It’s early 2026, but the job market already feels more competitive than it did in 2025, which has just passed. The competition is getting tougher, especially for fresh graduates eager to land their first professional role.

This tightening market is driven by several factors, including the number of job seekers growing faster than the available openings.

In addition, automation and digitalization are reducing demand for certain roles. The global economic pressures have also pushed many companies to streamline their workforce.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. By implementing the right strategy and taking purposeful steps, the opportunity to get a job remains wide open, even if you don’t have much experience.

Here are some tips you can try to get hired faster this year.

How to Get Hired Fast in 2026

1. Regularly Update Your Resume and Portfolio

Your resume and portfolio are the “first impression” that recruiters see. Make sure your resume is always up to date, concise, and relevant to the position you are applying for. Include experience, skills, and achievements that truly reflect your capabilities in that field.

For creative or technical positions, a portfolio is crucial. You can showcase real projects you have worked on so recruiters can see firsthand the quality of your work.

2. Build a Professional Network

Networking is not just about adding contacts; it’s about building long-term relationships. Many job opportunities actually come from internal referrals or information that isn’t publicly posted.

Attend seminars or webinars, and join professional communities in your field. Don’t hesitate to connect with professionals on social media, such as LinkedIn. Expanding your network means opening up more opportunities.

3. Use Social Media for Personal Branding

More than a source of entertainment, social media today serves as a tool for job hunting. You can optimize your LinkedIn profile, follow companies and professionals in your field of interest, and actively participate in discussions.

You can also leverage other platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, or X. For example, if you are an illustrator or content creator, you can regularly share your work and creative process to build your professional reputation.

4. Learn New Skills

With fierce competition, extra skills can give you an edge. Continue developing skills that are relevant to your field. For example, content writers can learn SEO, content strategy, or AI tools to support their work.

You can take online courses, attend workshops, or participate in certified training programs to stay competitive and adapt to industry demands.

5. Gain Experience through Internship Programs

For fresh graduates or job seekers with limited experience, internship programs can be an excellent entry point. In addition to gaining experience, internships can also lead to full-time employment once the program ends.

Internship postings can be found on job boards and the company’s official website or social media.

6. Make an ATS-Friendly Resume

Hundreds of resumes can be submitted for a single job opening. Unfortunately, not all of them are reviewed manually. So, you need to make a resume that is easily processed by the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Use keywords relevant to the job postings, maintain a clean layout, and provide accurate information. A well-tailored resume will increase your chances of being invited for an interview.

7. Prepare Yourself for Interviews

Statistics show that only a small portion of applicants are invited to an interview. To increase your chance of getting hired, practice for the interview in advance.

You can identify common interview questions, prepare clear and honest answers, and understand how to convincingly present your experience and strengths.

8. Get to Know the Company’s Profile and Culture

Many candidates fail not due to a lack of competence, but because they aren’t aligned with the company’s values and culture. Before applying, research the company’s vision, mission, work culture, and recent projects.

Applying to a company that aligns with your interests and skills will save time and increase your chance of getting hired.

9. Attend Job Fairs

Job fairs remain an effective way to find job opportunities. Before attending one, find out about the participating companies and prepare your resume for walk-in interviews, ensuring you are more prepared and confident.

10. Use Online Job Boards

Job boards make job hunting easier with filters that can sort job postings by location, salary, job type, and employment status. You can customize your search to suit your needs and career preferences.

11. Stay Positive and Never Give Up

Job hunting can be tiring and time-consuming. However, positivity and determination are key. Continuously improve yourself, evaluate your strategies, and never hesitate to pursue new opportunities.

In addition to applying the tips above, make sure you choose a company with a positive work culture and clear career growth.

SERA is a prime example of such a company. Established in 1990 under the Astra Group, SERA has grown into one of Indonesia’s largest transportation, auction, and logistics companies. SERA regularly offers job opportunities across a wide range of functions and roles.

For more information, visit https://career.sera.astra.co.id/. Choose one of the available vacancies, click “Apply,” and follow the application process to completion.

Follow SERA on Instagram @serasiautoraya and LinkedIn Serasi Autoraya for the latest job openings and career tips.