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Sometimes the best ideas come from the worst situations.

After Judi Cuervo's 20-year career at a major publishing company came to an abrupt end, she found herself back in the hunt for a new job.

"Right after my layoff I went to an industry function. I'm talking to all these good contacts, but you don't want to whip out a resume," recalls Cuervo. "If it's folded in your bag, it's gong to look shabby and not convey the professionalism you want."

In response, Cuervo and her new employer, the Burns brothers at New York's Nova Graphics, came up with something that combines the professionalism and ease she was seeking, calling it the Epitome Card. According to the developers, the Epitome Card is a resume that's as easy to carry as a business card.

"In today's economy, in today's job market, you need to stand out and this certainly does that," says Lance Burns of Nova Graphics. "It's not a full resume and it's not meant to take the place of a resume, but it is another useful tool that you can use to help find another job."

An Epitome Card can be formatted to emphasize experience, education, or skill set. It can also be used to signal what you want to do in the future.

"In addition to the use for unexpected opportunities, they are very good for networking," says Cuervo. "If you go to an industry function in the industry you've just been laid off from, it's good to mingle with the people, but you don't want to hand out a resume. These make it a very discreet operation."

Nova Graphics has kept the ink flowing for several decades. Large sized, high-volume jobs make up part of their business. But they believe these small mini-resumes could become quite popular.

Cuervo hopes that her experience of being laid off will help get many more people back to work.