Career Guide: Job Search and Interview Tips

Make a routine

• Set fixed search hours, for example one hour every morning.
• Save searches and turn on job alerts on two or three sites.
• Keep a simple list: company, job, date applied, contact and next step.

Tailor every application

• Mark the skills and tools the job ad asks for.
• Use the same words in your resume where they are true for you – many companies filter resumes by keywords.
• Put your most relevant experience first and adjust your summary.

Apply early

• Many jobs receive most applications in the first days – apply soon after the ad appears.
• Apply if you meet most of the main requirements; you do not need to match every line.

Networking and referrals

• Tell friends, former colleagues and teachers which job you are looking for.
• Ask people who work at a company for a short chat about their work – not directly for a job.
• A referral from an employee often gets your resume read sooner. Make it easy: send your resume and the job link.

LinkedIn basics

• A clear photo, a headline with your target job and a short About section.
• Use the same job titles and dates as in your resume.
• Turn on “Open to work” (you can show it to recruiters only) and connect with people in your field.

Follow up

• No reply after one or two weeks? Send one short, polite message with the job title and the date you applied.

Avoid job scams

• Never pay a fee to apply, for training, for a visa or for equipment.
• Red flags: very high pay for easy work, interviews only by chat, pressure to decide today, a free email address instead of a company one.
• Do not send bank details or ID scans before you have a written offer from a company you have checked.
• Check the company: official website, address, reviews and whether the job is also on its own careers page.

Research

• Read the company website, recent news and the job ad again.
• Know what they do, who their customers are and why you want to work there.

Prepare stories with STAR

• Situation – where and when, in one sentence.
• Task – what you had to do.
• Action – what you did yourself.
• Result – what changed, with a number if you have one.
• Prepare five or six stories: a success, a problem you solved, a conflict, a mistake you learned from, teamwork and leadership.

Questions to ask them

• What would success look like in the first three months?
• What does a typical week look like?
• Who would I work with most?
• What are the next steps in the process?

Checklist

• Copies of your resume, your ID and any documents they asked for.
• Route and travel time checked – plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early.
• Online interview: test the link, camera, microphone and internet the day before.
• Phone charged and silent, a pen and notebook, the interviewer's name and phone number.

A simple rule: dress one step more formal than the people who work there. Clean, ironed and comfortable matters more than expensive.

• Corporate (banks, law, consulting, government): a dark suit or suit-style dress, a plain shirt or blouse, simple shoes.
• Tech and start-ups: smart casual – neat trousers, a shirt or plain top; a jacket is optional.
• Creative jobs: neat with a personal touch – one interesting detail is fine.
• Service, shop and factory jobs: clean, simple clothes and closed shoes.
• Video interviews: dress as for a meeting in person; plain colours look best on camera.

Country notes

• Korea and Japan: a dark navy, black or grey suit with a white shirt is expected for most jobs, including for new graduates; keep hair and accessories simple.
• Russia and CIS: business style is common for office jobs; a neat jacket is a safe choice.
• US, UK and Europe: follow the company's style – look at photos on their website or social media.
• Gulf countries: conservative business clothes that cover shoulders and knees.

Not sure? Ask the recruiter what the dress code is – it is a normal question.

Body language

• Be on time. If you will be late, call before the start time.
• Greet everyone politely and follow the local greeting (handshake or bow).
• Sit straight, keep your hands relaxed and nod when you listen.
• Make natural eye contact with the person speaking; in a panel, look at everyone.

How to answer

• Answer the question first, then give one example (STAR), then stop.
• Aim for one to two minutes per answer.
• It is fine to pause and think, or to ask them to repeat the question.

What to say

• Why this job and this company – be specific.
• Real results and what you learned.
• That you are interested – say it again at the end.

