16th May2011

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

by Anna

At ProGrad we have found that graduates generally face a dilemma when it comes to providing references with job applications. So here are a few handy hints that may help the process:

First of all, references are almost always required, so be prepared to have someone or sometwo or three lined up, ready and willing to be a verbal reference for you. (Make sure you only provide their details on request though, don’t spam out your CV with their personal details included).

Going with a verbal reference is generally easier than asking for a written reference. It is less of a commitment for the person you ask and is generally preferred by employers because they have specific questions to ask, rather than reading a glowing report of how well you got on with your former team.

The most important thing though, is to ask people who you know will give you a good reference. There is no point asking the Managing Director of an amazing company if they won’t have good things to say about you. Too many times we have seen graduates provide details for someone who didn’t “sing their praises” or even know them well enough to answer a few questions. It might sound unlikely but we have actually seen a few cases where offers have been revoked after a reference check was less than flattering.

References aren’t about painting a false picture of yourself but if you have done good work, you don’t want that to be overshadowed by a personality clash. Sadly after one or two interviews, an employer will likely trust the judgment of someone who has worked with you rather than giving you the benefit of the doubt.

References aren’t all doom and gloom, they can be the icing on the cake and the final confirmation that you are the right choice, so by carefully choosing and asking the right person you have the chance to do yourself a big favour!

For more information or help in finding your graduate career, contact ProGrad’s Graduate Management Team at info@prograd.com.au or call (02) 8235 8351.

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

29th Sep2010

NESTLE Commercial Graduate Program

by ProGrad

The ProGrad recruitment drive has begun to source Nestle’s top graduates for their latest graduate recruitment drive across Australia.  Many of the pre-selected candidates have been asked to attend assessment days with ProGrad over forthcoming weeks, however if you havent yet applied and would like to be considered for a role, please contact our Graduate Recruitment Team at ProGrad on 02 8235 8300.  Virginia is one of our Graduate Recruiters helping Nestle with the intake, and she is looking for graduates with at least 12 months of commercial experience ready to embark on a rotational graduate program within this multinational. 

Nestle have an incredible culture and can offer a range of careers for graduates following a successful 2 year sales and marketing program.  Based at their offices, the graduates are exposed to a variety of brands and start their commercial career within their field sales team, looking after a designated territory.  Following a successful rotation here, the graduates also have the ability to move into Marketing. 

Nestle have a generous salary on offer for suitable candidates, along with various incentives to reward top performance and encourage longevity in their business.

Last year, the intake was hugely successful and Nestle have seen 100% retention with their graduate recruits.  This was also due to the rigorous screening that Nestle conduct, not only within the ProGrad assessment day but also using the Nestle values as a way of assessing a cultural fit.

The key attributes they are looking for include, confidence, strong communication skills, the ability to problem solve and think laterally, and the ability to work cohesively within a team environment.  Successful candidates last year demonstrated a real drive to be successful and a real passion for the Nestle brand.  The organisation is a true believer in hiring graduate talent and nurturing this talent through the business.  The opporutnities for successful candidates are endless within this organisation.

If you are a gradudate and you’re keen to explore the opportunity to apply for the Nestle Commercial Graduate Program, then please contact the ProGrad team on 02 8235 8300.  Alternatively, you can email virginia.wilson@prograd.com.au for more information.  We are accepting applications now, and will be reviewing them up until Monday 11th October.  Opportunities are available across Australia.

22nd Apr2010

ProGrad look at the Buzz around Google…

by ProGrad

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

18th Mar2010

GRADUATE SALES AND MARKETING POSITION

by ProGrad
GRADUATE SALES AND MARKETING POSITION
  • Great CBD location
  • Great verbal communication skills needed
  • Multiple positions available

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.

 
18th Mar2010

FANTASTIC GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY – GLOBAL ENTERPRISE

by ProGrad
FANTASTIC GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY – GLOBAL ENTERPRISE
  • Looking for someone who is a quick learner
  • Someone who is well organised
  • Highly motivated

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*

16th Mar2010

ProGrad Assessment Day, how to dress

by ProGrad

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.  Many employers make quick decisions based on how candidates are dressed.

 

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

 

16th Mar2010

Feedback – recently placed ProGrad graduate

by ProGrad

Hey Virginia,
 
I’m well thanks how are you?
 
Certainly enjoyed the week in Sydney, unsurprisingly the next few weeks haven’t been quite as good. The first couple of weeks have been okay, been a tad difficult talking to clients when I really don’t know that much yet, and had to perform a few monotonous tasks however thats to be expected. However once I have a firm grasp of insurance and the different products, and am settled in a role i certainly think I will enjoy it though.
 
As a company JLT are an excellent employer. Everyone is really sociable and have good sense of humour. Also there seems a lot of opportunity to advance in the insurance industry in general. Many of the brokers I’m working with don’t have a degree, however were promoted from admin/ data entry roles so i think i can go a long way particulary given the advantage I have of making this program.
 
Actually had a question for you- was just wondering whether or not we will still attend the prograd training days given the fact that we are in a graduate program as opposed to a usual grad position?
 
Thanks again for all your help, hope you’ve been well.
 
Dan – Insurance

11th Mar2010

ProGrad Assessment Day Tips

by ProGrad

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

09th Mar2010

GRADUATE IT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY!

by ProGrad
GRADUATE IT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
  • Looking for a graduate who delivers strong communication skills
  • Someone who is money hungry and has a drive to succeed
  • Someone who is hungry to learn

Do you want to work for a multibillion dollar company with unlimited career opportunities? Are you a recent graduate who’s motivated and driven? Do you want to be financially rewarded for your efforts? If YES read on!!

This company is an international information technology company whose mission is to provide its clients with simple IT solutions. They are one of the country’s most reputable organisations and service some of Australia’s largest companies.

This company is growing rapidly and is looking to expand their team in Australia. They are focused on the development of their staff and are committed to maintaining the enjoyable and exciting nature that has been established in their workplace.

They are looking to find a recent graduate to fill the role of “Business Development Executive”. This role will allow you to learn all about the company and its extensive range of products and services before progressing into other areas of the business.

Your duties will include responding to enquiries generated by national advertising, preparing proposals for clients, developing and maintaining client relationships, assisting with customer enquiries and providing solutions to customer troubles.

To be successful in this role, you will need to be very energetic and enthusiastic. You will have superior communication and people skills, as well as have the ability to multi-task. The discipline studied for your degree is not relevant as long as you’re hungry to learn and have the right attitude.

This company recognises the importance of training and development. The successful candidate will be provided with extensive training in-house as well as through ProGrad.
Apply now to avoid disappointment as this role is set to be very popular!

If you are interested in this role, please contact the ProGrad office and speak to a Graduate Manager.

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