduce you to people they
know.
Meet new people through organizations and activities.
Consider getting involved in a campus organization related to your professional goals
and join the professional chapter as well, if applicable.
Join the SBU Alumni Association and get involved with their events.
With people you know, networking is easiest; you can initiate conversations, exchange
information, and further develop your professional relationship. You do not have to
become someone’s best friend to have a professional relationship.
With people you used to know (as in former colleagues or classmates), you could reconnect
via email or through LinkedIn.
With people you don’t know, networking can be more challenging, but it is absolutely
doable! Some ways you can initiate conversation include:
While standing on line at the bookstore, you could initiate a conversation about courses.
While attending an industry meeting, you could inquire about a person’s involvement
in the organization or their work.
You could respond to someone’s blog post, op-ed, or article in a publication.
You could write to someone you don’t know, asking for a networking meeting – see below
for guidelines.
Use your network to get career advice – conduct an informational interview.
This is a career research technique that enables you to expand your knowledge of an
occupation beyond what you have already learned through investigation. In this type
of interview, you are the person asking the questions – you are interviewing a person
for information about his/her career. Through the informational interview, you may
learn about the work environment, the rewards and frustrations of the job, as well
as the personal qualities needed for success in the field.
An informational interview is not a job interview. That means it is not appropriate
to use the session to ask about job openings with the organization.
Now that you know what an informational interview is, let’s talk about how to secure
one! The five steps to conducting an informational interview include:
Step 1: Identify professional to contact Step 2: Prepare for the informational interview Step 3: Request the informational interview Step 4: Conduct the informational interview Step 5: Follow up
Step 1: Identify professionals to contact
The best place to start is with your current network of contacts. Ask your contacts
if they know anyone working in your field of interest who may be willing to speak
with you and give you some advice.
Next, make a list of people you don’t know but you think might be willing to help.
Approaching strangers is uncomfortable even for the most seasoned networkers, but
you would be surprised at how willingly people help others who are interested in their
careers.
Student professional societies (e.g. Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers -
SHPE, the American Marketing Association, the Pre-PA club) host networking sessions
with professionals. The SBU Department of Student Activities website will have the
latest list of student organizations.
Professional associations often allow students to attend off-campus industry gatherings
at no or reduced cost. This will enable you to meet with professionals working in
your field of interest, and may result in connections willing to conduct informational
interviews. See below for examples of professional associations.
Professors and Career Center counselors may be able to provide additional resources.
Step 2: Prepare for the informational interview
Before you speak with someone, you must have investigated the profession and know something about it – you must show a professional
that you are serious and well prepared. From your research, get a sense of the type
of work performed by your contact, current issues in the field, and industry-specific
key words and acronyms. Remember, these are people who are setting aside time in their
busy schedules to provide you with information. Do not waste their time by asking
questions easily answered by doing a little homework.
Research... research... research...
Industry
You could start with the big picture: the industry. What is it all about? What type
of work is done in this industry? What are the latest trends? Who are the top companies
in this industry? Who are the up-and-coming competitors?
For example, maybe you feel passionate about helping college students, and want to
explore the industry of higher education. Perhaps you are interested in fashion or
finance, or the environment. All of these industries are complex and have many different
jobs associated with them. With more information, you can determine whether you like
the industry well enough to explore it further, or whether you want to explore something
else.
Career Fields
You could also start with a specific career field. What is it all about? What skills
and qualities are needed in the field or required for career entry? What organizations
employ people who do this type of work? What are some of the career tracks and sample
job titles in this field, and what are the pros and cons associated with these positions?
What training and education are required for career entry? What is the employment
outlook?
For example, you might imagine yourself working in the legal field. What are all the
possible types of organization that could employ a lawyer? Does one have to work in
a law firm or open a practice? Are there other positions besides attorney that could
be satisfying? If you are interested in a branch of the law, such as environmental
law or international law, would there be different expectations?
Resources for Industry and Career Research
Professional association websites often provide the latest information about industry
trends and often have job listings so you can see exactly what employers are looking
for in hiring.
