As part of the job selection process, applicants must undergo several stages, from administrative screening to interviews. However, many people struggle or repeatedly fail at a particular stage, which can lead to discouragement and self-doubt.
Lisa Qonita, Senior Vice President of People and Culture at Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), shared various tips and tricks related to the recruitment process during the Career Preparation Talkshow, part of the INSPIRE Career Week 2025 held on Friday (May 23, 2025), at FEB UGM. Lisa emphasized the importance of having a clear value proposition and your unique strengths and skills, as clearly stated in your curriculum vitae (CV). In addition, she advised including key achievements and complete personal information such as phone number, LinkedIn profile link, and the most recent educational background.
She noted that a strong CV aligns with the position being applied for. Therefore, she advised candidates to tailor their CVs for each job application to help recruiters assess how well they fit the role. In addition to content, the design of the CV should be professional and easy to read. It is best to avoid excessive use of colors, irrelevant graphics, and fonts that are too small or difficult to read.
Once applicants pass the administrative selection, the next challenge is the job interview. This is where candidates are expected to present who they are and explain why they are a good fit for the company. Lisa advised against memorizing answers from the internet. While using online responses as references is acceptable, they should be adapted to reflect one’s personal experience and skills to avoid sounding rigid or overly generic.
Candidates are encouraged to be proactive and structure their answers clearly during interviews. When answering questions, Lisa recommended using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result). Additionally, applicants must research the company’s role and industry before the interview. Even better, she added, if applicants can offer insights or solutions to potential challenges faced by the company.
Throughout the interview process, attitude also plays an important role. Candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm, remain courteous, and avoid giving off an impression of disinterest or laziness. Furthermore, their motivation for applying should not solely focus on learning but on what value and contributions they can bring to the company.
At the end of the session, Lisa reminded participants to maintain a positive mindset. She pointed out that one’s attitude and thinking play a significant role in influencing the outcome. While a CV opens the door to opportunities, candidates ultimately succeed based on how they present their attitude, narrative, and responses during the interview. She encouraged applicants to approach each stage of the recruitment process with complete preparation and intention.
Report by : Najwah Ariella Puteri
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrurm
Sustainable Development Goals
