Some Important Tips for Interviews!
June 24, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
This might sound obvious, but we still hear stories which indicate that not everyone is educated about how to behave in an interview! Here are some tips for success in interviews…
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ALWAYS arrive early
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ALWAYS greet the receptionist in a friendly manner, every member of the team plays a part in recruitment
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ALWAYS build rapport prior to the interview
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ALWAYS shake hands with a firm grip.
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ALWAYS wait until you are offered a chair before sitting
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ALWAYS allow the interviewer to talk, let them lead the interview
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ALWAYS smile and hold yourself in a positive and confident manner
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ALWAYS hold good eye contact, and be careful not to drift off…
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ALWAYS perform the best you can and display a positive interest in the role you are being interviewed for
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ALWAYS ensure you smell fresh. (Be aware that to a non-smoker, the smell of cigarettes is strong, we’d recommend not smoking prior to an interview)
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ALWAYS use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to do the role
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ALWAYS avoid making any negative remarks about your present or former employers.
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ALWAYS avoid enquiring about salary, holidays, bonuses etc during the initial interview unless you are specifically asked!
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ALWAYS avoid asking about hours that you can expect to be working
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ALWAYS discuss your enthusiasm for a role, if you truly are passionate about it
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ALWAYS accept an offer for a tour around the office
Davinia
Cover Letter Hints & Tips
June 22, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Cover letters are generally the last thing job seekers look at when receiving a job application, however in saying this I would still recommend attaching one anyway!
The following are a few tips to follow when creating and sending a cover letter:
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Make sure there is no grammar or spelling mistakes – this will immediately give a bad first impression.
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Include the job title & job reference so the person knows exactly what position you are referring to.
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Keep your cover letter personable however professional. Using the right style, tone or language can often make all the difference
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If you feel it is necessary to include a photo, use a professional head shot – not a photo of your Saturday night out with friends
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Remember to provide a professional email address – you can never go wrong with your full name!
When it comes to sending a CV, you generally have about 30 seconds to impress the job seeker so be sure to use bullet points, or bold headings to highlight critical features on your CV and cover letter.
Sophie
ProGrad is an assessment, placement and training organization for graduates. If you would like more information on our training services, please call our office directly on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website at www.prograd.com.au
Telephone Interviews – Hints & Tips!
June 19, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Phone interviews are becoming more and more popular for employers as a quick and cost effective way to screen candidates before inviting them for a face to face interview.
When applying for a role, candidates should always be prepared for a phone interview, as you never know when a recruiter or organization will contact you wanting to know more information and ask you questions regarding your application.
When applying for possible opportunities it’s also essential to consider your current voice mail message and ensure you voice is clear and sounds professional. It is recommended to keep a copy of your resume, as well as a pen and paper with you where ever you go, just incase you need to refer to it or take notes down.
During a phone interview, remember this is not a casual conversation. It is critical that you don’t eat, drink or chew gum – the interviewer will be able to pick up on this straight away. It is also recommended to stand up while speaking and smile as much as possible to project a positive imagine and tone in your voice.
Finally remember to thank the interview for their time and consideration in your application!
Sophie
ProGrad is an assessment, placing and training centre that assists recent graduates to find entry level sales roles within fast growing international organisations. For more information on our services, please call us on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website at www.prograd.com.au
What Makes a Good Manager?
June 2, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
A good manager is someone who can plan, organise and instruct others using leadership skills to ensure they follow. A strong manager is aware of what specific objectives need to be met and set achievable goals and deadlines to ensure they are accomplished.
Generally a managers role will involve coaching, monitoring and boosting staff morale, as well as being involved in the operations department and administration to ensure all the ‘behind the scenes’ tasks are completed.
Good managers generally are approachable people who are action orientated. Many employees, including myself view a good manager as someone who will set standards, and apply them to their own role.
Sophie
ProGrad is an assessment, placement and training centre. We specalise in placing recent university graduates into business to business sales roles and train them throughout their first year to ensure fast growth and progression.
For more information on our services, please call the Sydney office on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website www.prograd.com.au
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