What NOT to say

• Do not criticise a former boss or company – say what you learned and what you want next.
• Do not bring up salary or holidays in the first minutes – wait until they ask or until a later stage.
• Do not say “I have no weaknesses” – name a real one and how you are improving.
• Never lie or exaggerate – it is easy to check and can cost you the job later.
• Do not stop at “I don't know” – say how you would find the answer.

Online interviews

• Camera at eye level, light in front of you, a quiet and plain background.
• Look at the camera when you speak, not at your own picture.
• Close other apps and mute notifications. If the connection drops, rejoin and carry on calmly.

Tell me about yourself.

Two minutes: present, past, future. “I'm a sales coordinator with three years in retail. I introduced an order checklist that reduced mistakes. Now I want to move into account management, which is why this role interests me.”

Why do you want to work here?

Link something specific about the company to your experience: “Your app is built for small shops, and I have spent four years helping small businesses.”

What are your strengths?

Pick two or three that match the job and prove each with a short example.

What is your greatest weakness?

A real but not critical one, and how you work on it: “I used to take on too many tasks. Now I plan my week and agree priorities with my manager.”

Tell me about a difficult situation.

Use STAR: situation, task, what you did, the result – and what you learned.

Tell me about a conflict at work.

Show that you stayed calm, listened and found a solution. Focus on the solution, not on blame.

Why are you leaving your job?

Stay positive and look forward: “I'm looking for more responsibility in sales, which this role offers.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Growing your skills in this field and taking on more responsibility here.

Why should we hire you?

Three points: the skills they need, proof from your experience and your motivation.

What are your salary expectations?

Research the market first, then give a range: “Based on my research, X to Y. Is that within your budget?”

Can you explain this gap in your resume?

Short and honest: what you did (study, family, health, a project) and that you are ready now.

Do you have any questions for us?

Always say yes and ask one or two questions from your list.

Thank-you note

Send a short email within one day:

Subject: Thank you – [job title] interview

Dear [name],

Thank you for meeting me today about the [job title] role. I enjoyed hearing about [something specific], and I am even more interested in joining your team.

Please let me know if you need anything else from me.

Best regards,
[your name]
[phone]

Follow-up

• If they gave a date, wait until it has passed; otherwise wait about a week. Then send one polite message.

Handling rejection

• Reply with a short thank-you – they may remember you for the next opening.
• Ask politely for feedback; not every company can give it.
• Every interview is practice. Note what went well and what to change.

Salary negotiation basics

• Negotiate after you receive an offer, not before.
• Check salary surveys, job ads and people in the field to know the usual range.
• Ask with a reason and a number: “Based on my experience, I was hoping for X. Is there flexibility?”
• Look at the whole package: bonus, holidays, remote work, training and start date.
• Get the final offer in writing.

Korea

• Most companies ask for a 이력서 (resume) and a 자기소개서 (self-introduction) with set questions – answer each one directly and within the character limit.
• Large companies often use an aptitude and personality test (인적성검사) – practise with sample tests.
• Group interviews and discussions are common: listen, speak clearly and do not interrupt.
• Bow slightly when you greet, wait to be asked to sit, and use polite speech (존댓말).

Japan

• A 履歴書 (resume form) and a 職務経歴書 (work history) are standard; format and photo matter.
• Knock, wait to be invited in, bow and sit only when asked.
• Be modest and polite; polite language (敬語) is expected.

Russia and CIS

• An online resume on a big job site is often the first step – keep it complete and up to date.
• Interviews can be direct; be ready to talk about salary expectations.

US and UK

• No photo, age or marital status on the resume.
• Friendly small talk and visible enthusiasm are normal; behavioural (STAR) questions are very common.

Germany

• A full application is common: cover letter, CV, certificates and references from employers (Arbeitszeugnisse).
• Punctuality and good preparation are essential; use the formal address until you are offered otherwise.

Gulf countries

• Resumes often include nationality, visa status and a photo.
• Be patient and polite – hiring can take time. Dress conservatively and greet the most senior person first; if unsure about a handshake, wait for the other person to offer.