Blogs may also provide some insider advice; just be careful about the sources of information
you review.
Questions... questions... questions...
From your research, develop a list of questions about the industry, the field, or
the individual you will be interviewing. It is inappropriate to ask about specific
job openings. Develop your questions with the purpose of gathering information about
your intended industry or field.
Plan enough questions for a 20-minute, 30-minute, or 60-minute interview. Meaning
– put your priority questions first and be prepared for a contact to give you just
20 minutes. Occasionally, things go so well that the interviewee will extend the conversation,
so you should have extra questions ready just in case.
Sample Questions About the Industry
1) In preparing for this interview, I found that this industry is expected to grow
and expand job opportunities nationally. Would you say that holds true for the metro
NY area?
2) I read in last week’s
Long Island Business News that Suffolk County has created a program to attract biotech firms to relocate here.
How do you feel this might this impact your business in the future?
Sample Questions About the Career Field
1) In preparing for this interview, I learned that more companies are requiring project
managers to have the PMP certification. What is your perspective on this development?
2) I saw the report on television last night that Wall Street firms are announcing
new layoffs, yet I have also noticed several job postings in these firms. How will
these layoffs impact internships and the entry-level job market in finance?
Sample Questions About the Individual
1) I noticed on your CAN Mentor profile that you do freelance counsulting. How do
you market yourself to potential clients without seeming too pushy?
2) I've read a few blogs where people in your field say that one of the best things
about this kind of work is the freedom / lack of structure. Do you share this sentiment?
Would people who like structure automatically be a poor fit for this type of work?
Initiate the Conversation
Before you contact a CAN Mentor, take some time to prepare. Consider the following:
To Do List
Strategies for Conversation
Take time getting to know someone.
Where possible, read about him/her in advance.Beforemeeting with your CAN Mentor, do your research by viewing his/her company profile
and LinkedIn profile. Take some time to learn about the person’s background. What,
if anything, do you have in common?
What most piques your interest about this person?
Consider your interests.
What do you hope to get out of this conversation? What do you want to learn?
Determine your goals.
What would success look like for you? Can you articulate your goals and what you need
to achieve them?
Share your assumptions, needs, expectations, and limitations candidly.
Ask for feedback. Be open to honesty and critique.
Discuss options and opportunities for learning.
Share your progress (past and current). Consider what additional assistance, guidance,
or support might be most useful. Be specific.
Step 3: Request the informational interview
An informational interview is a brief meeting, with someone currently working in your
field of interest, that offers you an insider’s perspective. The purpose of an informational
interview is not to get a job. It’s to better understand a particular position or
industry and make potential connections in the field.
If you request an informational interview with a CAN Mentor, he/she will expect something
more structured and focused than an informal chat. Treat the informational interview
as a business meeting. Prior to the interview, research the company or career and
develop a short list of questions that you would like to have answered. For a sample
list of questions, visit
About Careers.
We recommend sending your request via email (see samples below); however, the nature
and tone of your e-request will be different depending on whether the person to whom
you are writing is a “warm contact” or a “cold contact.”
Cold contacts are people with whom you have absolutely no relationship, nor contacts. Be professional
in your e-request, and use the subject line of your email to explain briefly who you
are and what you want.
Sample content for email to a COLD contact
May 20, 2017
Mark Steppe, Esq.
River, Song, and Obsidian Partners 1313 Avenue of the Harbors Suite 4444 Silver City, CA 12345
Dear Mr. Steppe:
I am a student at California Western School of Law, and am beginning my third trimester.
Labor law has been of interest to me since I took a class in that subject as an undergraduate
student. Your firm has an outstanding reputation in that field of practice.
My area of concentration in law school will be labor law. I would appreciate the opportunity
to meet with you briefly to discuss your specialty. I am especially interested in
your views regarding public vs. private employment experience. Any further insights
you have would be greatly appreciated.
I will contact your office the week of June 2 to set up a mutually convenient time
for this informational meeting.
Sincerely,
Adal Xavier
Once a day, date, and time is confirmed, email the contact a confirmation.
