5 Ideas for Keeping Business Cards Handy

Sorry, all my business cards are at the office.

Those could be the "famous last words” of the forgetful entrepreneur.

If you habitually find yourself without a business card, you’re habitually losing money; or at least the chance of making money. Your business card, more than any other marketing weapon in your arsenal, is what prospects and colleagues rely upon to remind them why they should do business with you.

Forgetting a business card is a marketing mistake of significant proportions. We’re so inundated with advertising messages that most of us learn to tune them out. Yet every time you’re asked for a business card, and sheepishly reply that you don’t have one with you, you’re missing an invitation to market to someone.

Forgetting your business card is a social faux pas

Being asked for a business card is a compliment. Not having one with you at that critical moment is subtly offensive. It puts both you and the person requesting the card in an embarrassing situation. And it nonverbally tells your prospect that you’re not quite the business person they thought. You’re not really serious about your business, or too careless and forgetful to be entrusted with theirs.

If you’re determined not to be caught cardless again, here are some tips to help you remember:

1) Develop a strategy for using business cards to actively promote your business

It may be as simple as deciding to give 5 or 10 cards away every day. It may mean printing labels describing your current promotion, sticking them to the back of your cards, and pinning them to bulletin boards. Whatever! The point is that if you consciously figure out a way to use your business cards to bring in business, you’re much less likely to forget them.

2) Invest in new cards

If you haven’t ordered business cards within the past two years, there’s a good chance that the information or photo is out of date by now. And if your last order was for 1000 cards and there are still 990 cards left, ask yourself why you haven’t been passing them out. If it’s because you dislike the cards, pitch them and get business cards you’re proud of!

3) Draft and practice a business card presentation

Unless you’re comfortable and confident when handing out your card, you won’t do it. Besides, the words and actions that accompany your business card when you give it to someone can really cement a positive first impression.

4) Invest in a quality business card case, one that you’re proud to show off and use

Business card cases can be conversation starters in and of themselves. There are so many unusual, classic and artistic choices available to choose from. I suggest investing in a few cases; a more professional, elegant case for formal business occasions and a flashy or fun holder for social situations.

5) Tuck a few business cards everywhere

Your car’s glove compartment. Your briefcase. Your gym bag. Your wife’s purse. Next to the front door on the table where you keep your keys. Your desk drawer. Your secretary’s desk. The pocket of your coat. Your suitcase.

Bottom line: Never leave home without business cards!

Как писать резюме по-английски

       Резюме (в англоязычном мире используют термин Сurriculum Vitae или CV) - мощнейшее оружие в арсенале соискателя на получение того или иного места работы. Поэтому важно уметь грамотно составлять этот документ. 

      Даже очень квалифицированные сотрудники часто получают отказ от работодателей, поскольку анкеты соискателей не соответствуют предъявляемым к ним требованиям. 

     Что нужно сделать, чтобы предполагаемый босс выбрал ваше резюме и предложил вам участвовать в отборочном конкурсе или прийти на собеседование? 

       Коротко да ясно, от того и прекрасно 

     При составлении резюме нужно избегать слишком сложных конструкций. 

     Помните: у вас есть буквально секунды на то, чтобы заинтересовать работодателя, читающего вашу анкету. И если она будет написана заумно, она может быть моментально отправлена в корзину. 

       Cтрогих правил, касающихся объема резюме, нет. И все же нужно стараться уместить информацию на одной странице формата A4. 

       Что нужно указать в анкете 

     Стандартное резюме начинается с личной информации (Personal information), то есть с сообщения имени и фамилии соискателя (Name & Surname) 
     адреса (Address) 
     контактных данных (Contact details). 

     Вся эта информация помещается в верхней части страницы. 

      Далее следуют данные о 

      квалификации (Skills) 
      опыте работы (Work experience) 
      карьерных целях (Career goals). 

     В обратном хронологическом порядке указываются должности (Positions), которые соискатель занимал в последние годы, и достижения (Achievements) при выполнения тех или иных обязанностей. 

      В резюме также включают сведения об образовании (Education), интересах соискателя (Interests) и упоминают о наличии или возможности получения рекомендаций (References). 

