Networking Tips
Fifty to seventy-five percent of good jobs come from friends—by word of mouth. The higher the level of the job, the more the rule applies. Here’s how:

1. Make a list of people you now know (i.e., friend, relatives, co-workers, current supervisors, professors). Email them a short note asking for their advice and help given your areas of interests with an attached resume. Explain when and where you hope to begin your job search. Tell them any assistance would be great.

2. Contact the UCSB Alumni Association for the chapter closest to where you want to work. Ask to be placed on the email list for future social events. Inquire if they know of anyone in the area that Is involved in the industry or career field you seek. Contact them for advice.

3. Identify Professional Associations in your field and location. Use google.com and type in Associations in…(Specify your target area). Navigate the site to Find the chapter located in your area. Also click on Scholarly Societies Project and go to “Subjects” to access more than 870 different associations.

4. Use your hobbies as a potential source of people that may have useful contacts. The local surfing, snowboarding, community choir, etc. club may have people in your field.

5. Chamber Mixers and Committees. Click on California Business Chambers of Commerce for the chamber in the city closet to where you want to work.

6. Volunteer with your favorite philanthropy. Meet community members with potential ideas.

7. Use your resume like a calling card when appropriate.

8. Do not use people when networking. Be genuinely responsive, respectful of their time, and accommodating. Be willing to share information that is of interest to those those that help you.

9. Keep a record of all contact you make: Establish a binder of business cards with your notes on the back. Keep an electronic folder of all the thank letters you send for future reference.