Sample confirmation email
Subject line: Confirming our meeting Tuesday, January 22nd @ 3:00pm
Dear Irene:
Thank you so much for your willingness to talk with me via telephone on Tuesday, January
22, 2012. As we agreed, I will call you at 3:00pm at this number: 555-555-1212.
I will reconfirm our meeting two days before, and at that time will send you a short
list of my questions for discussion. If something comes up and you must reschedule,
please contact me at yourname@stonybrook.edu or my cell phone: 555-555-5555.
Thank you again for your willingness to talk with me. I look forward to speaking with
you.
Sincerely,
[Your first name & last name here] Stony Brook University
Don’t forget to reconfirm two days before the meeting and INCLUDE your list of questions
so the interviewee has time to prepare.
Warm contacts are people you know and people who know you through a close connection, such as the
parent of your best friend. Warm contacts will be more likely to give you time if
they have it. When writing a request to a warm contact, refer to your relationship
in the subject line and use professional language in your email.
Sample content for an email to a WARM contact
(this is a warm contact since the individual is a member of the Career Advisors Network
(CAN) – therefore s/he is already interested in sharing advice with SBU students):
Dear Mr. (or Ms.) [Last Name]:
I am a sophomore at Stony Brook University. I found your name in the Stony Brook Career
Advisors Network (CAN) database, and I would like to learn more about your profession.
I love my psychology classes, and am now taking PSY 222: Adolescent Psychology. I
would like the opportunity to speak with you about how you got into the field, and
get your perspective and advice as I consider my own career path in psychology.
Would you be willing to set aside 20 minutes for an informational interview? I am
open to further correspondence by email or phone, or in person if you prefer.
Feel free to reply to this email (youremailaddress@stonybrook.edu) or call my cell
phone: 555-555-5555.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your first name & last name here] Stony Brook University
Hot contacts are people closest to you; those who know you well and will absolutely make time
to help you. When writing to a hot contact, you may use casual language; however,
the purpose of your e- request is still professional, so don’t assume you can simply
put in your subject line something too casual, such as “Hey,” or “Yo, I need your
help.”
Sample content for an email to a HOT contact
(Nicoletta is your best friend Roberto’s older sister)
Dear Nicoletta,
Roberto just told me that you work for an international development organization.
I had no idea that your career is so closely aligned with my interests! Roberto may
have told you that I’m majoring in anthropology with a minor in international relations.
I’ve studied abroad in Tanzania and have also done research with a professor whose
regional specialty is South America.
That’s why I’m writing to you today. I’m hoping you could find some time to share
advice with me about my career path and my plans for next summer. I’m thinking about
another study abroad experience, or perhaps an internship, and hope you’ll be able
to help steer me in the right direction.
Nicoletta, I would so appreciate your time. Let me know if we can work something out.
Sincerely,
Angel DeZubita
Step 4: Conduct the informational interview
Exactly on time, call your contact(or show up if you’ve arranged an in-person interview).
Make sure to...
Dress appropriately. Smart business casual – no need for an interview suit.
Arrive early – about 10 minutes before the appointed time.
Encourage the interviewee to talk. This means listen for understanding and ask probing
questions.
Appear interested – sit up straight, lean forward slightly and maintain eye contact.
Relax. This is not a job interview. You and the person you are speaking with will
enjoy the conversation more if the atmosphere is relaxed and informal.
Take notes. It is considerate, however, to ask permission of the interviewee before
you begin.
Now for the conversation
First – thank your contact for setting aside time to speak with you. Acknowledge how
much time you will take.
Example: “I am aware that your time is valuable and that we have about 20 minutes,
so I’ll go ahead and begin with my questions.”
Introduce yourself briefly, stating your goals for the conversation (30-60 seconds).
Ask your questions. Take notes. Listen for understanding and ask questions based on
the responses you receive. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something.
Have a conversation.
Mind your time – make sure you are aware of the time and that you don’t go over.
When it gets close to the end of the time, even if you have to interrupt nicely, say
something like this,
“Nicoletta, I’m sorry to interrupt you but we are coming close to the end of our time.
