YouTube as a marketing tool
February 23, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
Here is a great example of how to promote and market a product using the the web 2.0 site YouTube. And the best thing is it’s free!
And how is this relevant to graduates you might ask? Well first it’s a little bit of fun, second recent graduates are known to be techically savvy, and third it is a great way to market yourself online!
If you are looking for a job or attending interviews, how about marketing yourself as the product and putting your own speil or portfolio on youtube. This way you can even send the link to the employer before you go to the interview. It will make you stand out from the crowd and also demonstrate that you work well with technology.
If you would like to know more about ProGrad and ProGrad’s services, visit us online at www.prograd.com.au
The graduate everyone wants
February 23, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
So you have just finished University and are a little unsure of how to present yourself to a potential client. Well ProGrad are here to help! Here we can tell you what potential clients in business are looking for in a recent graduate student.
It’s great to be aware of what is happening in the business world as well. You may want to subscribe to BRW or even sign up for their free online newsletter, just so you can stay up to date with what is happening in the business realm.
What potential clients are looking for:
* A graduate who is passionate, energetic and ambitious
* Someone who is confident and sure of where they are heading
* Someone who will be able to bring strong skills to an organisation
* Strong verbal and written communication skills
* A graduate who can work well within a team and also individually
* A hard-working individual
* Someone who is proactive and takes initiative
* And most importantly someone who will enter in the company for the long term. Potential employers are not looking for someone who will plan to go travelling around the world after their first six months of employment.
If you would like to know more about the graduate that everyone wants then please feel free to contact ProGrad on (02) 8235 8300 or to find out about ProGrad and our services visit our website at www.prograd.com.au
Buzzing it up with google
February 23, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
If you read my previous article about Google Buzz then you know what’s happening and are in the loop. If not a rough break down is that google has set up a new social networking site through gmail, that mirrors facebook and twitter.
If you would like to stay relevant and up to date online here is a basic step to step guide on how to set up a google account.
* First login to your gmail account. If you don’t have a gmail account set one up. When you sign in to google you will be met with the question asking if you would like to check out google buzz. Press on this button and you will be on your way to setting up your account!
* Follow the following steps google asks of you, just filling in your details (they are pretty self explanatory)
* Once you have filled in your details press on your name. Here you will be able to upload a photograph. The photo you upload will be used accross all google sites.
* Once you have uploaded your picture you can then start to create your profile. Your profile includes your name, photo, people you follow and people that follow you.
* Posting a comment is as easy as writing in the text post and clicking the post button. Here you can also include links and pictures. Note there is a setting you can choose in order for you to have your posts public or private.
* You can also connect sites to google such as your flickr and twitter account.
* You have now successfully set up your google buzz account. Congratualtions! You will be able to access your account when you visit google. It can be found under google accounts after you sign in
Effective presentation techniques
February 23, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
Here at ProGrad we hold ‘ProGrad assessment day’s’ where graduates have the opportunity to attend and receive valuable hints and tips when stepping out into the workforce.
Before the assessment days we ask our candidates to prepare a 3minute speech. Below are a few tips on how to effectively give a presentation, even while your palms are sweating and you are feeling queasy. If you apply these tips no one will even know you are packing it on the inside.
* Be confident! This is key in any presentation. Even if you are nervous just pretend you are confident you would be surprised how much of a difference this makes.
* Have conviction. Believe in what you are saying. This way you sound credible and can persuade your audience.
* Body language is important. Do not sway when you are speaking, but take on a confident stance. Hand gestures can be used in the execution of your speech.
* Use eye contact. The worst thing you could do in a presentation is read off your notes. Although having palm cards is good in a speech as it can assist you and makes you look well prepared on the day, they should only be used as a guide. To really connect with your audience eye contact is essential.
If you would like to know more about ProGrad and ProGrad’s assessment days then feel free to visit our website www.prograd.com.au or contact us directly on (02) 8235 8300
Part four of The ProGrad Journey - The Staff
February 23, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
Getting over my bus phobia to start my full time position with ProGrad I was surprised at just how much the travel paid off. Not only did I score a great job with ProGrad but I scored a great working environment too.
I am by no means trying to pump ProGrad up, I was just generally surprised at how friendly and genuine ProGrad staff really are! I can now assuredly tell you they do not just put on their smiles for the ProGrad assessment days. Everyone in the office supports each other and cheers each other along the ProGrad journey.
It was a nice relief to step into a company that has a great working culture. I have heard of many working horror stories and I am glad I have not come accross any!