       Чего делать не стоит 

    Не следует отправлять вместе с резюме свидетельства и удостоверения (за исключением случаев, когда этого требует работодатель). Как правило, подобного рода документы предъявляются соискателями во время собеседования. 

      Следующий совет может показаться банальным, и все же: не стоит пытаться выдумывать и указывать в анкете места трудоустройства, чтобы скрыть период, когда вы не работали. 

      Простейшая проверка данных может вскрыть обман и поставить крест на возможности получить желаемую работу. 



     Перед тем, как отправить работодателю анкету, внимательно прочитайте ее и проверьте, нет ли в ней орфографических ошибок. Они, как, впрочем, и пятна на листе с текстом резюме, сразу могут вызвать негативную реакцию у того, кто будет читать ваше CV. 

      Строго соблюдайте требования по предоставлению документов, которые указаны в объявлении о вакансии. Например, если отдел кадров желает получить от вас три или четыре копии резюме, именно столько экземпляров и нужно предоставить. 

     И последнее. В большинстве случаев к резюме прилагают сопроводительное письмо (Covering letter). В нем соискатель указывает желаемую должность и в нескольких предложениях излагает преимущества своей кандидатуры. 

      Объем сопроводительного письма не должен превышать одной страницы. 

     Образцы написания резюме и сопроводительного письма на английском языке представлены ниже. 


Curriculum Vitae (Sample 1)

Louise Longford
12, Kenmore Road
Littletown
LT12 9BH
01456 783460

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Motivating others to share my passion for sport and fitness
Enjoy being part of a team both in netball and for academic work
Able to work without supervision
Good at balancing work and study commitments
Competence in use of all aspects of Office 2000 and Fitness Publisher

ACHIEVEMENTS

Establishing college aerobics class
Captain of College netball team
Second place in county cross country finals

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS


2000-2002 Littletown Community College
BTEC National Diploma Sports Science, completion date July 2000

Subjects studied:
Core Science
Diet & Nutrition
Maths & Statistics
Practical Sports
Safety & Sports Injuries
Sports Anatomy and Physiology
Sports Psychology
IT
Exercise Physiology
Human Physiology
Mechanics of Sport
Outdoor Pursuits
Sociology & Philosophy of Sport
Organisation & Administration
Supervision & Management
Sport in Society

Courses completed:

RLSS Bronze Medallion
RSA Exercise to Music teachers Award
RSA CLAIT and IBT 2

1993-2000 Littletown School GCSEs:
English Language (B)
English Literature (C)
Biology (A)
Maths (B)
Geography (C)
P.E. (A)
Art (A)
Design Realisation (B)
French (C)
Chemistry (C)

EMPLOYMENT

2000 to present. Pool Attendant, Littletown Swimming Pool. Part time post, hours vary from 5 to 15 a week.

Supervising swimmers
Reception work, money handling and phone answering
Working towards ASA Swimming Teacher's Award

INTERESTS

Netball
Circuit training
Squash
Skiing
Mountain Biking

REFERENCES


Mr. P. Benn
Manager
Littletown Baths
Broughton Street
Littletown
LT1 9GL


Ms. S. Cuthberg
Course Manager (Sport Science)
Littletown Community College
West Street
Littletown
LT2 6EK

Curriculum Vitae (Sample 2)

Amreen Kauser is trying to find work after spending a year travelling.
Her CV is aimed at web designing and PR.



Amreen Kauser
12, West Street
Manchester
M14 4RT

Telephone 0161 786 573
amreen@mannet.co.uk

My time in South America has caused me to rethink career goals.
I am keen to work in the charity sector, particularly for an organisation that promotes the welfare of children.
My aim is to use design and communication skills to raise awareness of issues in the developing world.

Key Skills
Ability to plan, organise and keep going when things get difficult
Increased awareness of other cultures and the effect of poverty on children
Experience of producing publicity material for a range of media
Competence with internet and web design software
Experience of marketing, advertising and conference organisation

Career History

October 2001- July 2002
Travelling and working in South America.
Work undertaken was mainly teaching English at a school in Rio de Janeiro and involvement in international fund raising activities to equip the school with computers.
This gave me additional insight into the value of public relations work.

