In your search for a new job, you have your box of necessary tools: a resume, a cover letter, references and so on. But there are also some vital accessories, supplements to those tools, that can help you land a job. These are little things that will make you appear (hopefully because you are) more professional than your peers and competitors. Business cards, personalized letterheads, and your own website are three things that are relatively easy to do and go a long way towards impressing potential employers.

A good business card can present you as a very important, very successful person. Never mind that you can have them printed at Kinko’s, a well designed, well thought out card says a lot about you. It shows initiative, professionalism, and experience. It's also a handy way for a potential employer to keep your contact information and remember your name. Most business cards today are designed using Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign (or their non-brand name equivalents). If you are not familiar with these programs, put a want ad up on Craigslist. Offer a fair price ($100-200) to a student studying graphic design, and you'll have a business card in no time, hopefully with some spit and polish on it. Typically, you'll want the business card to display your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and any other pertinent information or skills. Your card should be well polished by the time you give it to anyone, and err on the side of simplicity, as complex designs are often too cluttered and poorly managed, which will reflect poorly on you. If you want a logo, that's fine, as a little original art never hurt anyone.

You can use that same logo, or an appropriate image, on your letterhead, which does not have to be anything fancy. In fact, a subtle letterhead would work best. This way, instead of taking notes on standard notebook paper during your interview, you can write on your letterhead. This is another subtle way in which you can show a potential employer that you've got yourself put together. Again, if you aren't that talented with Illustrator or InDesign (the programs you would use to create such a letterhead), find a starving college student. Don't feel bad about not being able to pay them as much as they're worth. You're out of a job, and the work can go into the student's portfolio (or perhaps even count towards an assignment), so it's win-win both ways. The letterhead is something you should try not to draw attention to, and in that way, it differs from the other elements in this article; let the employer notice it. And remember, just because he or she does not say anything does not mean it was not noticed.

You will, however, have to find an opportunity to direct people to your website. The site itself does not have to be a complicated affair. It can be as simple as the letterhead or business card. Or it can be a complex beast of a web page. It really depends on how much time you have to devote to the art of web site development. Again, your local community college or Craigslist might be the best places to look for talent. But, if you like to have a little more control, consider websites such as Wordpress, which allow you to customize your own Blog. You don't have to treat it like a blog (and probably shouldn't; why would you want potential employers going to your blog, where you do things like complain about work?), but rather use it to advertise yourself—you can go a bit more in depth with your experience, or any peripheral skills (like website design) that did not quite make it on to your resume. Not only is this a handy way to impress a potential employer with your skills and ambition, but it's a good source sheet if they have any questions that go beyond your resume. As with the business card, be sure to include all of your contact information prominently on the website—and it's not a bad idea to put your website on your business card, but only if the page is up and running. Additionally, only put the site up when you feel it's ready. Directing potential employers to a shoddy or half-finished website (whether you include fancy “Under Construction” icons or not) is a good way to make sure you don't get a call back.

Employers these days are looking for someone who really stands out. When they start hiring, they've really got the pick of the litter, and they have every right to be choosy. A new employee is a big investment and they want to make sure it pays off as much as possible. The vital accessories listed above will help you stand out among the crowd. There are other things you could and should do, covered in other articles, and it is important not to forget the basics. However, in today’s job market, you need to go beyond making a good impression and make a strong impression. Make sure they can't shake you. Using a business card, having your own letterhead, or directing them to your website are ways you can stay in their head, and make sure that your name keeps coming up in their discussions of who to hire. Use these vital accessories to make sure you get the job you want.

Now that you have read about Vital Accessories, may we suggest that you take the next step and check out Getting Goals Accomplished. It is important to us that we are able to help people as they recover and prosper after job loss, so please contact us with suggestions, corrections, and even your personal experiences. If you found this article or video to be helpful, we'd love for you to share it with a friend. Also, be sure to check out all of the amazing resources for your career transition in the  ILostMyJob.com Book Store!

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