What are the “glamorous” industries these days?
September 30, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Many graduates leave University and start applying for the “glamorous” looking roles. Movies and TV shows have shown us the “cool” working environments in publishing houses, television studios, online media companies and naturally, there is a preconception attached to these roles. They look great on the surface, but are they really that glamorous?
ProGrad work on behalf of hundreds of companies across Australia in a variety of industries. The glamorous indsutries are part of that client base and we are forever hearing from employers about their frustrations during the interview process. On meeting recent graduates and asking the question, “why would you want to work here?” the answers can be less than impressive. Quite often, graduates are unable to articulate WHY they’re even applying for those roles.
Here are the hard facts:
In any company (glamorous company or otherwise), you will be starting at the bottom. The length of time in that company is dependent on YOU and your attitude/ ability. Some of the most senior/ successful people you will encounter in those companies will have started their careers at the bottom. They will be expecting the same from you.
When asked what you’re looking for, you need to explain WHY the ROLE appeals to you. The company, the glamour and the perception you might have about the nature of the working environment is next to irrelevant during the interview process.
Successful candidates in an interview can articulate why they want the ROLE, and provide examples of why they’re appropriate for the role.
Just quietly, between you and me, the best opportunities don’t always lie in the “glamorous” companies. Our advice is always to keep an open mind, you just never know what you could be missing out on.
ProGrad is an assessment, placement and training company. If you would like to know more about our roles, and the opportunities available for graduates, please contact the ProGrad team now on 02 8235 8300.
Employers make their mind up about you VERY quickly
September 30, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Many employers will make an assessment of their interviewee in the first 4 -14 seconds of meeting you. As soon as you step into an office for your interview, you are being assessed.
The majority of this first impression will be formed simply by the way you are dressed, and how you interact upon being greeted.
With this in mind, it does pay to make a strong first impression when arriving for an interview. It stands to reason that you must arrive EARLY! But what else do you need to remember:
1) Ensure you are well dressed in a corporate/ professional manner. Always set a strong first impression with immaculate grooming. This demonstrates you take pride in your appearance, and will likely take great pride in your work.
2) A strong firm handshake is essential. It does sound obvious, granted - but do not overlook the importance of combining the perfect handshake with strong eye contact. This is again a demonstration of your skills in meeting new Clients and setting a strong first impression. An essential skill in any role you will be interviewed for.
3) Ensure you are well prepared with a pen, some notepaper and a clear focused mind. You will need to demonstrate a full understanding for the company in your own words. Don’t simply memorise the content from the website, this is not good enough.
4) Ask intelligent questions, to demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and your interest in the role. Questionning is a key skill you must have in any position, and employers will enjoy your interview more if you can demonstrate an inquisitive nature.
Whilst these rules seem simple, they are so often overlooked and it can be frustrating for employers if the fundamentals are missing. Don’t let this happen!
If you would like more information on how to be successful at a Graduate interview, please contact ProGrad about attending an assessment session. During our interview process, ProGrad also deliver a presentation all about the importance of first impressions. A worthwhile presentation for anyone looking to apply for interviews.
ProGrad Pty Ltd www.prograd.com.au
Tel: 02 8235 8300
What are graduates looking for?
September 30, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
ProGrad are always looking to understand the key drivers/ motivators around graduates accepting jobs…so what exactly are they looking for? Is it all about the money? I think thats pretty unlikely…there seem to be more factors that surround a choice of career. Some of the key themes that we seem to hear about time and time again are:
1) Culture of a company
2) Progression Opporutnities
3) Opportunities to gain exposure within the business
4) Travel opportunities
5) Training/ Investment of the employer
Is there anything else that graduates are looking for? We’d love to hear your feedback.
The Graduate Management Team, ProGrad
ProGrad promotes the technology arena for graduates!
September 9, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
It is no accident that for the last 4 years in Australia, ProGrad have had a key focus on working with organisations in the technology arena. We have always held a belief that this is one of the fastest growing industries and can offer graduates unrivalled opportunities.
ProGrad work with a number of technology vendors, distributors and resellers alike, all of which suggest that their graduate roles DO NOT require a technical background. Unless the roles have a technical requirement, the companies are willing to train and develop graduates to learn the technology and add value within the business to business sales/ marketing environment.
Imagine having the opportunity to work with Microsoft, or another leading enterprise company. Not only do they offer great starting salaries, they also offer unrivalled training and progression opportunities. Travel is something which our graduates are able to experience when working for technology companies, along with quick growth into management. Due to the quick growth of these organisations, you can udnerstand why they would require mature individuals that can be scaled to take on more responsibility.
There is always a level of fear around the unknown, and graduates are always likely to stick to a comfort-zone. That said, if they are open minded to other sectors (such as technology), they really could have a huge impact on their career objectives.
A technical background is not always necessary with ProGrad clients operating in the technology field. However it is essential that our graduates demonstrate an aptitude for learning and a genuine passion for the impact of technology around us.
