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

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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17th Mar2010

Feedback – Levi, Sydney

by ProGrad

“Thanks for the email, great to hear from you. The new job is great, I realise the more I’m here how much there is to learn, but it’s a good feeling knowing that I’m in an environment where I can do that.”

 

“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

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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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 Jul2009

Networking, the key to finding work

by ProGrad

Networking the key to finding work

http://www.australianit.news.com.au

Jennifer Foreshew | March 10, 2009

AFTER 20 years with BT Financial Group, the wealth management arm of Westpac Group, Lewis Horwitz has joined the swelling ranks of job seekers.

Mr Horwitz, 53, of Sydney, was BT Financial Group’s applications services head, but was made redundant after the Westpac-St George bank merger.

“At this time, to be unemployed is a real challenge, especially at senior level, or any level,” he said.

Mr Horwitz is looking at chief information officer, chief technology officer or department head roles in the technology sector, or chief executive roles in community or not-for-profit organisations. “I am extremely worried because I do not know how long it is going to take to find a role,” he said.

Since the economic crisis hit late last year, recruiters have received a stream of resumes from Australian and overseas IT senior professionals seeking work.

“We are seeing more senior candidates and it is people either out of work or they are about to be out of work,” Peoplebank chief operating officer Peter Acheson said.

He recommended that those leaving a job did not burn bridges with their employer because they would be important as referees, as well as a possible source of work.

“It is really important to stay positive, upbeat and confident,” Mr Acheson said.

Those without a job should identify four or five companies they would ideally like to work for, he said.

“Once you work that out, you can find out who the recruitment firms are for those companies and target them,” Mr Acheson said.

“Moreover, you can find people in your personal network who work with those companies and ask them to assist in getting you some sort of introduction.”

It was best not to bombard a network with resumes, he warned, and always ensure meetings were face to face.

Mr Acheson also advocated job seekers take a short-term contract to take the heat off, financially, and to extend their network. “We are starting to see contracting roles around the project opportunities,” Mr Acheson said.

“For example, the Commonwealth Bank core systems upgrade — we have just seen a number of roles hit the market in the last few weeks directly related to that project.”

Those looking for work should also be open to a course or program that would help to build skills and expose them to people who could refer them. “When an IT person has been retrenched they should view this as an opportunity, giving them time to consider where they are in their career, turning the situation into a positive,” said Taylor Coulter director Penny Coulter. “When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.”

Ms Coulter said those leaving large corporations may wish to work for a small to medium business or a not-for-profit, and they should research those organisations and check out their websites.

“About 70 per cent of senior IT roles do not make it to market,” Ms Coulter said. “It is natural for most executives to hire people they have worked with previously.

“The power of the referral system and the networking world is stronger than ever and it will continue to be so.”

A job seeker should also use all their contacts in the industry, she said. They might not be able to help directly but might know of an opportunity through their contacts.

“It is important to be seen. You almost have to create yourself as a product,” Ms Coulter said.

“Be seen, be known. It is important to be confident, not arrogant, so you instil confidence in the people you meet.”

When Candle ICT recently advertised a senior project manager role, it was inundated with more than 100 applications. “It is such a turnaround from a couple of months ago,” Candle chief executive David Stewart said.

He urged job hunters to be flexible on their rates and salary expectations and he advised people to stay fit and healthy, with a positive mental attitude.

“If people start to get a bit depressed and their self-esteem starts to drop, that is picked up, either consciously or subconsciously, by a prospective employer,” he said.

Senior people needed to be aware it might take up to six months to find a new position.

Theo Vereker’s role as national infrastructure sales manager at Kaz Group ended when he was made redundant in mid-October. Last month he secured a role with an international telecommunications company as a global client director.

The 47-year-old was determined to turn the experience into a positive career opportunity.

“When I talked to contacts that I have developed over many years, it generated a number of opportunities and two firm job offers over about three months,” the Melbourne-based father of three said. “Even though I responded to a number of online job advertisements, these did not generate a single interview for me.”

 

Sophie

 

For more information regarding ProGrads services please call 02 8235 8300 or visit our website www.prograd.com.au

 

 

Category : ProGrad Melbourne
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