Job Search Skills Workshop

1

• Job Search Skills Workshop
• Part I Networking and Self-Marketing
• Angela Sordi, B.A. (Hons), LL.B.
• Consultant
• ZSA Legal Recruitment
• The Law Society of Upper Canada
• Wednesday, August 8th, 2007

2
Overview

• Introductions
• First Impressions
• Job Search Research
• Networking Tips Finding the Hidden Jobs
• Tips for Self-Marketing
• Questions?
• Tomorrow

3
Introductions

• Name
• Law school you attended
• Something interesting about yourself that is not
  on your resume it can be anything you want to
  share with the group, i.e. where you grew up, an
  area of the law that interests you, a recent trip
  you took, a book you are reading, a hidden
  talent, an anecdote, etc.

4
First Impressions

• CV, Cover Letters, Interviewing and After the
  Interview
• Topics for tomorrows seminar
• Body Language
• Appearances DO matter
• Lunch / dinner / drink meeting
• Proper table manners
• Be careful what you order
• Cocktail reception
• Proper attire
• Wear your nametag high and on the right
• Working the room look approachable
• Extracting yourself from a conversation
• Keep your wits about you
• Dont eat or drink just to look at ease

5
First Impressions

• Handshake
• One of the most important parts of your first
  impression
• Should be firm, not too firm
• Should be warm and dry
• No death grips, no wimpy shakes
• You dont know what yours is like nothing to be
  ashamed of, something to be practiced
• Test yours now on the person next to you BE
  HONEST

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Job Search Research

• LSUC http//mrc.lsuc.on.ca/jsp/licensingprocess/ar
  ticlingFind.jsp
• Internet
• Law Firm Websites
• LSUC resources sheet http//mrc.lsuc.on.ca/pdf/lic
  ensingprocess/articling/ar34memStudentsSeekArt.pdf
  
• Ontario Reports
• Newspapers / Legal Post
• Cold Calls
• Other suggestions?

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Networking Tips Finding the Hidden Jobs

• What is Networking?
• Using contacts for purposes beyond the initial
  contact
• Broadening web to include someone who knows
  about a hidden job
• Who should be in your Network?
• People you know
• People they can introduce you to
• People you can contact on your own
• Try creating your own networking list

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Networking Tips Finding the Hidden Jobs
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Networking Tips Finding the Hidden Jobs

• Contacting new contacts
• Networking letters
• Essentially a cover letter
• Briefly emphasize your skills
• Relate them back to the firm and how you can be
  an asset
• Cold-calling/emailing
• Law firms
• Prepare a script in advance
• Find something in common with the contact person
• Be upfront and brief explain why you are
  calling
• Leave your number ask if you can send them your
  CV

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Networking Tips Finding the Hidden Jobs

• How to use your network
• Natural affinity vs. making an effort
• Prepare questions in advance
• Lunch or coffee, Email, Telephone
• Keep in touch any way you can
• ASK if they know of any opportunities, if you
  dont ask, they may not remember to tell you
• Remember that networking is a two-way street
  focus on the other person, help in any way you
  can
• Surprise networking meetings
• Networking self-assessment

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Tips for Self-Marketing

• Important tool throughout career
• Take your career seriously
• Have a business plan
• Tailor application to firms practice
• Make a list of transferable skills
• Convince employer you are a steal i.e. lesser
  salary than an associate, malleability, 10
  month contract, eagerness
• Look and listen for signs that a firm needs you
• Promote yourself without bragging
• Always conduct yourself with professionalism and
  never burn a bridge

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Questions?
13
Tomorrow

• The Perfect Cover Letter
• Myths
• The Perfect CV please bring a copy of your CV
• Interview Preparation
• Interview Tips