If you would like to know more about ProGrad, the graduate roles, or our concept…please contact the ProGrad team on 02 8235 8300. We look forward to hearing from you!
ProGrad have a sales team….we sell too!
September 9, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
ProGrad are like any business, we’re focused on generating sales in order to drive revenue. We’re also proactive, we take a strong proactive approach to DRIVING new business by selling our concept.
At ProGrad, we have a team of Business Development Managers who specialise in generating new requirements for graduates at all times. How do they do this? Well, primarily in demonstrating their own sales ability and great training. Our BDMs are primarily graduates of the process themselves, and create a powerful sales call by demonstrating their effectiveness.
We speak to key decision makers on the phone and book business meetings with them. We then understand their business objectives and discuss the ProGrad concept, identifying where this model can add value.
We are a sales led business, and more than ever over the last 12 months we have had a real focus on attracting and developing new business opportunities. It makes us effective recruiters for our clients, and ultimately ensures that we “practice what we peach”!
If you would like to know more about the ProGrad model, please contact the ProGrad office on 02 8235 8300.
ProGrad Training Courses
September 9, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
ProGrad have a suite of training courses available for our Graduates that are placed within our client base. Once we place our candidates, we have a passion and dedication to ensure their success. This is driven from our ProGrad training modules which are specifically designed to assist graduates in their roles. We cover a variety of topics with our candidates, across a series of modules. Each graduate placed will receive the following ProGrad training courses:
Module 1, 3 days - “An introduction to Professional Communication”
Module 2, 2 days - “Solution Selling”
Module 3, 2 days - “Ethical Negotiation Skills”
Module 4, 2 days - “Account Management”
These courses are designed and delivered by ProGrad trainers who specialise in training recent University graduates. Our success has been fantastic, and with a retention rate of over 81% of graduates still in their employment after 12 months we have proven this to be a great tool.
If you are an employer or a recent graduate and would like to find out more about engaging with ProGrad, we would love to hear from you. Please contact the ProGrad graduate management team on 02 8235 8300.
Our website is: www.prograd.com.au
Next Assessment Day in Melbourne
September 9, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
ProGrad will be conducting another assessment day in Melbourne on 16th September. ProGrad have seen a dramatic rise in applications received from Victoria and are keen to process as many as possible prior to this deadline.
If you are a recent graduate located in Melbourne and you would like to be considered for a graduate role with ProGrad, please apply to us directly (and quickly) by calling 02 8235 8300. Alternatively, you can contact the graduate management team by emailing us at info@prograd.com.au
ProGrad have always had a presence in the Melbourne area, yet we’re seeing an increase in the amount of roles available for ProGrad graduates. This is partly due to a return of confidence within our corporate clients, yet also due to active prospecting from the ProGrad team. Our team of business developers is focused on generating new graduate employment opportunities on a daily basis.
If you would like to find out which roles we have available, please call us now: 02 8235 8300. We look forward to hearing from you.
Currently Recruiting For FMCG Organisation in Geelong, VIC
September 8, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
ProGrad is currently working with a large FMCG organisation which represents many well known brands within the Australian marketplace. With headquarters in Melbourne, this successful organisation is looking to grow and expand its Geelong, VIC office. This is a rare ProGrad graduate opportunity to join one of Australia’s most recognized food brands – a company which offers an environment for fast progression and long term career opportunities.
This is a fantastic chance to get your foot in the door and be provided with masterclass ProGrad training courses. Your role will be diverse and varied, with responsibilities including building relationships, up selling promotional activity and merchandising. The right candidate for this role will have excellent interpersonal skills, be structured and organised and business savvy. ProGrad are also looking for graduates with outstanding customer service skills and the motivation to succeed.
Call ProGrad directly on 02 8235 8300 to find out more about our selection process. For more information on ProGrads services please visit ProGrads website at www.prograd.com.au.
Graduate Case Study: Aggie, Corporate Express
September 2, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Before applying to ProGrad Aggie had completed a Backelor of Business Marketing at University and had worked part time in a few retail positions. When asked about her experince at the ProGrad assessment day, Aggie responded ” It was intense, exciting, stressful, interesting, new, scary, intimidating and worth while in the end!”
ProGrad was impressed with Aggies professionalism at the assessment day and was quick to send her out to a number of first round interviews. ” In my first interview i was a nervous wreck. The second interview was great and i was successful. I took the role due to the greta opportunity, the incentives invloved, the location and because another graduate will be starting with me.” Aggie, ProGrad graduate.
” My advice for other graduates looking to apply to ProGrad is got for it, you have nothing to looser & everything to gain.” Aggie, ProGrad Graduate.
If you are a recent graduate looking to get your foot in the door with a successful organisation please call ProGrad directly on 02 8235 8300 or visit ProGrads website at www.prograd.com.au