Simple Yet Effective Job Interview Tips: Real Experience

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People often say that good fortune will come your way, but in my experience, luck doesn’t just happen—you have to move for it. My journey applying for an engineering job proves that with strategy and preparation, opportunity can come faster than expected.

Job Interview Ilustration

Believe it or not, I passed my job interview and got accepted just 3 days after the interview. The company? A well-known electronics firm—let’s call it PT Manufacture Electronic. So, how did it happen? Let me break down my experience and share practical tips you can apply yourself.

1. Your CV is Your Digital Face – Optimize It Before the Interview

Before we talk about interview questions, let's talk about the first thing employers see—your CV. In my case, I applied as an Engineer, fully aligned with my background and previous job experience.

• Personal Tip: I included my portfolio and most recent project results in my CV. This wasn’t just an add-on—it was a key differentiator that caught the HR’s attention.
• Use a clean, easy-to-scan format, and don’t forget to include active contact info (WhatsApp is important!).

2. Interview Questions: Simple Yet Tricky

Don’t underestimate classic questions like:

• "Tell me about yourself"
• "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

These questions came up during my interview. They might sound basic, but your answers can reveal your maturity and whether you’re a cultural fit for the company.

• Personal Tip:When the question answers: What are your strengths?, relate it directly to the needs of the position. For example: "I am detail-oriented and have experience working on engineering projects with tight deadlines and several other projects.”
• For weaknesses, be honest but solution-oriented. Example: “I used to lack confidence in public speaking, but now I regularly practice it through a weekly tech community.”

3. Don’t Underestimate HR's Quick Response

Just 3 days after the interview, I received a WhatsApp message from HR saying I was accepted. This shows two things:

• They needed someone fast.
• My CV and interview were convincing enough to skip long processing.

• Practical Tip: Always check your phone after an interview.
• Prepare your documents (Degree, ID, Tax Number, Digital Portfolio) in advance so you can send them immediately if requested.
• Show enthusiasm without sounding desperate.

4. Bonus: Mock Interview Practice

Practice makes a huge difference. Personally, I recorded myself answering common interview questions and listened back. Sounds odd? Maybe. But it works.

• Additional Tip: Record your answers and review: do you sound convincing?
• Ask a friend or brother to do a mock interview with you and give honest feedback.

Conclusion: Prepare Well, Let the Results Speak

The reason why I managed to get through this interview is not because I am the smartest. It’s because I:

• Knew how to sell myself through my CV and portfolio
• Was ready with structured, honest answers
• Responded quickly post-interview

Comments & Suggestions

💬 Here’s my advice for you if you’re job hunting:

• Don’t just rely on luck—put in maximum effort from CV to follow-up.
• Create a portfolio even if it’s just personal or freelance projects.
• Don’t be afraid to show your personality and honesty in interviews—they can be strong points.

If you have a similar experience or questions about job interviews, feel free to share them in the comments. Who knows, we might be able to help each other out. 😉