Kikis Charisma, an Indonesian entrepreneur and digital marketing strategist specialising in brand development, influencer marketing and the creative economy, has shared detailed tips on how to succeed in a job interview.
In an article on the page Tips for Passing a Job Interview: Reasons for Failure and Solutions | Institut Kemandirian, she cites data from JobStreet showing that over 60 per cent of job seekers in South-East Asia have failed at the interview stage despite feeling prepared. Ironically, many of them actually possess the required skills.
Why do so many people fail job interviews? Failure in an interview is rarely caused by a lack of technical skills alone. More often than not, other factors are actually more decisive. Feeling nervous in front of HR is perfectly normal. However, if taken to extremes, this can backfire. Candidates who lack confidence tend to speak too softly. Furthermore, they often avoid eye contact with the interviewer.
Consequently, they struggle to explain their own abilities convincingly. As a result, their true potential does not shine through. HR then perceives a hesitant figure, rather than a candidate ready to contribute.
The next mistake is turning up for an interview without having prepared answers. Many candidates assume it’s enough to be “honest and go with the flow”. In reality, interviews follow a specific pattern that needs to be understood from the outset. Questions such as “Tell us about yourself” sound simple. However, this question often turns out to be a trap. Answers that are too brief come across as insincere. Conversely, rambling answers cause the interviewer to lose focus.
In Indonesia, many jobseekers have never received specific training on how to handle an interview. Formal education tends to focus more on academic and technical skills. Meanwhile, soft skills relating to communication in a professional context are often overlooked. Yet, LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends survey revealed an interesting fact: as many as 92 per cent of recruiters consider soft skills to be just as important, if not more important, than hard skills in the selection process.
The good news is that interview skills are not an innate talent. They are skills and, like any other skill, can be practised consistently. How you speak, choose your words, and convey ideas in a structured manner are all things that can be learnt. From tone of voice and speaking pace to how you begin and conclude your answers, there are specific techniques for each. With regular practice, your communication will become more natural and convincing.
There are common patterns in HR questions, and there are proven methods for answering them effectively. One such method is the STAR approach: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Using this method, your answers become more focused and easier for the interviewer to understand.
Confidence grows from thorough preparation. The more often you practise mock interviews, the more familiar you’ll become with the situation. Consequently, your nerves will naturally subside each time you face an interview session.
The world of work doesn’t just test what you can do. Today’s companies also look at how you conduct yourself and adapt. Therefore, the ideal candidate generally possesses the following qualities:
- Mental resilience in the face of pressure and uncertainty
- Good verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Discipline and consistency in day-to-day work
- A positive attitude and a willingness to keep learning
- The ability to approach the selection process with confidence
Proven Tips for Succeeding in a Job Interview
Here are seven tips for succeeding in a job interview that you can put into practice straight away, starting today.
1. Research the Company Before the Big Day
Study the company’s profile, the values it upholds, and the role you’re applying for. Candidates who understand the company’s context will come across as more serious. Furthermore, this research will help you answer questions in a more relevant and targeted manner.
2. Master the Five Most Common Interview Questions
Prepare answers for these five questions: introducing yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, why you’re applying, relevant experience, and your future plans. With this preparation, you won’t be caught off guard during the interview.
3. Use the STAR Method to Answer
The STAR method makes your answers more structured and convincing. Use this method particularly for experience-based questions. As a result, the interviewer will find it easier to understand your contributions at your previous workplace.
4. Practise with a Mock Interview
Ask a friend or mentor to ask questions as if they were a real interviewer. Record the process so you can evaluate your performance independently. This practice is very helpful in reducing nervousness before the actual interview.
5. Pay Attention to Your Body Language During the Interview
Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and avoid movements that suggest nervousness. Calm body language reflects strong self-confidence. The interviewer will also feel more at ease speaking with you.
6. Prepare Questions for the Interview
Prepare two to three questions that demonstrate a genuine interest in the role or the company. This step signals that you are serious and enthusiastic about the opportunity.
7. Evaluate Each Interview Session
Make a note of what went well and what could be improved after each session. Consistent reflection will accelerate your skill development. In this way, every interview becomes a valuable learning experience.
For many jobseekers, accessing mentoring and job preparation training is no easy task. This is particularly true for those from families with limited resources. This is where the role of vocational training institutions becomes particularly significant.
Read also: Jobs Suitable for Gen Z: Halal and Blessed
Dompet Dhuafa’s Institut Kemandirian (IK) is here to meet this need. Its training programmes do not focus solely on technical skills. Furthermore, these programmes provide comprehensive preparation for participants, ranging from communication soft skills and interview simulations to the development of a professional attitude and work ethic.
Failing an interview does not mean you are incapable. Often, failure simply indicates that some aspect of your preparation was not yet optimal. Most importantly, interviewing is a skill that can be practised. Put the tips for passing a job interview above into practice starting today. One small step today can open up great opportunities tomorrow. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Author: Kikis Charisma/Independence Institute
Editor: Dhika