Being convincing to an employer in Indonesia

Priscilla wrote:

Finding a job in Indonesia is no easy feat.

One of the greatest difficulties is a long standing political, also social, position of "Indonesia for Indonesians".
The upshot as far as working expats goes is this is fixed in government thinking so nobody makes life smooth for expat workers, and an expat must be capable of a job no Indonesian is available for, that seriously limiting the pool of available jobs.

Priscilla wrote:

the etiquette can be different abroad. Specially job interviews, that can already be pretty daunting, can feel even worse when set in a whole new country. If youve gone through a job interview in Indonesia before, how about giving a few tips to someone who might be preparing for one?

Start by assuming the interview will be highly formal, so make sure you shakes hands with everyone in the room, senior first if possible. If the interviewer has little understanding of western culture, the handshakes will be very much as you would shake hands with a lady in the west, power in the handshake is sen as aggressive. If anything should be passed or given to you, do so with your right hand only.

Priscilla wrote:

Do interviews usually take place in a formal or casual setting in Indonesia? Do you have any pointers for job interviews that take place over a lunch or dinner?

Both can happen, coffee shops being where I had my interviews for the job I'm in at the moment.

Priscilla wrote:

From application all the way to the job interview, what is essential to make an candidate stand out?

Exactly the same as you'd do anywhere else

Priscilla wrote:

Culturally speaking, are there specific dos and donts? What is the general take on bringing a parent on the job interview or a gift to the interviewer?a

Impossible - Apart from the laws regarding expat workers meaning all candidates are well above 25 years old, taking a parent with you would be seen amazingly weird.
As for gifts - Don't.

Priscilla wrote:

Can you tell us a little about your experience? What worked and what did not work for you?

I've only had two interviews, both successful - One was in a formal setting, the other informal. Just be truthful and all will be well

Priscilla wrote:

How important is it to have a solid professional network prior to a job interview?

Same as everywhere else.

Dear Fred,

You the man!

Best in dissection of issue, clarity in response and perfect on target!
I need little more.

Thank you!

Sorry I can't help to much. Because I never go to a interview in Indonesia. But I saw some interviews. Is almost same like other countries. But yourself!