I’m happy to stay later if YOU have time, but I don’t want to take advantage or assume
that you have extra time today.”
Before you end, if the conversation went very well, ask for additional people the
interviewee might suggest you speak with who could provide additional information
or another perspective on the field.
Example: “Nicoletta, you mentioned that you used to work at a community college. Would
there be someone currently working in the community college setting you could refer
me to?”
Be sure to thank your interviewee with a smile and professional handshake.
Example: “Nicoletta, thank you so much for spending time with me today. As you can
see I have several pages of notes, and I feel that I learned so much from you that
I could have never read on a website. Would you mind if I stay in touch with you as
I continue my networking?”
More ideas for informational interview questions
How did you come to this step in your career? Was it planned or luck or both?
What does your job involve on a daily basis?
How would you describe the atmosphere at your place of work?
How does the culture of the company impact your daily work?
What do you like/dislike about your job?
What are some of the most difficult problems you encounter in your job?
What would you consider to be the greatest rewards associated with your position?
What kinds of professionals do you interact with in your job?
Do people in this field change jobs often?
If you decided to change careers, what other types of work would you be qualified
to do?
How easy (or difficult) is it to find a job in this field?
What types of skills are needed for entry into this field? What about at higher levels?
What type of compensation can an entry-level worker in this field expect? An experienced
worker?
What personal qualities do you believe one needs for this career?
What are the opportunities for advancement in this field?
How can I best prepare myself for a career in this field?
How would I go about pursuing a related internship or volunteer experience?
What job search strategy works best?
Step 5: Follow Up and Say Thank You
Always send a thank-you email after the interview, even though you said thank you
in person. The thank-you note is the extra step you can make to solidify your professionalism
in the eyes of the person you interviewed.
Keep in touch with the professionals you meet. Based on your interviews, if you decide
to pursue a career in their field, your informational interviewees have just become
your first network of contacts! These professionals may be willing to help you down
the road, so it is important for you to maintain contact with them to let them know
how things are going and where you are in the career exploration process.
Phone Call Etiquette for Job Seekers
While conducting your job search, you may need to call recruiters directly to get
more information about the application process, recruiters may contact you, or you
may have a phone interview. Friendly and professional phone etiquette will leave employers
with a great impression of you, and it will make you feel more confident in interacting
over the phone.
1) Practice what you want to say before you call. Make sure your words are clear and that you’re speaking slowly and confidently.
2) Call in a quiet location, preferably using a landline. Try to avoid distractions or bad reception.
3) Be prepared to leave a voice message in case no one answers. Having it written down is a great idea. When leaving a message, include your name
at the beginning, the reason for your call, and your phone number.
4) Have your resume and cover letter on hand when you call. Be prepared! Keep a pen and paperwith you to take notes on names, numbers, and instructions.
5) Ask the recruiter if they have time to speak to you. They may want you to call back at another time or to come in for an appointment. Be
considerate of their time.
6) Let the recruiter choose when to call you. End your conversation with “Please give me a call at your earliest convenience.” Don’t
presume and ask them to call on your schedule.
7) Don’t take any other calls while you’re speaking to a recruiter. Never place them on hold. You want to show that you’re serious about the position
and that you are prioritizing this phone call.
8) Return calls within 24 hours. If a recruiter calls you, return the call promptly.
9) Send a thank-you note. Whether your call was a request for information or a phone interview, always send
a brief thank-you note through email or postal mail.
Email Etiquette for Job Seekers
Email has become an important tool for employers and students alike, and it’s almost
guaranteed that you’ll need to send emails throughout your job search. When applying
to jobs and communicating with potential employers through email, it is necessary
to maintain a sense of professionalism.
1. Be clear in your subject line.
The recipient should know immediately why you are contacting them. If you are responding
to a job ad, write Application for XYZ position.
2. Begin with an appropriate greeting.
Your relationship to the recipient will determine how you greet him or her.
For someone whose name you do not know, use Dear Hiring Representative:
For someone whose name you know, use Dear Mr. or Ms. [name]:
For someone you know personally, a simple Hello [name], is fine.
