01st Dec2010

Painfully Perfect

by ProGrad

Painfully Perfect

 Attention graduate community, we know you are nervous and wanting to make a good impression as a can-do, nothing too hard for me kind of candidate but please do not list being a perfectionist as your biggest weakness!

 Unless you genuinely believe that you are disadvantaged by your ability to refine details and produce high quality work, it is always worth trying to be a little original in your answers.

  Some better (and more realistic) options to offer as a weakness may include, a lack of on the job or industry experience,  finding it hard to say no to people, tending to take on more than you should or not really knowing exactly where you want to end up.

 It might seem clever to try and turn a weakness into a positive, but it’s more obvious than you think- the best thing to do is be honest and express a desire or plan to overcome this, or steps you are already taking in this direction.

 Pretending to be the perfect person only sets up an embarrassing expectation, and leaves no room for growth or imagination. So next time someone asks you “can you tell me a weakness?” give them a strong answer, not a strength in disguise.

 If you are looking for that first interview, or advice on how to approach a prospective employer, contact ProGrad’s Graduate Management team on 02 8235 8300 or alternatively email us at info@prograd.com.au

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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01st Dec2010

Prograd Sydney Assessment Day Thursday 2nd December

by ProGrad

The next ProGrad Assessment day in Sydney is tomorrow, 2nd December. Places are limited and few remain. If you have not already confirmed you attendance to the ProGrad day, please contact us on (02) 8235 8300. We are on the countdown towards the end of the year with only a handful of assessment days that remain. We look forward to hearing from you!

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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20th Jul2009

We value your feedback

by ProGrad

We are always interested in your feedback about your ProGrad experience, whether it was positive or negative.  Please feel free to comment on your experiences and share with other graduates who may be coming through the process. 

If you would like to discuss anything in confidence, please contact our offices directly on 02 8235 8300 and ask to speak to one of the senior team members.

In providing your feedback, we are able to improve our efficiencies and ensure a stronger candidate experience.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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25th Jun2009

How to Pass an Assessment Day

by ProGrad

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.

 

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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