The lost art of communication
December 18, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
I have just posted a few words for job seekers, which got me thinking about the heavy reliance of graduates on the internet, particularly as a mechanism to find jobs. Actually, that part isn’t the problem - I agree that Seek, MyCareer etc are a great way to search for jobs and start the application process. It’s what happens after that which I find strange.
The job boards have created a lazy approach to job seeking. Click, click, click, browse, attach, click, click.
And then….wait. And Wait. Still waiting..
Perhaps you’ll receive a call back, perhaps you won’t. By the time you do get the phone call, surely you’ve forgotten which job you applied for. Thats because there is a backlog of other lazy job seeker’s applications to get through.
Many moons ago, we didn’t have the internet. I know, hard to imagine, isn’t it? When we didn’t have the internet, we contacted eachother on the telephone and had conversations with humans and we spoke clearly about our intentions. This is the piece that has now been lost.
If you’re a job seeker looking to stand out from the crowd (and the other lazy job seekers in the market) then take a different approach. By all means, start with the internet. But don’t just leave it there and expect the internet to manage the process on your behalf. Somewhere in the process, is a human (for now, anyway). Ever thought about calling the human? Might be worth a shot. Call them up directly, tell them you’ve applied for a role and you’d like to know what the next step is.
It’s really not that difficult, is it? Give it a try…you never know, someone might actually call you back!
An interview is much like a “sales call”
December 9, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
There aren’t many times in your life that you get to sit and tell someone about yourself (and how great you are) for about an hour. An interview, is essentially just that. You have the perfect opportunity to sit in front of someone and sell yourself! To someone who is actively listening, and genuinely cares about hearing how wonderful you are.
An interview is a business meeting and should be treated as such. In essence, it is a sales call - and you are the product. One would think it is the easiest product of all to sell. You know the product better than anyone, right? You know it’s features, advantages and benefits. You are also better equipped than anyone to explain how it will fit into any given environment.
So why are get nervous prior to an interview? Perhaps it is the fear of rejection, the fear of failure, the fear of not getting the job. Hmmm, again - it sounds a lot like a sales call.
There is a huge reluctance from inexperienced candidates who prefer not to consider an interview as a sales call but in short - you are selling yourself. Regardless of how you look at it.
If ever you’re after more tips about interviews and how to approach them, just get in touch with us as we’d be happy to help you out. We can be emailed info@prograd.com.au
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