1998-2000
Multimedia designer, Crimson Graphics Manchester

Key features
Contributing to design of CDs, web sites, brochures and advertising material
Member of creative team of five designers and writers
Understanding of PR and marketing strategy
Tact, diplomacy and ability to deal with people at all levels
Working to tight deadlines

Qualifications

1998

HND Media Technology. Leeds Metropolitan University

Key features
Development of multimedia authoring skills
Development of visual and written communication skills
Project on evaluating the impact of promotional material

1989 to 1996
Salford High School
A level Design and Spanish
7 GCSEs

Interests

Travel
Painting
Languages
Internet design

References available on request.

Curriculum Vitae (Sample 3)

Morfydd Williams is applying for a two-year contract with a project being run by the local health authority.
It's as an assistant community development worker in a health Action Zone.
The job involves working as part of a team to develop activities and create facilities for teenagers on a large housing estate.
Morfydd has just left 6th form college and has never had any paid work.



Morfydd Williams
17, High Close
Cardiff
CF18 7TL

Personal profile
Energetic, open minded and resourceful.
I'm optimistic, have a good sense of humour and get on easily with people of all ages.
My long term aim is to train as a Social Worker but I would like to get several years practical experience before returning to study for a professional qualification.

Education

1995-2000
Oldhill School, Cardiff

2000-2002
Central Sixth Form College, Cardiff

GCSEs

RE A
English Language B
English Literature B
Design Technology B
French B
Biology B
Maths C
History C

A Levels

PE B
Psychology C
Sociology D

Voluntary work experience
2001 and 2002
Volunteer play worker on the Rosehill Estate's summer play scheme for 5 - 11 year olds. My involvement was helping organise and supervise a range of activities, including:

Volleyball competition
Day trips to farms, museums and swimming baths
Poetry writing competition
Girls rugby tournament

1999-2000
School Community Service Project with Alzheimer's Society

Other achievements and interests

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award 1998
Swimming, hockey and golf
Scenery construction and painting for the Youth Drama Group
Pony trekking

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Create a Resume in English

Your resume is a sales document. . .you are 'selling' yourself to an employer. Keep this in mind as you are writing. It must be current, and highlight the requirements of the position you are applying for.
 

Resume Vs CV 

What is the difference between 'resume' and 'CV'?


Resumé is French meaning 'summary'.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin meaning 'course of life'.

For general job seekers, a CV and resume are the same thing. However, what you call the document changes depending on the country.

Resume is the common name in the US and English-speaking Canada.
CV is used in the United Kingdom.
Both resume and CV can be used in North America and Australia.

However, if you are looking for an academic, education, scientific or research job, you use the term CV. In this situation, a CV goes into a great amount of detail about educational background, including academic publications. This amount of detail is not required when you are applying for a job in the public sector or private sector.

In the information below, we use the term resume and follow a popular style. Please research which name to use in the country you are applying to work in.

Getting Started


Research!
Before you begin writing your resume, research the business or industry that you are sending your resume to. You need to show that you have the skills and experience needed for that company or industry.

Be honest!
Some people lie in their resumes. Studies show that 40% of job seekers lie about their employment, 20-30% lie about their education, and 25-30% give false references. Employers know this happens so they often check the information. It is easy to find information on the Internet. Only write the truth or you might find yourself in trouble!

What should my resume look like?
There are many formats for resumes. The style we use below is a common format in English-speaking countries.

Page layout
Keep it simple - fonts like 10-11 point 'Times New Roman' or 'Arial' are easy to read.
Include page numbers.

Tip:
Use the correct spelling for each country!
US = color, meter, realize, curb, tire, airplane
Canada = colour, metre, realize, curb, tire, airplane
UK/Australia = colour, metre, realise, kerb, tyre, aeroplane

 
Birth date, religion and marriage status
Putting this information is generally not done in English-speaking countries. This information does not affect your job performance, and is therefore not relevant. It can also open a company up to legal problems due to discrimination. If this information is in a resume, a hiring manager generally assumes the person has not worked in an English-speaking country in the past.

