In today’s increasingly competitive job market, strong academic achievements alone are no longer enough. The ability to craft a compelling curriculum vitae (CV), confidently showcase one’s strengths, and perform well in job interviews has become essential to standing out and securing recruiters’ attention.
Career Consultant Maya Septriana, M.A., emphasized that a CV is often the first impression recruiters have of a candidate and should clearly communicate the applicant’s value.
“A CV creates a candidate’s first impression. A strong CV helps you stand out from other applicants and increases your chances of advancing to the interview stage,” she explained during the “Ace Your Job Search: CV Writing & Interview Hacks” session held on Thursday (July 16, 2026). The online workshop was organized by the Career and Student Development Unit (CSDU) of FEB UGM to prepare students for entering the workforce.
Maya explained that an effective CV should not merely list educational background and work experience but also be strategically tailored to the position for which it is being applied. Applicants should align their CVs with the job description by incorporating relevant keywords, highlighting measurable achievements, showcasing their technical skills, and presenting experiences that best match the company’s needs.
“Before writing your CV, start by compiling your achievements and accomplishments. Create a single Master CV and customize it for each position you apply for. Remember, recruiters are human too they have different preferences and perspectives, so there is no single CV format that fits every company,” she said.
She also highlighted several common mistakes applicants should avoid when preparing a CV, including providing overly personal information, including irrelevant experiences, and relying on AI-generated CVs.
In addition to discussing CV writing, Maya invited participants to reflect on their confidence levels and identify the most challenging aspects of job interviews. Many participants shared that although they believed they had performed well during interviews, they still failed to secure job offers.
Responding to these concerns, Maya stressed the importance of thoroughly researching the company, understanding the role’s responsibilities, and reflecting on one’s own experiences before attending an interview. She also encouraged participants to practice answering behavioral interview questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.
Towards the end of the session, Maya reviewed several interview questions commonly asked by recruiters, including questions about handling challenges, five-year career plans, salary expectations, and opportunities for candidates to ask questions during the interview. She also reminded participants to avoid behaviors that could negatively affect recruiters’ evaluations.
“During an interview, candidates should avoid being defensive when receiving feedback, appearing overly confident, being dishonest, or focusing solely on salary and benefits throughout the interview process,” she explained.
Through this workshop, students are expected to develop stronger and more competitive CVs while building greater confidence in navigating the recruitment process. These skills will better prepare them to pursue careers aligned with their interests and aspirations.
Reporter: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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