Are you making the most of your network in your job search?
LinkedIn encourages working toward connecting strategically with at least 500 people. You can do that, too. A handbill can help as you meet people, whether the meeting is planned or spontaneous.
What’s a handbill, you ask? It’s a one-page marketing flyer describing you, the value you add to a company, and identifies the people, organizations, and companies you want to learn more about. It’s a powerful tool to help your network help you. Think of it as a “cheat sheet” that helps others understand your background, areas of expertise and job search goals.
Unlike a resume, your handbill needs to be one page. But because it doesn’t need to pass through any automated tracking systems, design it for humans. Get creative. Make yourself memorable!
The Who-What-When-Where-and-Why of Handbills
Who needs a job search handbill?
A handbill is a valuable tool for any job seeker.
Initially, creating one for yourself can even help you clarify your strengths, goals, and your “why.” Once articulated concisely, it helps you communicate it to others, and helps others do it on your behalf.
What should a handbill include?
The most important elements of a handbill are:
Your name, as it appears on your resume and in your LinkedIn profile. If you use a nickname or shortened version of your full name, list it in parentheses: for example, Andrew (“Drew”) Anyone.
A recent headshot. People love to put a face to a name and are more apt to remember you if they’ve “seen” you. (Please don’t use a photo from 10 to 15 years ago, no matter how much you love that photo, it needs to be current and professional.)
Your desired position. Use multiple titles if appropriate.
Highlights from your resume showcasing your qualifications, including your “crowning achievements,” awards, education, certification, and professional affiliations.
Industry experience. It’s one of the hot buttons employers almost always look for to reassure them of your familiarity with the unique needs, typical characteristics, processes, and challenges of their field.
A list of your top target companies. We recommend keeping at least 10-15 companies on the list. Be specific! (I don’t know anyone who works at “Open” or its sister company “Anywhere,” do you?) If you really want to work for IBM, put it on the list. If the person you’re talking to knows someone at IBM, you could be one step closer to an introduction that could lead to an interview … and ultimately, a job.
When should you prepare a job search handbill?
The short answer is now. The sooner you put together a handbill, the sooner you can start organizing your thoughts and spreading the word to your network.
Your handbill should be a living, breathing document that you update every time you add or subtract a target company, earn a new certification, or refine your value proposition.
Related: Tweaking Your Professional Brand During a Career Change
Where can you hand out your job search handbill?
In pre-pandemic days, people distributed handbills at in-person job search networking events. (And we hope that’ll happen again soon.)
Since most networking currently takes place virtually, you can email your handbill before a phone call, or if it’s on Zoom, you can screen-share to guide your conversation. Talk about the roles you’re pursuing and the types of people you’d like to connect with for referrals or informational interviews.
Attach your handbill to a thank-you email you send someone after a networking call or informational interview. (p.s. Remember to include these conversations on your job search spreadsheet!) Make sure to keep the conversation going by following up in four to six weeks, always offering to reciprocate by helping the other person in any way you can.
Why is a job search handbill a helpful tool for job seekers?
Your handbill is essentially a marketing tool highlighting all the ways you bring value to an organization, and where/what you want to focus on in your search. It allows you to steer your network in the right direction as they support you taking the next step in your career. And because it’s organized in writing and much briefer than a resume, you make it easier for them to imagine possible people or companies you might want to explore further.
While primarily aimed at helping your network understand how they can support you in your search, a job search handbill can also be an effective way for you to organize your thoughts as you hone your elevator pitch. The process of creating (and refining) your handbill can help you succinctly articulate who you are, what you offer and how you can contribute to a company or organization.
The WOW Factor (a Bonus “W”)
Your handbill is an opportunity to make yourself memorable. Be creative. Have fun with it.
Create a WOW statement for your job search handbill to help people remember you. It doesn’t necessarily have to be work-related. If you’ve run a marathon, mention it on your handbill. Marathons require a tremendous amount of discipline and perseverance. Do you speak a foreign language or two? Include it on your handbill.
Your carefully crafted handbill is a tool. On its own, it won’t land you a job. It will, however, help make you memorable so that when someone in your network hears of an opportunity that might be a good fit, they’ll think of you.
As you search for a new job or consider a career change, your network is one of your most valuable resources. Growing and expanding your network helps you, and also allows you to help others. When you think about it that way, that’s the real WOW factor!
How good are you at selling your best self?
Your resume is a strategic marketing tool. Make sure it’s working for you.
Learn more about our resume, LinkedIn, and cover letter writing services.