Never start an email with Hey or skip the greeting entirely.
In a first email, you always want to be as formal as possible. It is best to use Ms.
instead of Mrs. or Miss for a woman if you do not know her marital status. If a person
is a Dr., it is impolite to address them as Mr. or Ms. Make an effort to find out
a person’s title so you can address them properly.
If a recruiter signs an email with just their first name, you may address them as
such; if not, continue to use their title and last name.
Always put a colon after your greeting and skip a line before starting your message.
3. Write an appropriate body.
If your email is a job application, the content should be your cover letter. If you
are simply asking a question, introduce yourself but do not ramble unnecessarily.
Double check that you’ve included all the important information, and remember that
professional emails should be brief, polite, and informative.
4. Break your email into coherent paragraphs.
No one wants to read a block of text. Two to four short paragraphs is an appropriate
length for an email. Make sure that each paragraph addresses a single idea and that
your email is unified in its content and not a jumble of different questions.
5. If attaching files, include your name in the document titles.
Name the files [Your Name, Resume] or [Your Name, Writing Sample]. You may want to
ask the employer for his or her preference in document format, so that you can send
files as .doc or .pdf accordingly.
6. Close off the email.
Use a closing such as Yours Sincerely, or Best Regards, before signing your full
name.
7. Use an appropriate email signature.
Your signature is a great place to include your contact information after your name.
Include your phone number, email address, and postal address.
8. Proofread!
Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Don’t let one or two typos reflect poorly
on your communication skills.
9. When making appointments, be flexible.
If a recruiter asks you to provide timeslots of your availability, give them as many
options as possible. You want to work with their schedules.
10. Respond in a timely manner.
You should reply within twenty-four hours, as most people check their email several
times a day. Expect to follow up with a phone call.
Some other tips to follow…
Use an appropriate email address. It should consist of just your full name. You never want to contact an employer from
an email address like sexygirl95@myemail.com.
Be formal and respectful. Always use basic manners (please and thank you) and never assume you can begin using
improper punctuation or informal tone just because a recruiter might do so.
Convey your interest. Even though you are using professional language, you want a recruiter to sense your
enthusiasm and friendliness, not to come across as demanding or uninterested. This
can be difficult through email. Read your message out loud and pay attention to your
word choice and tone.
Never use emoticons or abbreviations. LOL, BTW, TTYL, and other lingo are unacceptable in formal emails. These are unprofessional
and for texting only.
Be mindful of the To, CC, and BCC. If a recruiter includes someone else in their message, it may be appropriate to address
them in your response. Other times, it may be unnecessary to reply to all the recipients.
Use your judgment and be considerate of the recipients’ time.
Never type in all capital letters. Using all caps or excessive exclamation points may leave the impression that you’re
shouting.
Making a Linkedin Profile
Why Do You Need LinkedIn?
1. Online Presence
Many employers now perform background checks by simply entering your name into a search
engine. By making a LinkedIn profile, you can guarantee that the first search result
is work appropriate and further advertises your skills.
2. Networking
LinkedIn is a way to
network with employers, mentors, professors, alumni, peers, or other people in your
industry.
3. Job Search
LinkedIn is also a
platform for job postings. LinkedIn also provides statistical information on each employer like common positions,
company headquarters, past and present employees, and more! After doing research,
you can apply to positions that you’re interested in with your LinkedIn profile and
uploaded resume.
Getting Started
1. Sign up
LinkedIn is free to join, but it does have paid plans for more advanced features.
For students just starting out, though, the free membership is fine!
2. Upload a photo
Make sure your profile picture is appropriate—it should be a high-quality headshot
of just you, ideally wearing a nice blouse, shirt, or jacket. It’s not uncommon for
students to take a picture specifically for their LinkedIn profiles.
*TIP: At job and internship fairs, the Career Center operates a LinkedIn photo booth—we
can take your LinkedIn headshot for you!
3. Create a URL
You will automatically be assigned a URL of numbers or letters, but personalize your
URL to advertise yourself. A professional URL might include your first and last name.
