I AM…
April 22, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
“I AM…BORED!” by Nicola Christoffersen
Graduates who are new to the working world often face difficulties in adjusting to the work environment. During the adjustment and learning phase, it is natural to feel nervous; particularly while the work-load is low.
During these times, they key is not to get disheartened. One of the biggest challenges faced by new employees is a feeling of boredom. Boredom can simply be a mis-communication between employer and employee. Like any relationship, expectations need to be made clear from the outset. From the first few days in a business, both parties need to be clear about what they each expect from the other.
If you are new to a company, the first thing to demonstrate is a positive working attitude. Attidue is everything. Many skills can be taught, and employers will enjoy teaching a willing participant. The “go-getter” is likely to receive extra investment from an employer, often because they are vocal about their needs. Proactivity is key.
ProGrad have placed thousands of graduates over the years and we’re graduate employers ourselves. “Graduates require constant stimulation and fresh challanges. I don’t believe they get bored easily, however they do require some clear goals to achieve. More importantly than that, there needs to be a level of reward upon achieving those goals”. Davinia Noble, General Manager, ProGrad Pty Ltd
“Most employers recognise the value in recruiting young talent into the workforce, and are willing to invest heavily in the long term development and success of those individuals. That said, it is essential that candidates are being proactive in driving their own careers. Boredom is unacceptable in the workforce. If you’re bored, then change it. Take initiative, speak to your manager and set new personal and professional goals. Take a proactive and positive approach to changing the way you feel in the office environment”, Davinia adds.
Here are a few tips if you want to kick boredom in the workforce:
1) Be proactive and organise a time to meet with your manager to ask for more responsibilities
2) Set clear and defined goals to achieve and allocate time frames in which you would like to achieve them
3) During face to face meetings with management, approach them with clear, well considered plans which you would like to achieve. Most employers will be impressed by these actions and will assist to prepare something more formal ongoing.
4) Don’t dwell on it. Boredom is an attitude.
If you would like to speak to ProGrad about any of these suggestions, please contact the Graduate 
Management Team on 02 8235 8300
Alternatively, you can email info@prograd.com.au
Set yourself apart
March 1, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
An interview can be fairly daunting, especially when you are up against hundreds of other applicants. Know the secret to setting yourself apart from the group, and be the one that everybody wants.
Be smart in an interview. Prepare a research portfolio prior to the interview including your knowledge about the company and the role you are applying for.
Think in an interview – what is unique about you that you can bring to a company? What can you do for them that will set you apart and benefit the company further than just the role you are applying for.
However just saying that you have an open personality that can get along with everyone will not secure you the position.
Think creatively. Read BRW and other material relating to the business realm and take what is in the latest news and what you have read what companies are looking for at the moment.
For example: The latest BRW newsletter features an article about search engine optimization and how every company wants to be on the first page of Google.
Do your research! Find out what kind of things Google favours (this is easy look it up on youtube) so you have the ability to do it for a company if need be.
The next step is just to SELL! SELL, SELL, SELL yourself! Let the company know that you have the ability to get them on the first page of Google.
This is what is going to set you apart from everyone that brings their same personable skills to any interview.
GOOD LUCK!