Your must-know guide to landing your first job
June 23, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Published: 12 September 200, www.mycareer.com.au
Once upon a time, graduates could take their pick of top jobs. But with a degree now considered the minimum qualification by many employers, starting a career is more competitive than ever.
According to Cheryl Hill, national manager of business support at Mosaic Recruitment, the first thing graduate job seekers need to do is keep their career options open - your core knowledge and skills are likely to be suited to a range of jobs in today’s rapidly changing workplace.
“Take the time to evaluate your abilities, explore your career possibilities, and find out what you’re truly passionate about,” she says. “Then speak to your university career councillor or a recruitment agent to determine which career path and employers to pursue.”
When it comes to preparing a CV that stands out from the crowd, Hill recommends tailoring it to the job you’re applying for and emphasising your commitment, energy and enthusiasm.
“Details of part-time or casual jobs, extra curricular activities, and club or society memberships are all valuable achievements,” she says. “Don’t sell yourself short just because your professional experience is limited - give employers a well-rounded view of your talents by including all relevant experience to date.”
And for a head start in the CV stakes, try listing your volunteer history. “Committing your personal time to a cause you feel passionate about demonstrates your values, morals, and ethics,” says Hill. “It also shows your willingness to go that extra mile, which is something employers look for.”
These days, all employers want conscientious go-getters - so what you wear and how you present yourself is often as important as your grades. To this end, choose an outfit that’s appropriate for the job you’re interviewing for, and for maximum impact, pay attention to your facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.
“Research the company you’re applying for, or better still, anticipate the questions you might be asked and practice your answers in mock job interviews with friends,” says Hill. “Also consider your strengths and weaknesses in advance, and prepare a list of questions to ask your prospective employer.”
Finally, don’t forget that all job interviews are learning curves. “Professional rejection should never be taken personally,” says Hill. “After all, everyone’s had to apply for their first job at some point.”
Sophie
For more information relating to graduate careers, please contact ProGrad directly on 02 8235 8300 or visit out website www.prograd.com.au
The Value of Work Experience:
June 23, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Many graduates will find it very hard to secure employment without any prior workplace experience. Work experience, whether it is paid or unpaid, throughout your studies is a great way to gain experience, skills and industry knowledge.
A few benefits of work experience include:
- Helping to identify your strengths and weaknesses
- Give you a realistic insight into the business world
- Provider you with networking opportunities
- Lead to future employment opportunities at the place of employment
When choosing a place to undertake work experience it is essential to think of the future, and how beneficial it will be to your career prospective. Try choosing an organisation that is within the industry you wish to work in and one that can provide you with training and development to ensure your skills and industry knowledge can grow and assist in your future job perspectives.
At the end of the day - the more work experince the better!
Sophie
ProGrad is a graduate assessment, placement and training centre. For more information on our services please call us directly on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website at www.prograd.com.au
Taking Holiday Leave
June 22, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
A recent survey conducted by Tourism Australia concluded that Australian employees have accrued more than 70 million days leave, which is equivalent to around 14 million weeks. So why aren’t Australians taking their holiday leave? The main reasons include financial pressures, work anxiety while away, fear of job security and feeling guilty for taking the leave.
When Australians do take the time off from work, many admit to being able to be contacted via email or mobile phone and check their work emails regularly while away.
Currently many employers would prefer their employees to take short amounts of time off throughout the year instead of building up their holiday leave and taking it all at once.
Have you had a holiday lately?
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
Providing Referees – Who to choose?
June 19, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
When applying for a role, it is essential to strategically consider who to choose as your referees and whether to include all their details on the CV directly. A reference check is often the last step in an interview process so can be the maker or breaker of a career chance.
Its critical to keep your reference choice professional – don’t choose a friend, or someone you haven’t met. I recommend choosing a previous employer that you had a good relationship with.
Once you have chosen a suitable referee, make sure you let them know, just so they have the heads up. Inform them of the type of role you are going for so that can articulate their views accordingly.
Finally don’t forget to thank you referee & let them know the outcome – They may have been the reason you were successful!
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