21st Jul2009

The Need to SELL YOURSELF in an interview

by Berleena

This seems to be the area which lets candidates down the most during interviews.  The interviewer feedback is often “they just didn’t sell themselves well enough.”

Its a fair point, but what are interviewers looking for?  How are you supposed to “sell yourself?”

Here are some pointers from ProGrad to assist you prior to interviews:

1) Firstly, remember to PREPARE.  Preparation is essential prior to any interview.  Try to generate an understanding of what the company does, but more importantly, how do they add value?  Put it in your own words, don’t just copy what is written on a website.  Aim to understand it.  If in doubt, call the company and ASK.

2) Prepare your answers to the typical interview questions…but always be thinking…how will my traits add value to this employer.  Its fine to say “I’m a confident person”, but why is that relevant to the interviewer?  What does it mean for them?  “I’m a confident person.  An example of this is when I was at university, I had to lead a group project to completion and present our findings to over 300 people.  What this means to you, is that I can bring my confidence to the role and ensure I have no fear of speaking to prospective clients.”

3) Think of an interview as a sales meeting.  Only this time, the product is yourself…always think of structuring your answers like this:  Feature, Advantage and Benefit to the company.

4) Prepare QUESTIONS to ask.  If you don’t ask questions, you’ll come across as being disinterested and an ineffective communicator.  Prepare at least 15-20 questions to ask the interviewer.  You might not use them all, but definitely ask.

5) CLOSE the meeting (or in this case, the interview).  Ask what the next steps are!  Is there a second interview?  If so, when is it? 

Please stop thinking about interviews as being a one way street.  Candidates MUST sell themselves effectively in order to be successful in interviews.

ProGrad is a graduate assessment, placement and training company with an emphasis on working within the business to business sales teams of organisations.  To be considered for our roles, please contact the ProGrad graduate recruitment team on 02 8235 8300.

Davinia

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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21st Jul2009

Prepare for the telephone interview

by Berleena

Whether it is a phone call from ProGrad, or a phone call from a potential employer, be aware that from the moment you answer the phone you are likely to be in the midst of a telephone interview.

Within a few short sentences, a candidate can make or break their telephone interview.  This is primarily based on how their voice sounds on the telephone.  The minute we speak on the telephone, you cannot rely on your body language to convey your thoughts and feelings.

If you have a monotone voice, it says to an employer, “I’m bored and not interested in what you’re saying”.

A slow speed and dull pitch will say that you’re not enthusiastic and want to be left alone.

A high pitched voice will express your enthusiasm for a role and the potential opprotunity

Employers during the telephone interview process are primarily assessing for your attitude.  Within seconds, judgements can be made about whether they want to continue the conversation or not.

One potential way to change the inflection in your voice is to smile, especially when you first answer the telephone. Did you know that when you smile, the soft palate at the back of your mouth raises and makes the sound waves more fluid. If you are a singer, you would know that the wider you open your mouth and the more teeth you show, the better tone you get. The same applies on the telephone. Smiling helps your voice to sound warm, enthusiastic and friendly.

Don’t under estimate the power of your “telephone voice”.  In the first few seconds of picking up a call, smile and prepare to sound enthusiastic, clear and friendly!

ProGrad also use a telephone screening as part of the assessment process. Over 90% of candidates fail this process, mostly due to a dull, monotone voice with a level of disinterest. 

For more information about the ProGrad process, feel free to call ProGrad on 02 8235 8300.  Alternatively, you can visit our website www.prograd.com.au

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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18th Jun2009

Should Photos Be Put On A Resume?

by Berleena

Unless you applying for a role that faces the public, such as an actor or model; I would personally recommend NOT to put your photo on your resume. First impressions count, and often adding a photo to your resume can do more hurt than harm.

Often a photo can act as a distraction to the important sections of your resume. As soon as someone opens your resume, the photo is the first thing they see, and they could often block the viewer from reviewing the rest of your application.

On the other hand, during the current economic climate, recruitment agencies and organizations are receiving a massive influx of applications for each job opportunity available. The advantage of adding a photo to your application is that it may stand out, and grab the attention of the viewer.

At the end of the day, the whole purpose of sending through a resume is to impress the viewer and attempt to secure an interview – attaching a photo could either hinder or help this occur!

 

Sophie

 

ProGrad is an assessment, placement and training organisation designed to assist recent university graduates in kick starting their corporate sales careers. A 12-24month training program has been developed to assist in the growth and progression of these graduates to ensure they are successful in achieveing both personal and organisational goals.

For more information on ProGrad products and services, please call our Sydney office on 02 8235 8300 or visit our webpage at www.prograd.com.au.

 

 

 

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