·        Do your homework before!
·        Dress to impress - look neat and presentable.
·        Speak clearly and be CONFIDENT.
·        Make eye contact.
·        A firm handshake goes a long way.
·        Provide examples of what you’re capable of and what you’ve accomplished.
·        Ask questions!

Many job hunters focus on the interview itself, overlooking the importance of following up afterwards. Once the interview is over, you still have an opportunity to maximize your chances of success.

At the interview, make sure to get the names and contact info for all of the people you met with. Later, send a brief thank-you note to your interviewers, thanking them for their time, expressing your interest in the opportunity, explaining succinctly why you would be a good fit, and addressing any unresolved questions that came up during the interview. If they have asked for additional documents such as a writing sample or references, this would be a good time to provide them. There are no rules about when and how to send, but generally, a quick follow up note by email will do. Follow up with your ZSA Consultant as well to provide feedback and your thoughts on the interview.

Looking for ways to set yourself apart from other applicants?  Employers are keen to see that prospective employees have philanthropic interests. Here are a few ways volunteering can enhance your career. 

• Volunteering is a great way to network.  You will likely meet new contacts who may provide positive references or who may share job leads with you.
• Volunteering allows you to learn and practise new skills; it can be a great opportunity to develop your communication, team work and organizational skills, and to gain exposure 
  to different fields and industries.
• Volunteering can help you discover and feed your passion.  You can volunteer at something you really enjoy, or support a cause that is important to you.  
• Volunteering can result in a new job opportunity.  In learning about the cause and establishing relationships you may decide to pursue a career within the organization. 

In conclusion, many potential employers look at community involvement in addition to employment experience.  Volunteering adds well-rounded and varied experience to your resume.  Investing just a little bit of time in volunteer work in your community can have a big impact.  It can be a valuable tool in your job search.

More than a year of global economic crisis has posed not only challenges, stresses and strains for law firms and lawyers, but also opportunities.
Take the case of Miller Thomson Pouliot LLP, known as Pouliot Mercure until 2005, when it merged to become part of the national law firm Miller Thomson LLP.

In the past 12 months the Montreal office has taken advantage of strategic reckoning at other firms recruiting no fewer than nine new lawyers, bringing to 65 the number on its Quebec team.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/Economic+downturn+felt+firms/2524335/story.html

Social networking is a rapidly growing phenomenon, and now plays a major role in professional networking, and even job-hunting.   Candidates are broadening their contact list and employers are looking to the web to find prospective employees.  Websites such as LinkedIn have proven to be powerful tools for professionals, who are taking their networking initiatives to the web.  Keeping this in mind, here are a few essential rules in the new social networking landscape.

This is not Myspace or Facebook.  Keep personal updates and photos to a minimum.  Remember, the purpose of your professional profile is to put your best face forward to your network.  You never know when a potential employer might be clicking through your profile. 

Be selective.  Don’t just add anyone and everyone to your network.  Your contact list should be a group of people in your industry who may someday be in a position to help you. 

Keep it updated.  Make sure people can get in touch with you, and update your profile with new events and projects that you are involved in.  Set aside time regularly to update your profile. 

Cross-promote yourself.  Tailor your profile to your interests or pursuits.  If you are a writer, link to your blog or articles.  If you are into photography, link to your photo albums or portfolio.  Join relevant groups and connect with individuals who share your goals.

Use your network.  Networks are more than just a collection of contacts.  Actively keep in touch with your contacts, and discuss how you can help each other, and who else you should be in touch with. 
 
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