Attaching a photograph
This is a no-no in English-speaking countries. It is strange to see a photograph on a resume. Again, it usually indicates the person has not worked in an English-speaking country before.

How long should my resume be?
If you are a new graduate or have not worked for a long time, 1-2 pages is acceptable. For everyone else, 2-5 pages is normal. However, many employers prefer 'short and sweet' resumes. Your resume shows how your career has developed and lists your achievements, but keep it short and interesting.

Tip:
Remember, most hiring managers are very busy, and want to get through resumes quickly. If you write clearly and keep the resume short, the person will read the full resume. If it is too long with unimportant information, he or she may stop reading!
Page Header


This is where you put your contact details. Your contact information should appear on the top and center of every page (in case the pages become separated).

Use a professional sounding e-mail address like jmep@heatmail.com (not something like happygirl1986@heatmail.com.) Otherwise, do not include your e-mail address.

Put at least one phone number - make it easy for the hiring manager to find you!

Here are 2 examples of heading layouts:

Julia Meppem
2 Judge Street
Exeter, CA 93221
Tel: (559) 592-7107
jmep@heatmail.com

Terry Smith
123 This Place - Somewhere, MN 12345 - (123) 123-1234
tsmith@example.com
Summary of Qualifications


The Summary of Qualifications section on your resume has 4-5 statements that say why you are the best person for the job. It is the first thing an employer will look at, so use this space wisely.

Imagine you only have 10 seconds to make the person reading the resume want you. Briefly explain why you think you are good for the job. Talk about your skills and experience. Explain your vision, goals, work ethic, etc. Also talk about your career objectives - where do you want to be in the future? This gives the employer a vision of the direction you want to take and how you could fit in with the business.

Tip:
Use the subject 'I' or just the verb tense. Do not use he/she. It gives the impression somebody else has written the resume, and is very impersonal.
Summary of Qualifications

With 10 years experience in the sales industry, I seek a position managing a sales team. I am a hard worker who enjoys challenges. I am motivated, and can work without supervision. I take time to listen to the concerns of my staff, and create an environment where my team can share ideas. My current role has resulted in increased profits, a 10% increase in new customers, and the development of a culture of teamwork. I believe I can help any company grow to its sales potential.


Summary of Qualifications

Qualified career counsellor with 14 years specializing in coaching and job search services. Have assisted many people to change career paths by helping set goals and developing networking skills. Very patient and happy to assist wherever possible. Skills and experience would be very beneficial to any recruitment company.

Education

Your education is definitely one of your biggest assets. Education is more important for some jobs than other jobs. If the job you are applying for requires qualifications...nursing, engineering, teaching, accounting... put your education before your work experience. Include the school, date of graduation and qualification received.

If you have just graduated, and have no work experience, create your resume 'around' your studies. Include practical projects you have completed.

Do not include your primary school. Generally you do not include high school.

Only list schools where you received a degree, work-related certificate or diploma. Put your highest qualification first.

If you were studying for a degree or any other level of education which you did not complete, or have not yet completed, list the courses.

List short courses that you have done - presenting skills, business writing, etc.

Information to include:
- name of school
- degree
- degree date
- major(s)
- any minors or concentrations

Tip:
Bold the important information to make it easier to read.EDUCATION

Masters of Management
University of Toronto, Canada
May 2004
Bachelor of Business
Queens University, Canada
Major: Business Studies
Minor: Economics
June 2002
Marketing Certificate
Humber College, Canada Feb 2006

Work Experience


This part of your resume will be the focus of the hiring manager. It answers the question 'What can this person do for the company?"

I do not have a lot of experience

Young people, including new graduates, often have trouble getting a job because they do not have experience. This can also be a problem for 'entry-level' jobs.

So focus on your skills and good attitude. For example:
- hardworking
- quick learner
- good communicator
- well-organized
- friendly
- excellent computer skills
- willing to work weekends and evenings
- willing to travel
- able to relocate, if required

List anything that can be seen to be experience - volunteer work, military training, etc. Most people have valuable skills and experience - you just need to identify it!