Stick around to find out what will happen along the journey next!
Self promotion - how to do it effectively
February 17, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
Self-Promotion is important in any interview and can effect the way you perform in the interview and also the outcome of the interview. Here are some tips on how to effectively self promote yourself.
- First impressions count!
The first 30 seconds are vital when in an interview. Here you have the opportunity to create a powerful impression. It is important to have a good, steady handshake when you meet the potential employer. As is making eye contact and smiling. First impressions always leave a lasting impression.
- Close the interview
It is important to close the interview with Questions. This way the employer will know you are interested for the role. Here is an example of some questions you can ask:
- How many other prople are you considering/interviewing for this position?
- How do you think I went in the interview? Am I likely to get a second interview?
- Follow up!
Take the initiative and find out how you went in the interview. This way you will be a stand out candidate. Again you will seem eager for the position and passionate about what they can offer you.
Always be confident and passionate about the role you have applied for. Show the employer how hungry you are for the position.
If you would like to know more about ProGrad and what we offer visit us at: www.prograd.com.au or contact us directly on (02) 8235 8300
“In control”
February 14, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
LIFE. It’s yours. You have the power to make whatever you want from it. This can be hard to really believe at times when we feel this control is beyond reach. Disbelief and feeling helpless can result from certain situations popping up that are out of our control or power in life but that have huge implications for us. For example, a death of a close friend or family member, abuse, being diagnosed with a terminally sick illness, or being bullied. No one chooses this for their own life, but sometimes it likes to throw these things our way. “Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us,” Thomas L. Holdcroft.
And how is this relevant in starting your career you may think?
Well, there are many graduates like Sean aged 22, who are having trouble finding a job because they have no control in certain outcomes in life so they give up trying; ““I don’t feel like I have control over my life, because I can’t control everything around me.”
Here are some tips that can help you get in control of your own life and secure that job that you have always wanted;
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Realise you have the power to make good decisions and then make them!
- Know what you want in life. This will give you direction and purpose.
- Know your strengths, interests and values.
- Have a positive outlook
- Be willing to change things in your life that you are not proud of or you know are leading you down the wrong path.
- Ask yourself what control you have in a situation then take action on it
You can find some more control tips on Mandy Loundar from live your potential’s blog: www.liveyourpotential.com.au/blog.
If you would like to know more about ProGrad and the services we offer visit our website: www.prograd.com.au or contact us directly on (02) 8235 8300
Tell us what you think
February 14, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
I think we have all established and heard in previous posts that Gen Y have an advantage in finding a career as they are technically savvy.
But just what websites do you think are important to have? and what ones do you think class Gen Y as being technically savvy?
If you haven’t already heard, ProGrad are established on various social networking sites. We are on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and LinkedIn, and we hope that they will continue to grow! Look us up and tell us what you think! You are more than welcome to give us feedback on our sites and how you think we could improve the site. After all, they are up there for you!
What do you think of the new google buzz application through gmail? Do you think it has the potential to be bigger than Facebook?
Let us know your thoughts! You can post a comment here or on any of our social networking sites. We would love to hear from you.
Part Three of the ProGrad Journey – The bus ride
February 14, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
Normally, I don’t catch public transport. Living in the Hills, everyone drives and has a car. Train stations are not easily accessible, and the bus is rarely on time.
However, since I have started full time work at ProGrad, I have become a regular bus user. I don’t have a choice in the matter really, as the traffic into the city is horrendous! In which I have become very grateful for our little bus lane.
Armed with my iPod, the bus ride in is not as strenuous as I thought it would be. On numerous occasions I have also been able to catch up on some shut eye.
The horror stories I have also heard about the bus have proved to be untrue. The only revulsion I have encountered was a man who sneezed on the back of my neck.
If you have a bus ride horror story we would love to hear it! Feel free to comment on our post or start a discussion on our Facebook page.
ProGrad welcomes Charlotte, Mike and Nicola on board our team!
February 14, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
We are happy to announce that ProGrad is continuously growing. At the end of 2009 we were able to scout three new graduates to come along and work for the ProGrad team.
All three were a stand out at the assessment days they attended and they are proving to be an asset to ProGrad. We are very happy to welcome them aboard!
This year is also the birth of our San Francisco office – which is very exciting. Feel free to celebrate with us by following us on twitter to find out the latest ProGrad updates.
If you would like to know more about ProGrad’s assessment days feel free to contact Nicola at nicola.christoffersen@prograd.com.au or on (02) 8235 8300