They wait until they have a company and a position and an official title et cetera et cetera before shelling out the money to get their own card, the official symbol of business legitimacy. Well, if you haven't figured it out already, doing what MOST people do is NOT the way to get hired. Yes, there are procedures and applications and rules of protocol, but don't kid yourself. Whether your experience is in Home Economics or Mechanical Engineering, as long as you're looking for a job, you're in Marketing. And your product is yourself.
Business cards are affordable, portable, versatile, and accepted everywhere.
Keep it simple, yet classy. Any experienced printer should be able to help you with card stock, color, fonts, et cetera, so don't be afraid to ask for their suggestions. A simple way to make your card noticeable but still professional is to use colored ink on colored card stock, such as maroon ink on ivory or gray or brown ink on beige. Leave the card uncluttered. The most essential information on a typical business card is your name, your company, and your primary phone number.