When you are seeking a new job or networking to enhance your opportunities, you should always put your best foot forward. One of the ways you can do this is through thinking through the elements of a:

Complete Communication Package.

Last week we talked about the elements of this package, which included identifying your Market, Message, and Media as you prepare to launch yourself into the job seeker world. This week let’s focus on the Media portion, specifically using flyers or brochures to enhance your message and opportunities to make a positive impression.

The purpose of a flyer or brochure is to have something aside from a resume to put into people’s hands as a reminder of your time together and as a paper “highlight reel.” Employers receive a lot of resumes and business cards. A personal flyer or brochure can help set you apart from the crowd when it matters most.

Step 1: Prepare

Before you begin any step of the process, preparation is key. Pray and ask God to give you wisdom about the best ways to communicate about yourself to potential employers and connections. Ask for God’s blessing as you pray:

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us” Ps. 90:17  

Seek clarity about your Message and your Market. Search for helpers to assist you in creating communication package elements or in reviewing things you have created. Consider the best format for your information—flyer, brochure, postcard, half-sheet, or other.

Step 2: Gather

When you are ready to put your ideas together, the first thing is to gather the items you may need to review. Bring together all of your written materials including past resumes, bios, and articles you have written as well as business-related photographs or awards. Look for examples of flyers or marketing materials you have seen that you find eye-catching or impressive. This is how you discover your preferred “look and feel.” Compile your contact information that you want to include on any materials you create, such as your email, phone number, LinkedIn address, and others.

Step 3: Create

If you have no design skills at all, don’t worry! There are several options to creating something to promote yourself. If you have access to a computer design program such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop or Illustrator, you can use this to create your document. There are even free templates available you can use to get started.

If you don’t have access to these programs, you are in luck! There are many free web-based options including Canva and Visme. These programs have free or low-cost templates you can use to get started and customize with your own information. In addition, Microsoft Word and other word processors have built-in flyer designs you can personalize.

If you have a friend or can afford it, hire a professional to create a top-notch design just for you. Whichever format you choose, be sure to include the following essential information:

• Your name
• Your purpose
• Your key skills or achievements (or both!)
• Your contact info
• Other things you may want to include:
• A headshot of yourself
• A professional stock photo image that epitomizes an aspect of your personality
• A short bio
• A website address to your portfolio

A personal marketing flyer or brochure is a great way to make yourself stand out. Give your contact something to remember you by and promote yourself first.

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Chris McGinn is a former Crossroads Career communications specialist. She currently provides editing and communications consulting services at ChrisMcGinnEdits.com.