Mini Resumes - Jist Cards

A JIST Card is a combination of a RESUME and a BUSINESS CARD that fits onto a 3" by 5" card.

As you will see below, the JIST Card is just 3" x 5" in size, but contains enough information about you to interest prospective employers in contacting you for a copy of your resume and an interview. it does all of this in just 30 SECONDS!

The term JIST comes the Indiana-based company known as JIST Publishing, Inc. , the company that first invented the use of these mini-resume cards. JIST means Job Information and Seeking Training. One of their authors, Michael Farr, has written extensively on the topic of job search, including JIST Cards.

Information that you should include on your JIST job search card:

Contact Information.

Full Name (no nicknames)

Telephone number

Cell phone number

Fax number if you have one

Email address

Web Page URL if you have one.

Indicate the best way to reach you FAST!

Job Objective.

State EXACTLY what kind of job you want.

Specific Skills.

List skills and talents that show you are qualified for your Job Objective. Use NUMBERS to prove this information - number of sales awards you have won, % increase in sales you achieved, dollar amounts you saved your company in costs, number of new clients you brought on board, etc.

Accomplishments.

List special awards and outstanding achievements on the job here.

Work Related Personal Assets.

Personal qualities and specific traits that lead you to success. These should be about your job and volunteer work - how you do a good job.

Remember to carry a supply of your JIST cards with you at all times.

• Take them to all of your interviews.
• Take them with you when you fill out job applications.
• Take them to Job Fairs.
• Use one as a reference note card during interviews.
• Give them to your relatives to pass on to potential employers.
• Give some to friends to pass on for you.
• Attach them to your resume and any applications you distribute or fill out in order to catch the interviewer's eye with a quick summary. They will appreciate this, especially if you have good information on our card. It will give you an advantage over applicants that don't know about JIST cards!
• Enclose them in thank you notes you send to interviewers and employers after your interviews to remind them how valuable an employee you will be to them.
• Send your JIST Card as a digital photo or in the body of emails you send and ask others to send it on to anyone they know that could help you in your job search.
• Display it at home and in your car as an affirmation to your good character and skills, and to memorize it fully so that the words will come out immediately. You could even frame it and place it on the wall!