You’ve heard of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Myspace, and YouTube, but have you heard of Google Buzz?  ProGrad have been investigating the latest in social media which may alter the media landscape once again.

This new social networking feature was launched by Google Inc three weeks ago through their Gmail service, and being the world’s No.1 search engine, has the capacity to outrank all social networking sites.  Google have a phenomenal brand within the graduate arena and this might have an impact on the way in which candidates use social media to find roles.  Websites such as linkedin.com have proven to be a successful method of searching for roles whilst offering a myriad of online groups for business networking and sharing information.

With Google Buzz people can post updates (similar to Twitter), but choose if they would like to share it with the rest of the world or with a select number of people. There is also the option of a mobile phone application, and already teamed with google chat, it mirrors both Twitter and Facebook.

Isar Yousaf, Founder of Inka Technology Ltd, has recently come on board the team at Google Buzz and is by no means threatened by any competition from other networking sites, “this is the war too, we have resources, we have talented minds and we will kill the fire with our exceptional Google Buzz applications.” He said.

This loud scream of success may just be the way of our future with Google Buzz not limiting itself to social interaction alone. They plan to develop Buzz to benefit multinationals, entrepreneurs and particularly small and mid-sized business owner with new strategic Buzz applications.

It does sound almost too good to be true.  As with any of the social media sensations, it is down to the user to establish what they are looking to achieve, and choose the vehicle they are most comfortable using.  One thing is for sure, social media cannot be ignored any longer and our recommendation is to jump on board as quickly as possible. 

Our business has a heavy use on Linkedin.com along with a small presence on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.  Does social media do much for our brand?  It is hard to say.  One thing it does offer, is an opportunity to listen to, and interact with our audience.  It is likely to be a matter of time before ProGrad jump on the Google Buzz Bandwagon!  And no doubt, as soon as we have, you’ll be hearing about it on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Flickr…and so the social media merry-go-round continues….

ProGrad can be reached on 02 8235 8300 or on info@prograd.com.au

Hi Virginia,

I am very well thank-you.

I am really enjoying my position at Simplot. I have found the training very comprehensive, well structured and have much enjoyed learning all the different aspects of my role so far. I have been out in the field the entire time and have spent training days in various regions including that of the territory I will be taking over.

I feel the company has provided me with an excellent induction and given me the opportunity to integrate and learn so that I am confident to progress in my role and seek all the opportunities that the position offers.

I really enjoy being in the field and meeting people and have also learnt a great deal about the industry as well as the products, lines and position of them within the market place.

I am very grateful to you for seeking out this position for me as I am very happy in my role. Simplot is a fantastic company from what I have experienced. My colleagues are very supportive and are a great team to work with and I hope to progress my career with them in the future.

Kind regards,

Elle

http://www.smh.com.au/business/job-ads-rebound-with-record-jump-20100309-ptol.html

Sorry for the late response, I’ve been away to Melbourne with work and arrived last night (Wednesday).  As you may or may not know, my role is specifically a lead generation role to help generate leads for the Victorian and S.A. markets.  Before this trip, I was a bit confused as to my part in the whole puzzle, but things have been greatly clarified now and I look forward to working closely with the Melbourne team.

Also, my fellow colleagues are great to work with and very supportive, with a lot of fun being had as well as hard work of course.  It has been very much been a hit the ground running one, however as time goes on, the product range, our marketing and selling tactics and such are becoming much more clearer.

Thanks for your email, and thanks again for your work in securing this role.  It is greatly appreciated!

Regards

Jamil - Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Media Arts and Production)

Prograd is Australia’s leading assessment, training and placement organisation, working with recent University graduates and assisting them to secure roles within the corporate sales divisions of leading organisations.

A diverse range of positions are currently available for any graduate with an interest in the business to business sales and marketing sector. Available positions include:

• Graduate Sales Executive
• Graduate Sales & Marketing Consultant (National & Multinational Companies)
• Graduate Marketing Assistant
• Lead Generation/ Marketing position
• Client Services Representative
• Graduate Online Sales Executive

ProGrad work with over 600 organisations across Australia, including Sage, Microsoft, Dell, Fairfax and News. If you are looking for an entry-level opportunity within a corporation, please calle the ProGrad office and ask to speak to a Graduate Manager.

Our client is a global enterprise that is looking to bring a graduate on board their team. They are looking for someone who is energetic, a fast learner and who has a drive to succeed.

They are a fast paced, exciting company to work for and enjoy large growth year on year.

The key objectives of the job are to be responsible for promoting the company’s range of filtration products and will involve;

- Develop and implementing plans
- Establishing call schedules
- Identify and develop potential new customers
- Develop an understanding of each particular account’s business
- Develop sales strategies to increase sales

The right person for this role will possess:
• Ability to pick up new concepts quickly
• Strong “Learning “ethic
• PC competency.
• Strong time management / organisation skills.
• High level presentation skills
• A high level of communication skills
• Multi tasking ability
• Ability to work with a team of different age groups and strong personalities.
• Ability to think creatively “outside the square” to develop solutions to problems, issues and plans that exceeds expectations.

If this sounds like the role for you, please contact the ProGrad office and speak to a graduate manager.
*To be eligible for this position you need to have completed your degree*

“Training week was very advantageous in learning the ‘roots’ of the profession and beginning to build a business network. Michael is very good at training and kept us interested.”

“Myself and the other grads are about to undertake the first two modules of our Diploma in Financial Services (Broking) which will be good to further our professional development.”

“I’d love to be able to keep in touch as the role continues.”

Levi - Sydney

“I have basically been handed over the ‘Marketing Portfolio’ for this branch, due to my Marketing background. This is great, as it is not a full-time job within this organisation, and can fit this in with the other work that I am doing. We are about to begin our Diploma of Finance, also.”

“Hope that all is well on the other side of the country and that you enjoy your week.”

Elizabeth - Perth

I cannot thank you enough for absolutely everything you have done for me, from the advice to interview tips to the ‘good luck’ phone calls, I truly, truly appreciate the time and faith you have invested in me.

I wish you all the best and who knows, perhaps one day I’ll be back at Prograd listening to all the candidates on Assessment day!

A million thanks once again,

Dress-code for the assessment day:

ProGrad recommend that you wear business dress for the assessment day.  We have a number of Clients that we invite to attend the assessment day who will be viewing you in this interview situation.  We would recommend you wear full business dress in order to appeal to any potential employers that might be present.   

For the guys:

We would recommend a full business suit (if you have one) along with a tie.  A lot of the businesses we work with are looking for a corporate/ professional image from our graduates.  In order to maximize your appeal, we would recommend no facial hair, a good haircut and no facial piercing.  If you don’t yet own a business suit, just give us a call and let us know prior to the day.

For the girls:

The general rule is to “dress for business, not for fashion”.  Again, we recommend a clean, professional, corporate image.  This is easy to achieve with a dark business suit and a plain white blouse.  If you don’t have a business suit, simply ensure you are wearing a smart skirt/ trousers with a professional looking shirt.  Approach this session exactly as you would an interview.

If you have any questions about what to wear at the ProGrad assessment day, please feel free to call our Graduate Management Team on 02 8235 8300.  Alternatively, you can visit our website which also offers more information www.prograd.com.au