by Becky Cole

Have you ever been in a situation where you hear somebody talking about a job opening you’d really be interested in, but didn’t have your resume with you? If you are like most people, you don’t carry your resumes around with you unless you are specifically going to a job fair or some other employment-related meeting. If you heard about it from someone other than the hiring manager, chances are good they don’t have the specific contact information with them, either.

By the time you are able to send in your resume, so have at least 100 other people. One solution to this is to create a JIST card and keep those with you in your purse or car. These will help you to keep the communication open to make that connection.

What is a "JIST" Card?

A JIST Card is a small card, either business sized or 3x5 used in networking. Developed by Michael Farr back in the 1970s, JIST stands for "Job Information Seeking and Training," and goes beyond the concepts and benefits offered by a business or calling card. JIST cards are your "30 second" elevator talk that you can leave with an employer or someone who might know of a potential job opportunity. They give you a way to grab an opportunity when it happens.

Decide what skills you have that are important to you and which ones you would like to use in your next job. Those are the skills you put on this card. Keep the information to one side of the card.

Here’s an example of what one might look like:

Another use for them is after you have had an interview. When you follow up with a "thank you" note, include one with the letter.

Always make sure your resume is current contains an expanded version of what you have on your card, so that when you are asked for your full resume, the information you have been giving is consistent.

When you see an opportunity, don’t be afraid to ask, "can I give you my card?"