Career Fairs  |   Application Process  |   Application Package  |   The Interview  |   After the In-Firm Interview

Career Fairs

Generally held in January and February each year, Career Fairs are a fabulous opportunity for students to gather information about a large number of law firms and government organizations.

Prior to the Career Fair day, students should obtain a list of the law firms and government organizations attending their school's Career Fair. From this list, students should determine those firms or organizations in which they are most interested. Students should then develop a plan to best take advantage of the Career Fair and ensure they visit each firm or organization identified.

Before arriving at the Career Fair, students should consider what qualities or attributes they are seeking in a law firm and should prepare questions to ask of the representatives to elicit such information. Students should take a copy of the firm brochures, promotional materials and representatives' business cards.

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Students should take the time to fully consider their options and preferences before sending out application packages.

Students should first decide in which city or cities they wish to work, then determine which practice areas are of interest, and finally apply only to firms or organizations that suit those preferences.

Students should ensure their application package arrives on or before the application deadline date. It does not matter whether the application is hand-delivered, mailed or emailed, so long as the application package is complete.

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Cover Letter

The cover letter is a crucial part of the application package. It is a student's first opportunity to make an impression and is basically considered a writing sample. Cover letters should be limited to one page and while it may seem unnecessary to say, ensure it is addressed correctly and to the proper individual. This is a common yet easily avoidable mistake.

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The length and format of the in-firm interviews will vary firm to firm. At Gowlings, you will initially meet with a team of five professionals for 25 to 35 minutes. The interviewers will usually spend the first half of the interview asking you questions. Anything included in your résumé may be discussed. Know yourself and be prepared to answer questions about your abilities, qualifications and interests. Be prepared to explain why you are interested in our firm and why you feel you are suited for our firm. During the latter part of the interview, you will be given an opportunity to ask questions of the interviewers. Prepare your questions in advance. Know what is important to you and ask questions that will help you determine whether the firm meets your needs. Ask questions that are not answered on the Web site and ones that are specific to the firm. Feel free to bring notes into the interview with you. Firms understand you will be interviewing with a number of firms and may need to refresh your memory.

After the initial interview, an associate will take you for a tour of the office.

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Once the interview is over, ensure the firm has your local contact numbers, including your email address. Check your voicemail and email regularly during the day and evening, as firms may be contacting you again.

If you are interested in the firm, please call or email your interviewers or the Director of Recruitment to express your interest. If the firm is your first choice, tell them so. But if the firm is only one of your top choices, be sure not to mislead them.

If you are no longer interested in a firm, let the firm know. This may open up a position for one of your colleagues.

And remember that under the Montréal Firms Agreement, firms are not permitted to offer a position, or even communicate an intention to offer a position, until a specified date. Students are then entitled to 72 hours to consider any offer(s). However, students should advise the firm(s) as soon as they are able to make a decision so that any declined position can then be offered to another student.

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