It should be simple enough to include on a business card so that employers can find
you.
4. Add your education information
Include all relevant information, such as major, programs, degrees, and graduation
dates.
5. Add your experiences
This section is an opportunity for you to include an expanded version of your resume!
All your past jobs, volunteer positions, and leadership activities can be categorized.
You can also attach media files to give employers examples of your work.
6. Add your skills
On LinkedIn, skills can be endorsed by your connections. If they can attest to your
skill level, they can endorse you.
7. Create a profile headline
Create a profile headlinethat tells people who you are in the professional context. It might read “Undergraduate
biology student with an interest in cardiovascular research” or “Senior journalism
major interested in magazine editorial.”
8. Develop your professional summary
Explain your career goals and qualifications. This section will look like the intro
from your cover letter.
You have a profile! What's next?
Networking Find your peers, supervisors, and mentors on LinkedIn and send them requests to connect!
You should always accompany your request with a personalized message—this is even
more highly recommended if you’re trying to connect with someone who may not remember
you clearly at first, or if you are trying to connect with a potential employer. Let
the person know how you met and what organization/connections you have in common.
Find people you know
To find people you know, you can search by name or email address, or you can look
at LinkedIn’s recommendations for you (see “People you may know” in the Connections
dropdown menu). LinkedIn will find people with common organizations and contacts,
and you can sort through them and add those you know.
Who should I add?
While on Facebook it’s common for people to add someone they don’t know or someone
they’ve only spoken to a couple of times, on LinkedIn, you want to be careful and
choosy about who you include in your network. Your connections have the potential
to connect you to people who can get you interviews. However, other connections—perhaps
people you don’t know at all or people whose profiles are not professional—might act
to your detriment.
Add coworkers, supervisors, mentors/mentees, friends, and family, but don’t add someone
you don’t know personally or professionally.
How well do you know about that person’s professional goals? How well do they know
yours? Think about these things carefully before reaching out to anyone. If someone
you don’t know requests a connection, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask them how you
two know each other and why they want to connect with you.
Status updates
Update your status about once a week.
Don’t forget—LinkedIn isn’t Facebook. No one wants to know what you had for lunch.
Instead, post about your industry of interest. It could be news, advice, a question,
or an opinion. Sharing articles that are relevant to your industry is a great way
to start a dialogue with your connections and show your knowledge and activity with
the industry. However, do not get too controversial with topics. Remain professional
at all times to avoid conflict. LinkedIn is not a space for arguments to develop.
Groups
Join your university group and the groups of any organizations you might belong to,
as well as any groups in the industry you want to enter. Participate respectfully
and intelligently in group discussions about industry topics—this is a great way to
make new contacts and to get your name known to employers!
How to use LinkedIn
Now that you have a great profile, make sure to keep it updated and to be active in
conversation! Add new contacts as you meet new people, and pay attention to the connections
your contacts have. If someone you know is connected to an employer at your dream
company, don’t be afraid to ask for an introduction. Give the URL to your profile
to employers or mentors you talk to and put it on your resume near your contact information.
Even if they don’t add you, it’s a great place to show them your professionalism and
your experiences and qualifications. A neat-looking, professional profile can go a
long way in the interview process. Aside from showcasing your experiences, it shows
employers that you understand how to create an online presence, which is a skill highly
valued by companies.
Business Cards
Making a lasting impression and standing out in a large population pool requires both
a firm handshake and a business card. A business card not only helps you get noticed,
but it also gives your network contact information and a professional perception of
you. Additionally, it is important to brand yourself—meaning to show how valuable
you are as an individual, but also what goods and services you can offer. Having a
business card is a great way to show potential employers what you’re interested in
and what you have to offer. However, it isn’t just about giving out your business
card; it’s about the cards you receive in return. You’re expanding your business network
and increasing your chances of succeeding in the professional realm.
Information you should include on your business card:
Name. Use your full name or shortened version (ex: Joseph- Joe). No gimmicks, no nicknames.
