05th Mar2010

Preparing for Interviews

by ProGrad

“If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.”

Preparation is an interesting test, and not to be overlooked in an interview process.  Poorly prepared candidates are unimpressive to employers!

If you’re a technology-savvy individual, you should be using online sites such as www.linkedin.com to build an online presence as an individual yet also to assist in preparation prior to interviews.  It is a business networking tool which can be very helpful prior to interviews for researching.

We always recommend that graduates are reading business publications as much as possible in order to gain some base understanding about the business arena and what is happening within certain industries.  BRW Magazine is a great, easy read and perfect for any recent graduate to gain some commercial insight.

Prior to an interview, it is natural that you will look on a company website and conduct some basic Google searches.  Please don’t stop there.  Think about what you’re doing with that information.  Don’t simply assume that in reading it, you are absorbing it.  Write notes about the business, the market, any competitors, the clients and any key personnel you can find.  Please make notes and ensure they are with you in the face to face interview.

Outside of internet searching, we would also suggest that you contact the office directly and ask some questions on the telephone.  You will not only gain extra information, but you will also be making a good first impression with some of the employees. 

Many graduates fail to demonstrate their research skills in an interview, and rely on their natural charm to carry them through.  Whilst this is sometimes successful, it is far safer for candidates to do their research and take preparation with them to an interview.  Document your findings and be prepared to discuss your research.

ProGrad is a specialist graduate recruitment company working with over 600 companies across Australia.  For more information about our process, please contact our ProGrad Graduate Management Team on 02 8235 8300.

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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02nd Mar2010

What to do if you’re unsure about a career step…

by ProGrad

Many graduates upon leaving University are struck with an unsure nature around the type of roles they should be applying for.  This is entirely natural considering a lack of experience to this point.

For many candidates this can seem unsettling and this uncertainty can lead to poor decisions around accepting jobs.  This might even lead into a candidate leaving a role after a few short months.

To avoid this, we would strongly recommend doing RESEARCH!  This is a key skill learned at University, throughout your time there and this skill MUST be utilised when applying for jobs. 

Don’t be too specific about the role or industry initially, but rather think about areas like:

What is the culture of the company I see myself working in?  Is it relaxed, or formal?

What type of environment would I be happy in?  Team based, autonomous, desk bound, visiting people?

What kind of progression would I like to see? Do you want to get into management? 

What motivates me?  Is it recognition? Reward? Money? Success?

Even think about what you would wear to work?  Is it relaxed wear?  Is it casual?  Do you want to wear a suit every day?

Once you have thought about these “cultural” areas, seek some advice some careers advisers/ friends/ family members.  People close to you will know you and might have suggestions about what you would be suited to as a career. 

When it comes to picking a role, it’s important to think about THE OVERALL OPPORTUNITY!  Your first role should develop, but only if you demonstrate an ability to progress.  Your salary will increase along with your skill sets.  One thing won’t change dramatically overnight, is the culture of the business!

If you have any queries, please dont hesitate to contact the ProGrad office – 02 8235 8300.

Virginia – Graduate Development Manager

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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07th Dec2009

ProGrad are growing the team

by ProGrad

ProGrad are yet again looking to recruit for our own in-house graduate program in Sydney.  We are looking to start a new group of graduates in the New Year and have already commenced the interview process.

We like to recruit through our own process, using recent graduates who have made it through the ProGrad assessment day.  This ensures our selected graduates have been assessed for their capability in sales and our interview process is then about assessing a cultural fit for the business.

ProGrad has been in Australia since 2005, and have grown dramatically over recent years.  This growth has been due to the efforts of our own graduate recruits who demonstrate genuine passion and flair for our business model. 

As a Business Development Executive within ProGrad, the role combines a B2B sales component with the involvement of assessment days and telephone screening initially.  The graduates have an intense induction period when joining ProGrad and are then on a career progression plan which ensures their ability to do all elements of the role within the first 12 months of joining.  Graduates then embark on a Management development program to ensure their continual development within the business.

ProGrad are expanding into the US market in 2010, and will also be offering international travel to employees over the forthcoming years to ensure further development of their careers.

If you’re keen on knowing more about the ProGrad roles and our in-house graduate program, please contact us on 02 8235 8300 or email info@prograd.com.au

Category : Graduate News, ProGrad Melbourne, ProGrad News
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27th Nov2009

How do we find graduate roles?

by ProGrad

It may come as a surprise to many, but ProGrad have to HUNT down graduate positons!  We’re a proactive, sales driven company and we have a team of Business Development Executives who are contacting companies on a daily basis to sell our model.

It’s an effective sales process.  Our Business Developers are mostly graduates who have come through the assessment process and have demonstrated their prowess in a sales role.  It is highly compelling for organisations to engage with ProGrad, once they have met with one of our own graduates who have been effectively assessed and trained.

The activity levels are high with ProGrad and our team are regularly attending new business meetings to sell our unique model.  Once we have engaged with an organisation, we then aim to provide them with a steady stream of graduate talent to ensure their business growth.

ProGrad recruit using our own methods and we’re currently looking to fill more roles internally.  If you’re a recent graduate and you’d like to apply, please contact us now on 02 8235 8300.

We can also be emailed info@prograd.com.au

Category : Graduate News, ProGrad Melbourne
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30th Sep2009

Employers make their mind up about you VERY quickly

by ProGrad

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

Category : Graduate News, Interview Techniques, ProGrad Melbourne
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