Interview Contest

About the Interview Contest

The Interview Contest is a popular event that gives 4-H members an opportunity to practice the real-life skills needed to apply for a job. Participants prepare a resumé and cover letter for a job they choose from the Interview Contest Job Descriptions. Evaluators review their performance during a mock interview and give constructive feedback using a standard evaluation rubric.

The California 4-H Interview Contest Manual is a complete guidebook containing rules, procedures and helpful hints for a successful interview. It also contains sample interview questions, sample job descriptions, judging rubrics, and supporting materials for preparing for an interview.

How to Participate in the Interview Contest

Step 1: Choose a job from the 2021 categories (see link below)

Choose one of the three jobs listed in your age category.

Junior Category (9-10 years old)
- Petting Zoo Helper
  
  Interactive Game Attendant
  
  Prep Cook
Intermediate Category (11-13 years old)
- Teacher Children’s Center
  
  Office Assistant - Taxes
  
  Marketing Assistant
Senior Category (14-19 years old)
- Vet Technician
  
  Market Cashier
  
  Plant Breeder

Step 2: Develop a resumé.

Include real-life experiences (education, work, activities, etc.) that demonstrate your qualifications for the job selected.

Step 3: Write a cover letter.

Your cover letter should explain why you should be considered for the job selected.

Step 4: Register for the contest and upload resume and cover letter.

Register by March 29, 2021 by 5:00pm

Step 5: Sign up for your interview time.

Once registration has closed, you will receive a link to sign up for your interview time slot.

Step 6: Prepare for your interview.

Review the tips, interview questions, judging rubrics, and supporting materials provided in the California 4-H Interview Contest Manual to prepare for your interview.

Step 7: Show-up for your interview.

Dress appropriately to the interview - Appropriate dress includes 4-H uniform or attire appropriate for a job interview as outlined in the Interview Contest Manual.

Supporting Documents:

Interview Technology

After registration for the contest is closed, youth will receive a time slot sign-up. After youth sign up for the time slot of their choice, they will receive a confirmation for their time block with a https://zoom.us/ virtual meeting platform link. Youth are encouraged to log in 15-minutes in advance to ensure their webcam, mic, and speakers are working. During their scheduled time block, youth will log on with a computer/tablet or smart phone and present in front of a camera/webcam.

Required equipment:

Computer/Tablet with webcam, microphone, speakers, and wifi connection
Or smart phone with camera

The Zoom app should be installed on the computer/tablet or smart phone. Download the software at https://zoom.us/download/. Video tutorials are available at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials

HINT: Youth may want to sign-up for a free Zoom account to practice at home!

Helpful Zoom Tips

ZORMS (Zoom meeting norms and good practices)

Zoom allows for connection through computer/table where audio (mic & speakers) are connected to the computer. Zoom also allows for hybrid connections where the computer/table captures video but one can call-in over traditional phone network for audio. This is useful in situations where the Internet speed/bandwidth is slow; users can have higher quality sound by calling in on a phone but continue to see and share video through their computer/tablet.
Those who call in through their phone need to press *6 to mute or unmute.
Those connecting via computer/tablet need to know how to adjust their mic and sound. There are two sets of controls for mic and speaker settings: (1) those in the computer setting itself, and (2) another setting in the zoom meeting room. The zoom meeting room settings are found in the lower left corner of the screen. Make sure the correct microphone and speaker are selected for your device.