Graduate Profile: Psychology (Hons)

Name: Hayley Richards
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Position Gained: Account Manager with Julia Ross Recruitment
Commencement date: 20th November 2006

Could you give us a description of what your position involves?

I am the Account Manager for the Telstra account. In my position I am required to handle the recruitment processes for Telstra sites, in permanent and temporary roles. I am also responsible for performance management regarding the staff members that we place at Telstra. I conduct performance appraisals, monitor sick leave and unplanned absences, and handle any performance issues that may occur, resulting in formal warnings for the candidate. I am also responsible for client liaising and identifying new areas of growth within Telstra for our future business.

With you experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students who are in their first, second and final year of study?

Work experience is always good in order to get an idea about what is actually involved in the day-to-day operations of a particular business or industry. Career preparation is also something that I would recommend in order to find out what skills are required for the position you are interested in and what is the best way to acquire those skills.

How did you go about finding graduate employment?

I subscribed to GRADJOBS (Careers and Employer Liaison Centre) and received emails about the graduate programs that were available. I applied for many different graduate positions but was unsuccessful as I was interested in Human Resources and I didn't have the appropriate skills for these positions.

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position? What interview questions were you asked?

The application process for my position was fairly standard for a role of this capacity. I began with an interview with the Branch Manager, followed directly by a meeting with the General Manager. I then had an interview with the Assistant Branch Manager, followed by an orientation around the company. Upon starting in my position, I had a two-week handover with the consultant previously responsible for my position.

In your opinion, what factors enable you to be successful in obtaining employment?

I was honest and open about my experience and personality. I demonstrated perseverance and confidence, always making sure I was well-presented and clear. I recognised that I had a lot to learn in embarking into a position whereby I was to have a great deal more responsibility that in previous similar role, but made a conscious effort to take in all the information I could.

Do you have any further helpful hints for graduates?

Don't limit yourself to only one thought process about your future career. You never know the way things are going to turn out and there are many more options out there than you probably first realised. Try to find out about as many different pathways as you can and always attempt to gain some exposure to these different careers. There is always more involved in a position or industry that you were first aware, so work experience or career counselling is always beneficial and will leave you more informed about the choices available.