ProGrad Brisbane

Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions we get at ProGrad before an Assessment Day:

Do I bring a copy of my resume?

No. We already have a copy from when you submitted your application; you won’t need it on the day so you may as well save a tree by leaving your copy at home!

What if I don’t have a copy of my transcript yet?

If you haven’t received your full transcript or don’t have an electronic copy, just let your graduate manager know. It’s not a huge deal if you can’t send a copy immediately, depending on the needs of our clients and the urgency of it for a role we can chase it up at a later convenience.

What if my degree isn’t “businessy”

The name of your degree isn’t the most relevant thing on the day. What matters more is your drive and passion for a career. If post graduation you’ve found you would like a new challenge or want to apply your degree in a new field then don’t shy away. Every university course offers something that will contribute in some way to a career regardless of whether or not it sits comfortably in the name.

What companies will be there?

While we can’t name the companies who will be present each week as a part of their client confidentiality agreement, we can give you a list of clients we work with across the wide variety of industries and sectors we cover. We also will be representing a number of clients who are actively hiring but are unable to attend the day. This definitely ensures good exposure to a wide variety of our client partners. Rest assured when you are successful through the day and we are matching you with job opportunities we will give you a full briefing on a clients name and business.

Do I need to wear a jacket?

We encourage candidates to wear a full suit- if you don’t have a suit or a jacket isn’t readily accessible for you, it isn’t the end of the world. If you do have a jacket or blazer available or can borrow one it does add a stronger air of professionalism and looks more polished. If it’s hot, don’t stress, you are welcome to take it off but at least for your presentation you want to look as professional as possible.

Should I wear heels or flats?

It really is up to you and what you feel most comfortable in. We generally say that ladies should go for heels wherever possible only because this is the norm in a corporate setting.

What about my facial piercings and tattoos?

If you have facial or visible body piercings we recommend removing them or minimising their impact on your appearance on the day in order to present a blank canvas and avoid any preconceptions or assumptions from more “traditionally minded” employers. Tattoos are fine and realistically won’t be on show anyway as you should be dressed in modest business attire.

What’s involved in the psychometric testing?

The psychometric test is really a basic personality profile, it will take you around 10 minutes to complete and requires no preparation. You don’t need a calculator or physics degree, just a pen and your brain.

How much info do I give in the self introduction?

The self introduction session will be lead by a ProGrad facilitator who will ask you to introduce yourself to the group, which means essentially there is no right or wrong answer for this part of the day. Follow their lead and be natural here- you won’t need to rehearse an answer. After all, who can introduce yourself better than you?

Does it matter if I am over/under 3 minutes in my speech?

Essentially 5-10 seconds either way isn’t going to be a deal breaker. However 3 minutes will fly when you stand up there- so try to maximize it as best as you can. Being massively under 3 minutes and wasting the time or being so far over it that you rush through and don’t give anything coherent anyway isn’t the best approach. Try reading your speech aloud a few times in advance to perfect the timing and ensure you make the best of your 3 minutes of fame!

Do I need to memorise my whole speech?

No. It is not imperative that you are able to present your speech eyes closed, verbatim. Using palm cards or a visual prompt can be a good way of showing that you are prepared and unlike university presentations is pretty standard in a corporate setting. However keep in mind some important factors- eye contact, engagement with your audience, confidence pace tone and pitch. Be careful to avoid reading from a script or notes so you don’t overlook these important presentation elements.

Is there any way of getting feedback for my speech before that day?

Of course. Email a draft or any ideas to your graduate manager or even give them a call. They would be more than happy to have a chat with you about it and offer any advice, constructive criticism or praise before you come along. We want you to do well so naturally we will be available to help out in any way we can.

I have no experience in B2B sales does that matter?

All our positions are graduate entry level roles; our clients on the day are not expecting you to have a background in the industry or any particular experience. If you do that is a bonus but it will not be required.

 What is involved in the business case study?

The case study is one of the group activities you will participate in during the assessment process. It is a hypothetical business scenario with full instructions and information provided. Working in a team you this activity cannot be prepared for so you will be able to contribute and participate fully regardless of any previous experience in business.

How much training is there?

Training is provided throughout the first year of your placement within a company. It’s delivered in 4 modules that span 8 days in total spread across the course of the year. We also offer more advanced training modules for your second year and tailored training courses designed specifically for particular teams and organizations to optimize and expand performance capabilities.

Does ProGrad charge me anything?

No. Nothing at all, our service is free to graduates for the entirety of the relationship. Your assessment placement and training is paid for by the companies who use our services.

When do I find out how I went?

We’ll let you know at the end of the day how you go at the assessment day. For more detailed and tailored individual feedback we can chat with you one on one as early as the following day.

What happens if I cannot attend the day?

If something urgent or unexpected comes up and you are unable to attend the assessment day, pleasure ensure you speak to your Graduate Manager immediately so we can try to accommodate or make other arrangements for you if possible. Please be aware though that this will not always be possible as places on the day are highly competitive but we will try to help you out wherever possible.