Many job applicants still feel afraid or anxious about being rejected during the job application process. Several reasons such as a lack of experience and feelings of inadequacy often lead to low self-confidence among applicants.
Irsyad Sahroni, Director and Chief Human Resources Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) and one of ETHRWorld’s Top 100 Most Influential HR Leaders, shared valuable tips on how to stand out during the recruitment process, even as a fresh graduate. During the Career Preparation Talkshow, part of the INSPIRE Career Week 2025 held on Friday (23/05/2025) at FEB UGM, Irsyad highlighted several key steps fresh graduates should consider.
Irsyad emphasized that the most critical first step is having the courage to start and take risks. He stressed that failure is a natural part of the process, thus the more often someone experiences failure, the more they learn. He admitted that he had also faced several rejections during his job search as a fresh graduate. However, from those setbacks, he learned valuable lessons, including how to give firm answers in interviews which eventually landed him his dream job.
Next, strong interpersonal and presentation skills are also essential to develop. In the business world, communicating with new people and presenting ideas effectively is a significant advantage. He also encouraged students to start building these skills through various experiences, including participating in internship programs.
On listing organizational experience on a CV, Irsyad explained that this is not the only factor that matters. What’s more important is a candidate’s value, knowledge, and impact. Therefore, any experience, so long as it carries clear value and contribution, can set an applicant apart in the eyes of a recruiter.
Irsyad also offered strategies to help fresh graduates become better prepared for recruitment. He recommended using accessible resources, such as online videos that provide interview tips. With enough practice, applicants can structure their answers better and boost their confidence. On the other hand, lack of preparation may cause nervousness, negatively impacting how they present themselves during interviews.
Finally, Irsyad advised applicants not to base their job decisions solely on salary. Because it’s also important to consider how a company provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. “Look for a company that offers room to grow because the salary will follow,,” he concluded.
Report by: Najwah Ariella Puteri
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
