HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF CAREER FAIR and

PUBLIC INTEREST DAY

With special guest: Sally Woods, Director, Professional Development

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Monday, March 1, 2010

Before the Event

• Come prepared and do your homework– Reflective thinking about

your short and long term career goals

– Research the organizations that are attending (particularly those you might be interested in)

– Prioritize the employers you’re most interested in

• Dress appropriately• Do not bring your resume

• Don’t be cavalier about this process.

• Very important you take responsibility for your own career.

• Critical 1st step in recruitment process

• Be realistic about your options• Be prepared – cheat sheet• Don’t just ask what does “X” firm

do• Visit in order of preference. Don’t

start at A-Z. • Some firm members will leave

early so hit those booths early.

At the Event

• Get your bearings• Take notes• Ask for business cards• Thank you notes/email

• Cheat sheets• Emails:

– Refer to your discussion…– Try to leave a piece of

information that will trigger a recollection of who you were. [You are all amazingly talented…do something to distinguish yourself.]

– If you know who is attending from a firm you are interested in, read their profile for some speaking tips…that could single you out.

At the Event

• Do’s:– Introduce yourself– Excuse yourself– Turn off cell phone– Place name tag on

your right side– Shake hands– Be yourself

• Visible – not hidden behind portfolio.

• Dry/firm [practice].

• Show personality/humour.

At the Event

• Don’t’s:– Monopolize– “Travel” in large

groups– Get impatient– Sit down– Chew gum

• Prevents firms from focusing on you or making overtures, i.e. invite to visit the firm.

• Don’t chat with peers rather than meeting firms.

• If students are assisting at booth follow up with them as well.

• Subsequent: – Firm Tours: FM/Heenans

offer “Set Tours”– Interview Workshop:

Registration opens March 11Workshop: August 14