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

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.

09th Sep2009

Next Assessment Day in Melbourne

by ProGrad

ProGrad will be conducting another assessment day in Melbourne on 16th September.  ProGrad have seen a dramatic rise in applications received from Victoria and are keen to process as many as possible prior to this deadline.

If you are a recent graduate located in Melbourne and you would like to be considered for a graduate role with ProGrad, please apply to us directly (and quickly) by calling 02 8235 8300.  Alternatively, you can contact the graduate management team by emailing us at info@prograd.com.au

ProGrad have always had a presence in the Melbourne area, yet we’re seeing an increase in the amount of roles available for ProGrad graduates.  This is partly due to a return of confidence within our corporate clients, yet also due to active prospecting from the ProGrad team.  Our team of business developers is focused on generating new graduate employment opportunities on a daily basis.

If you would like to find out which roles we have available, please call us now: 02 8235 8300.  We look forward to hearing from you.