Job competition in Indonesia is increasingly fierce. On the other hand, many companies are struggling to fill specialized-skills positions due to lengthy, inefficient recruitment processes.
Geekhunter Founder and CEO Ken Ratri Iswari recognized this gap and built a recruitment firm that bridges the gap between companies and candidates. Since its founding in 2013, Geekhunter has provided headhunting, executive search, and project-based recruitment services across various industries.
Ken made this statement during a guest lecture on Human Resource Management at SBM ITB, Bandung, on March 5, 2026.
According to Ken, the Indonesian labor market faces significant structural pressures. The ratio of job openings to new graduate applicants is estimated at around 1 in 945,000. This creates fierce competition among candidates with often similar profiles.
“It’s tough, but proper preparation can make a difference,” he said.
Ken explained that in situations where many candidates have similar educational backgrounds, GPAs, and organizational experience, applicants must make themselves memorable to recruiters. “The need to be remembered rests entirely on the applicant,” he said.
Therefore, he emphasized the importance of building a clear narrative of experience rather than simply listing credentials. CVs should be tailored to each vacancy and include only the most relevant experience.
He also advised candidates to organize their work experience using a framework such as STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or CAR (Context, Action, Result) to make it easier to present in applications and interviews.
In addition to CVs, portfolios and certifications are important evidence of a candidate’s skills. Recruiters are also increasingly assessing candidates’ social media profiles as part of the selection process.
During the interview stage, Ken believes candidates need to demonstrate two key elements: technical ability and fit with the team culture. Meanwhile, in salary negotiations, candidates should have a good understanding of the market range to gain a stronger bargaining position.
“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” Ken said.