Include all related experience for the job you are applying for.

I have time gaps in my experience
Do not have long gaps in your work history. If you have gaps, try to find something that is related to the experience they want - charity work, part-time work, volunteering, etc. If you have had short periods of work in different jobs explain why this has happened - contract, pregnancy, moving to another city, etc. Never blame a company for working a short period of employment - the hiring manager might think that you are making excuses.

How many years of experience should I include?
Do not list jobs that are more than 10 years old, unless the experience is really important for the job. You can include a paragraph under the heading "Other professional experience" if you want to highlight very important experience, or you can attach a full summary of your professional history as a separate document. You can also end your resume with the sentence: "Full resume available upon request."

List your most recent work experience first. Include
- job title
- employer
- dates
- describe what you did, for whom and when
- describe achievements

Description of employer
A short overview of the employer is very important if you are applying for a job in another country and/or the company is not well-known. If you worked for a multinational company like Microsoft or HSBC, you do not need a description.

Responsibilities
Do not put all your responsibilities - only the most important ones that you were responsible for.
For example: 'Attended training sessions' is not a responsibility, but 'Managed and implemented training sessions' is.

Achievements
Include up to 3 achievements that were not included in your job description. Things that you accomplished that were outside your area of responsibility. Examples could be: awards, promotions, initiatives, better customer service, being selected for a committee, etc.

Tip:
Unless it is your current job, use the past simple when you are talking about actions.
EMPLOYMENT
Sales Manager
Blix Harton Pharmaceuticals, Seoul 2006-present


Blix Harton Pharmaceuticals is a privately-owned natural therapies company with 32 employees. Responsibilities include:

 
hiring, developing and managing a team of 8 sales people
developing and implementing the sales training program
assessing the viability of product lines
preparing annual budgets and sales forecasts
building relationships with medical and insurance companies
Achievements

generated a 30% increase in revenue
decreased cost of sale by 26%
received 'Best Customer Service 2008' awarded by Seoul Chamber of Commerce
guest editor for Pharmaceutical Monthly since 2007



Marketing Area Manager
Sanofi-Aventis Korea, Seoul
2001-2006

Duties included:

 
managing marketing activities in Korea
developing marketing strategies for product launches
rebranding 4 top-selling product lines
implementing sales campaigns targeting different age sectors
designing & managing the creation of the business-to-business web portal

Achievements  

 
grew the brand, to the number 2 position in each country from number 7
increased the sales team by 50%
created a sales training video for global use



Assistant Marketing Manager
Pfizer, Seoul
1997-2001

Duties included:

 
assisting the marketing manager to write copy
organizing team marketing meetings
auditing brand popularity
attending trade shows

Achievements  

 
awarded 'most improved employee' in 1998
attended the global marketing conference in 1999
created the first e-newsletter for marketing


Use action verbs - demonstrated, succeeded, created, managed, negotiated, persuaded, assisted, documented, projected, eliminated, maximized, researched.
Action verbs show your achievements and make the reader pay attention.



Skills


Include as many skills as you can that are related to the job you are applying for.

Do not include outdated skills - for example, a first aid certificate that has expired.

List skills in their order of importance for the job.

Tip:
We do not recommend listing hobbies. People often do this to make their resume longer. It makes your presentation weak.

SKILLS
- fluent in French and English
- Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook
- MYOB
- Photoshop Illustrator
- qualified in first aid and CPR
Distributing Your Resume


Sending your resume

The paper you use is all part of your presentation. If you are mailing your resume, use good-quality paper which is off-white or a pale color. Textured paper is a nice touch.

If you are e-mailing your resume, send it in Word or PDF format.

Tip:
Use the correct paper size format for the country you are sending your resume to. This is very important when printing an e-mailed resume! You can research the paper size for each country on the Internet. For example in Australia the paper size is 'A4', but in the US and Canada it is 'letter'.

Keep a job diary

When you are working, it is a good idea to keep a diary that will to help you when you edit your resume. The diary keeps track of:
- achievements - consistent and one-off
- projects - on-going and one-off
- awards
- areas you need to develop in