Custom Challenge Coins for Job Seekers

Applying for a job can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re new to the job market or re-entering it after a period of being unemployed. Requirements for positions, the application process, even the way candidates are selected have changed in recent years.

Whether you’re seeking an entry- or executive-level position, there are strategies you can use to improve your chances of landing a job. Under certain circumstances, custom challenge coins can be a valuable aid.

Applying for Jobs Has Changed

The rise of the internet and social media have revolutionized  the process of applying for jobs for both the applicants and hiring organizations. Prospective employers can now reach out directly to job candidates, thanks to sites such as LinkedIn. In fact, many jobs today are posted to LinkedIn and nowhere else. A job seeker risks missing out on good opportunities by not being on the site.

Rather than a preliminary interview, a candidate’s resumé or CV might be read by an algorithm that weeds out some applicants before a human even sees the resumé. Those changes make person-to-person networking more important than ever.

Why Networking Still Matters

The art of building professional connections through networking has always been helpful to job seekers and employers alike. Today, it’s virtually a requirement. Because so many job openings are filled quickly through social media and other online means, having contacts in your industry is a critical need. 

Social media can be helpful in creating a personal brand, a strong presence in the digital arena. Combining that with colleagues who know you and your work is a great way to gain a positive reputation in your desired field.

How Can Challenge Coins Help My Networking?

Custom challenge coins are an excellent tool for networking when used properly. 

Consider this: if you attend a networking event and meet 15 people, most will forget your name by the next day. A custom coin can change that. Your coin can function as a business card, but offers benefits a paper card can’t match.

Coins are memorable, something out of the ordinary. They have a feel, a tactile heft that makes them feel like something of value. Recipients are less likely to discard them for that reason.

Make Sure Coins are Industry Appropriate

Be aware, challenge coins aren’t right for every potential workplace. But used properly, for the right positions, they can strengthen your networking approach.

The key is to match their use to the job environment. Their most natural application is for jobs in fields where challenge coins are already part of the culture. For fields such as these, coins are a routine part of the environment:

• Military/veteran hiring networks
• Law enforcement/security
• Government contractors
• Aviation
• Manufacturing and safety culture
• Logistics
• Fire/EMS
• Corporate leadership programs

In other fields such as banking, finance or law offices, and possibly academia, coins might not be appropriate.

Using Challenge Coins Effectively

If you use challenge coins to market your job skills, the key is restraint. Don’t just pass them out to everyone you meet. That can make you look desperate, never an effective way to get hired. Instead, hand them out selectively.

Stick with low numbers. Bring just five to 10 coins to a networking events. Only give them to people after a positive, interactive conversation. Present it as a thank you or memento, not as a pitch.

What NOT to Do

Don’t include phrases such as “hire me.” You’ll come across as desperate, or an awkward fit.

Don’t hand out coins to anyone and everyone you encounter. Use your coins selectively for maximum positive impact.

Don’t rely on badly-designed, sloppy looking coins. Creating well-designed coins will get you noticed. Poorly designed ones will get you ignored.

The bottom line? Challenge coins absolutely can help, especially for networking. Remember though, they work best when they’re:

• Premium
• Minimal
• Industry-Appropriate
• Used Sparingly

Designing Your Coins

Designing custom coins isn’t difficult. Just keep it clean and simple. Focus on things that represent you, your skills and values.

For example, you can include your name and role on one side, along with a QR code to a LinkedIn page or professional portfolio. On the other side, include something relevant to your “brand” – a symbol or theme. Add 2 or 3 keywords to represent your abilities or skills. A contact method, either phone or email, is optional.

Don’t Forget, Qualifications Are Most Important

Custom coins are marketing tools, not the be-all, end-all of job searches. Remember, qualifications are most important. You can tweak your social media settings, use custom coins for networking and do everything else to get noticed. None of that will matter if you’re not qualified for the job you’re applying for. Make sure your skills are the right fit for the position before you apply. Otherwise, you’re just wasting both your time and the recruiter’s.

Don’t Be Afraid to Show Enthusiasm

Employers today want employees whose drive is evident, who can adapt swiftly, and who express a clear motivation to stay informed about the latest tools and innovations. Be sure your resumé, coins and your demeanor reflect this.

We Can Help

If you want to create custom challenge coins for your job search, we’re here to help. We have more than 20 years’ experience crafting well-designed, professional looking custom coins of all kinds. We’ll work with you every step of the way to create the perfect coin for your needs. 

When you submit a design to us, we’ll reply with  a free digital proof. We don’t charge for revisions, so you can change the design until it is exactly what you want before production begins. Once we’ve produced your coins, we stand behind them with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you find any coin you buy from us to be defective in either materials or workmanship, we will replace it at no extra cost to you.

Ready to find out more about how custom coins can help your job search? Call us today at (855) 272-8451, or email us. We’re here to help you get hired!