The worst kind of interview
March 8, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
Apparently they do not know they are being filmed, I would beg to differ as you will notice the sly grins on their faces. But that’s for you to decide. It’s worth watching for a good laugh. And please may I stress, never do these things in an interview!
Interview Questions
March 5, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Employers are always going to ask a series of questions in an interview, and you will have a lot of time to talk about yourself. The trick is finding the right balance. You need to speak honestly and truthfully about yourself in a pragmatic yet friendly manner. Always be conscious not to waffle around an answer.
Depending on the interview style, you may come across some “behavioural based questions” which are quite common. These are the types of questions which start with, “Give me an example of a time when….”
There are literally hundreds of these questions which you will be asked. Be prepared for them, and try to have a few answers rehearsed.
Interviews are indeed a two-way process and therefore you must also ask questions in an interview. Always try to prepare a few to take with you, and think about what you need to know. When you leave an interview, you need an idea of whether the role is right for you. Think about what that means to you, and position your questions around that. For example, think about asking questions about the market, the company, the teams, the people, the role, whatever you feel is important to you.
Don’t necessarily rely on the interviewer to tell you everything about a role. In accepting a position you really need to know everything about it. If you haven’t questioned effectively in an interview, you might take a role which isn’t appropriate for you.
A good interview will last between 45-60 minutes and should leave both parties feeling confident with the information discussed. If ever you are finding interviews are only lasting 20 minutes, it means there is room for improvement.
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.
Preparing for an interview
December 17, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Interviews are a daunting experience for all of us. Whether you’re experienced or not, the whole process can be quite nerve-wracking.
That said, there are a number of steps that can be made to ensure that the interview process is not as scary as you first thought.
There are some basic rules to follow, such as research, preparation and even how to present yourself. Don’t leave everything to the last minute - it will not end well!
For some basic ideas about what to take with you for the interview, have a look at our other blog: http://www.progradsydney.com.au/?p=705
Just remember that meeting someone for the first time is powerful. They will make their mind up about you within the first 4-14 seconds of meeting you. It really is that quick! With that in mind, you have to ensure you make a strong first impression. Please dress appropriately for the interview and ensure that you’re “suited and booted”.
If you create a bad first impression, it will take a further 21 encounters for that person to change their mind about you. Never underestimate the importance of this first impression. After that, try to ensure that you’re building rapport and creating a comfortable environment for you, and the interviewer.
Then, it’s about relaxing, and being yourself. Try to enjoy it - its not often that you get to talk about yourself for an hour!
Feedback from the ProGrad Assessment Day
July 31, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
“First of all, I would like to thank you and the rest of the staff at Prograd that helped to see me through the Assessment day.
It was a very enriching experience and your talk particularly, left me very inspired. Job applications and interviews has always given me the jitters, but yesterday I got out of Prograd thinking ‘Another interview?… Bring it on!’ I only hope I can maximize the tips you shared with us.”
ProGrad Graduate, July 2009
ProGrad are a graduate recruitment company working with graduates to kick start their corporate career. If you are interested in becoming a ProGrad Graduate, please contact the Graduate Recruitment Team on 02 8235 8300.
The Importance of Discretion
April 23, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
During these tough economic times, when it is even harder than ever to secure an interview - it is absolutely essential to be discreet about which interviews you have lined up.
At ProGrad, we run a weekly assessment centre for recent University Graduates and see all too often the dangers of being open about your interviews. Your friends are very likely to be your competition within the job market - and so our recommendation is to be very careful about discussing your interviews with them!
The more people you tell about your interviews - the more likely it is that you will increase the level of interest in them. In telling your friends about opportunities, you are simply encouraging them to apply also.
Almost every week, we are seeing candidates lose out on interviews to their very own friends! Simply because they expressed their enthusiasm for the company they were seeing, and got their friends interested also!
Our recommendation is to keep every interview highly confidential, and be discreet about who you talk to about it!!
At ProGrad we are a specialist in graduate recruitment, if you would like to speak to a ProGrad Graduate Manager about a role, please call us at our Head Office on 02 8235 8300. Alternatively, you can email us for more information at info@prograd.com.au
Potential interview questions:
April 1, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
The following are some of the generalised questions you may be asked during the interview process. It is highly recommended that you make yourself familiar with these questions and develop potential answers before attending an interview. Remember – The more preparation and research you do regarding an interview the more confident you will be through the whole process. Decision makers will appreciate the fact you have put in the time and effort and this will intern put you in higher regard than other candidates.
- Are you willing to relocate?
- Are you willing to work overtime?
- What duties do you think this job has?
- What does your father do for a living?
- What does your mother do?
- What problems do you think you may have in this job?
- Tell me about your last job.
- Tell me about your boss.
- Why did you choose this company?
- How many other companies have you approached?
- What was your greatest accomplishment?
- What was your greatest failure?
- What was your greatest disappointment?
- What kind of people do you dislike?
- Give me two reasons why I should NOT hire you. (Remember - this question needs to be approached in a positive manner. You need to turn it around. Eg. “If you don’t want someone who is proactive and hungry for success then you shouldn’t hire me!”).
- Give me two reasons why I should hire you.
- Do you have any questions for me?