UMN Merdeka Internship Preparation Webinar: Learn The Process and Tips on Job Interviews

UMN Merdeka Internship Preparation Webinar: Learn The Process and Tips on Job Interviews (Doc. UMN)

Tangerang – To prepare students for internships, the UMN Career Development Center (CDC) held a webinar with the theme “Interview 101.” The preparation for the Independent Internship (Magang Merdeka) was held on December 2, 2022, invited UMN External Student Affairs Manager Elfira F. Wahyono, M. Si. CPRW, as a speaker. Elfira explained what needs to be done before, during, and after the interview. Elfira also gave interview tips and tricks.

“Sometimes, some of you may think that an interview is chatting and asking questions. In fact, basically, an interview is an audition. In the interview, we convey all the knowledge, experience, and competency within ourselves,” Elfira said, opening the webinar.

How to prepare for an interview?

1. Prepare notes. Take note of the date, time, and location of the interview. Also, take note of the information regarding the interview place, trip duration (from your home to the interview location), and other details. Don’t forget to note any information regarding the company and position according to your CV.
2. Research the company. Understand the company’s products and services, the development carried out, and the company culture.
3. Check the CV you sent to the company. If you include your social media, the company will likely check it. Therefore, pay attention to all your activities on social media.
4. Prepare your CV, cover letter, and portfolio in printed form.
5. Pay attention to your appearance. Use a dress code that fits the company culture.

How to go through the interview?

1. Arrive on time. It’s best to come a few minutes before the interview begins.
2. Shake hands with the interviewer. Do a firm and characterful handshake. Avoid wet or sweaty hands.
3. Pay attention to manners.
4. Pay attention to body language, body gestures, how to sit, tone of voice, choice of words, and eye contact with the interviewer.
5. Don’t cross your arms, don’t put your bag on the interview table, yawn, play with a pen or other distracting activity, and don’t lean back on the chair during the interview.

Online interviews

1. Make sure the connection is stable.
2. Reduce distractions.
3. Prepare notes and pen.
4. Pay attention to the background.
5. Pay attention to how to sit.
6. Wear neat clothes.
7. Make sure the audio sounds clear.
8. Adjust the lighting
9. Watch the interviewer closely.

After conducting the interview, Elfira said that interviewees could give their name cards while saying thank you and shaking hands with the interviewer. The interviewee can also email the company asking for follow-up results and when the interview results will be notified.

Besides explaining the interview process, Elfira also provides tips and tricks for answering questions that interviewers often ask.

1. Tell me about yourself. In this case, the interviewee should provide all personal information that is professional, not personal. Interviewees can also convey their qualifications.
2. What do you know about our company? To answer this, the interviewee needs to do some research about the company in question.
3. Why do you want to work with our company? Elfira said that interviewees need to look for one or two things from companies that have potential or are attractive for their future careers.
4. What differentiates you from other people? When answering, get to know yourself, including your strengths, weaknesses, and unique things relevant to the company.
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Prepare three strengths and three weaknesses of yourself. Interviewees can ask for help from people around them to better identify their strengths and weaknesses. In expressing deficiencies, the interviewee must also explain how to overcome them.
6. How do you spend your free time? In this case, the interviewee must honestly disclose their activities.
7. What have you learned outside of class? The interviewee needs to look at their CV.
8. Describe a problem you have faced and how you solved it. To answer this, the interviewee must already be aware of the problem they faced, how they solved it and learned from the problem.

Wrapping up the webinar, Elfira reminded the participants that when there is already a commitment with a company– having signed an internship or work contract, interviewees are prohibited from agreeing to conduct interviews with other companies. Thus, the professional relationship with the company to which interviewees have sent their CVs is maintained.

By Annisa Dyah Novia | UMN News Service

English translation by Levina Chrestella Theodora

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