Resources for Jobs in Vancouver, BC

Cool articles we recommend reading

• Does Mentoring Really Add Value? (PDF)
• Corporate Values in Tough Times (PDF)
• Help! My Job Search isn't Working (PDF)
• Stay Sane while on the Job Hunt (PDF)
• Lost in Translation (PDF)
• Avoid a Brain Drain: Sucession Planning (PDF)
• Small Business is an untapped HR market (PDF)
• Spirituality in the Workplace (PDF)
• Skill building for HR: What makes a Leader? (PDF)

Resume Tips:

Your resume should:

• Clearly identify what you are looking for. (i.e. "junior litigation secretary")
• Be accompanied by a brief cover letter outlining your objective and highlighting your skillset.
• Your main credentials clearly identified within 15 seconds.
• List your major accomplishments and responsibilities for each position.
• Sell yourself effectively.
• Be clear, concise and to the point.
• Always follow up with a phone call.

Resume details to avoid:

• Listing personal information (SIN number, marital status, hobbies, rusty skills, etc.)
• Photos, fancy fonts, 'cute' paper.
• Mistakes, especially spelling.
• Avoid repetition.

What legal employers are looking for:

• Top graduates of Capilano College.
• Positive, service-oriented attitude.
• Technical skills; 70+ wpm.
• Interest in the company and the position.
• Stable work history.
• Clear sense of purpose.
• Excellent communication skills.
• High performance standards.
• Professional presentation.

The Interview

You only get one chance to make a good first impression. These tips can help:

• Research the firm and check their website.
• Ensure you have the exact place and time of interview and the interviewer's name.
• Arrive 10 minutes early.
• Bring a fresh copy of your resume and your references with you.
• Make sure your presentation is polished and composed.
• Greet your interviewer with a firm, self-assured handshake.
• Be yourself.

Prepare yourself for questions! Be able to provide excellent examples for the following:

• Why do you want to work here
• What kind of experience do you have for this job?
• What did you like/dislike about your last job?
• Why are you leaving your present position?
• What would you like to be doing five years from now?
• What are your biggest accomplishments?
• How do you work with difficult people?
• What are your salary expectation?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Describe the best boss you have ever worked with.
• What are your pet peeves?
• What environment do you like to work in?
• What are you looking for in your next job?
• Describe a difficult problem you've had to deal with.
• What would your references say?

During the interview...

• Focus on the questions asked and provide clear, concise answers.
• Ask questions.
• Respond with enthusiastic and pleasant answers to remarks and questions.
• Avoid discussing salary and benefits at the first interview.
• Match the interviewer's style.
• Maintain a positive frame of mind.
• Make sure you talk about why you are interested in the position and what you can offer the firm.

Upon closing...

• Let them know you are excited about the position.
• Find out what the next step is.
• Make a statement that indicates that you can do the job and that you would like to receive an offer.
• Finally, tell the employer how much you would enjoy working with him/her personally.

After the interview...

• Follow up immediately after your interview with a hand-written card/brief letter of thanks to your interviewer.