How to Pass an Assessment Day
June 25, 2009 by ProGrad · 1 Comment
Having been through the assessment day process myself, I understand that it can be a slightly daunting and intense experience. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are of being successful.
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The first thing to expect during the day is sign-in, during this section of the day you will meet numerous people from ProGrad, this section is vital as first impressions count for a lot on the day. Ensure that you are well presented, have a firm handshake and a confident greeting.
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The next part of the day is the psychometric test. This is nothing to worry about it is just a quick ten minute test to allow us to ascertain your personality type for future reference. The instructions will be provided so no preparation is needed for this section of the day.
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Self introduction – In the self introduction section of the day, you will be required to stand up and introduce yourself to the group, be sure to step forward and talk confidentially to the group and clients. Try to say something that sets you apart from the other graduates and ensure that your personality shines through!
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Group game – The group games section of the day is a chance for us to assess how you function in a group. What we are looking for during this part of the day are graduates who get involved in the games and show that they are confident and comfortable in a group situation. Interact as much as possible, speak up and make sure the group hears you, try to pick up any props –ie pen, read the instructions etc.
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Feedback – A feedback session is then carried out regarding these group games, we are really looking for people who are able to communicate the outcome of the group games so don’t be afraid to discuss your group’s findings.
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Business Case Study – In the business case study you are expected to create a business strategy based on a given situation. We are once again looking for individuals who are able to function well in teams, so make sure you get your ideas and points across. You can not prepare for this section of the day either, so just ensure that you interact and communicate well with your group.
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3 Minute Presentations “Why should ProGrad select you for a career in Business?” – This is definitely a vital section of the day and also the part of the day you have the most control over. Preparation is essential for the presentation, I guarantee a candidate who has spend a day preparing and practicing their speech will have a much greater chance of being successful than a candidate who prepared their speech on the train!
What we are looking for in the 3 minute presentation are individuals who:
· Have good communication skills
· Show Confidence
· Uses relevant examples
· Make eye Contact
And most of all
· Answer the question!!!
I hope this gives you a further insight into the day, if you need help in preparing for your assessment day, please don’t hesitate to contact me in the office.
Good Luck!
Virginia - ProGrad
If you would like to speak to one of the ProGrad team about our opportunities for graduates, please call the Graduate Management Team on 02 8235 8300 . We currently have opportunities in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Alternatively, please feel free to email us on info@prograd.com.au
Using Key Words In Your CV
June 25, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
It is essential to tailor your CV to suit the specific job application you are applying for as employers will generally only spend a few quick seconds scanning through your resume. Make sure your CV has a simple structure that is easy to read and clear to follow. The less words and clutter the better!
Industry “buzzwords” can be used throughout the application to ensure the employer sees you have a genuine interest in the industry.
When looking at the job application you are applying for it is essential to notice what skills, attributes or qualifications are needed to be successful for the role. A competency statement is a simple way to highlight your personal attributes and emphasize what characteristics you have that would be desires by the potential employee.
Sophie
For more information on our services please call us directly at the ProGrad Sydney office on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website at www.prograd.com.au
Secrets to launching a Successful Business…
June 24, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
When starting up your own business, hours and hours of researching, planning and organizing are needed to ensure your idea is feasible and realistic. Many people have tried to start their own business and for one reason or another have failed soon after. Many journals, books and articles have been written to assist individuals who are thinking of starting up their own business. Three secrets to launching a successful business are outlines below.Size up the competition
“Analysing your competitors will challenge the comforting feeling that everything about your idea is new and different. If you believe that you have no competitors, ask yourself why no one has bothered to pursue your idea.” (Discovering New Business Opportunities, written by John English and Babette Moate)
Imitate other businesses
“When you observe a successful business concept, consider the possibility of imitating the same idea in another place. What businesses have you seen on your travels that might work well in your own market? Keep your eyes and ears open for products or services in other locations that you can introduce into your area.” (Discovering New Business Opportunities, written by John English and Babette Moate)
Piggyback on growth
“When the number of customers for a product or service grows, some businesses piggyback on the boom by offering extra related products or services. Discover growth trends by surfing the internet and reading books, magazines and research reports. Consider how you could create a product or service that fits with growth trends, before asking prospects if they would be willing to pay for it.” (Discovering New Business Opportunities, written by John English and Babette Moate)
Sophie
ProGrad is a graduate assessment, placement and training centre. For more information on our services please call us directly on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website at www.prograd.com.au
Should Photos Be Put On A Resume?
June 18, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Unless you applying for a role that faces the public, such as an actor or model; I would personally recommend NOT to put your photo on your resume. First impressions count, and often adding a photo to your resume can do more hurt than harm.
Often a photo can act as a distraction to the important sections of your resume. As soon as someone opens your resume, the photo is the first thing they see, and they could often block the viewer from reviewing the rest of your application.
On the other hand, during the current economic climate, recruitment agencies and organizations are receiving a massive influx of applications for each job opportunity available. The advantage of adding a photo to your application is that it may stand out, and grab the attention of the viewer.
At the end of the day, the whole purpose of sending through a resume is to impress the viewer and attempt to secure an interview – attaching a photo could either hinder or help this occur!
Sophie
ProGrad is an assessment, placement and training organisation designed to assist recent university graduates in kick starting their corporate sales careers. A 12-24month training program has been developed to assist in the growth and progression of these graduates to ensure they are successful in achieveing both personal and organisational goals.
For more information on ProGrad products and services, please call our Sydney office on 02 8235 8300 or visit our webpage at www.prograd.com.au.
Working With Sales People!
June 10, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
It’s quite easy to determine the key common characteristics of most sales people. They are results driven, competitive, persistent, enthusiastic, hard workers and most of all they can influence and persuade others.
When a large group of sales people work together if can have both positive and negative effects. The employees can motivate each other, bounce off one and another and gain certain skills from watching how others succeed. The danger of having too many competitive and strong personalities’ types in the same room is that it can cause conflict if the employees start to use each other or deceive each other to benefit themselves.
If opposite personalities are introduced into the workplace it can often have a positive effect as it becomes a more balanced workplace. Within a business workplace it is often encouraged that each employee should know their own personality type, and be able to modify it when dealing with other character types.
Sophie
ProGrad is an assessment, placement and training centre designed to assist recent university graduates in kick starting their business to business sales careers. For more information please call our Sydney office on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website www.prograd.com.au