Current university with
major(s) and
minor(s)/degrees you’re working towards
Graduation date. This is important for employers to know your availability.
Candidate for internship doing... OR
Candidate for entry level position in... It is important to let employers know what you’re looking for. This aspect is important
for branding yourself as well.
City, State. Street address is not necessary.
Phone numbers (work, home, or cell). If you decide to have more than one, indicate which is which. Ideally, a cell phone
number is fine. Make sure that your voicemail greeting is appropriate.
Email address. Keep the email address you use professional. Aim for an address that simply includes
your name and/or initials with no numbers. Steer clear of FancyDisc0Person239103 @unprofessional.com;
johnjsmith @gmail.com looks much more professional. Do NOT use your Stony Brook email;
for some employers it shows that you are unavailable for employment.
Optional information
A logo/slogan can make your card more memorable.
Any memberships you have (sororities, frats, student groups, etc.)
A link to your LinkedIn profile (or other professional website)
QR code – This shows that you’re ambitious enough to seek out something new and implement
it to your benefit; it also means that recruiters can contact you for your specific
talents and start conversation already knowing some of your background. QR codes are
not aesthetically pleasing, but they offer a way for employers to use smart phones
to read about you or visit your website on the spot. You can use
kaywa qr codeto easily make a code. Remember to always
make sure that a QR code works.
Quick tips and resources
Honors/Awards – This information is more appropriate for your resume. But if you’d
like to also use the back of your card, a brief list of honors/awards is okay.
Location – If you are open to relocating for your next job, it may be best to leave
out your physical address completely.
You can use Google Shortener to shorten long URLs. Your business card will appear
neater and have additional space. Contacts might respond by thinking of you as internet
savvy, but the shorter URL is easily forgotten. If you shorten a link, make sure you
include the name of the site that the link is for.
Always
proofreadyour business card. You want to make the best impression, and a typo will not let
you achieve that. Make sure that all your contact information is correct and up to
date.
Font should be at least 8 point as to be legible for all who will be reading your
card.
As you’ll see below, make sure to keep a “safe zone” on your business card design.
In case your printer or vendor’s printer is off—even by a centimeter—no crucial information
will be lost.
Get creative! You don’t have to go over the top; a simple, clean design works, too.
But having a nice design and typography doesn’t hurt, either.
Affordable business cards
Business cards are a great investment. But many college students are on a tight budget.
Here are some sites that offer affordable prices for business cards:
If you’d prefer to make your business cards at home, you can use Adobe Photoshop or
Illustrator. Microsoft Office also has business card templates.
For more information on business cards and to get some inspiration, see
Bestbusinesscard.net
Business Card Etiquette
Now that you have the basics of business cards down, you are ready to network! You
are free to network at job fairs, while visiting family and friends, during chance
meetings while on the bus, train, etc.—anywhere, really; you never know who you’re
going to meet!
As a general rule, when networking you want to give your card at the end of the conversation.
You could say, “It was great speaking with you. Here is my card; let’s stay in touch.”
This should encourage the other person to give you his/her card too, but if not, kindly
ask for it. Avoid casually handing out business cards; this makes a negative impression.
If you are at an interview or in a meeting setting you want to give your business
card at the beginning. You might say, “Thanks for taking the time to meet with me;
here’s my card to hold on to.”
Final Word of Advice
Remember, the business cards can’t do all the work. It is up to you to make a lasting
impression, while the cards add to your presence. Pollak advises, “If you’re dreary
and boring and unfocused and your card is fabulous, it’s not going to help," she says.
"You have to be the best representative of yourself and your card is simply your information."
Your business card should be a physical reminder of a good first impression.
You can find networking tips
here, or come down to the Career Center if you want more help preparing.
DO NOT INCLUDE THE STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY LOGO– Based on business card guidelines, Stony Brook University students may not put the
logo on their business cards. SBU can be represented in type only.
P
rofessional Attire
CampusTap
We offer a variety of ways for you to learn from alumni and friends about careers.
Select opportunities include the Career Advisors Network (CAN) Program (powered by
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