Interview Contest
Register for Interview Contest
In-person May 27, 2023 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
You can sign up for the virtual or in-person Interview Contest. Interview time sign-ups are on a first come basis so don’t delay in registering!
Please attach your resume and cover letter for the job you are applying for.
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.
You must prepare a resumé and cover letter for one of the jobs in your age category. Evaluators will review your 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 information on planning a county 4-H Interview Contest.
Job Descriptions
- Junior
- Pet Feeder
- Leaf Remover
- Flag Monitor
- Intermediate
- Stable Hand Assistant
- Smoothie Maker
- Preschool Teacher's Helper
- Senior
- Youth Sports Assistant
- Bakery Assistant
- Veterinarian Assistant
- Social Media Assistant
Virtual: Dates TBD
Many real life job interviews are held virtually. This activity will give you good practice in preparing for and participating in a virtual interview.
In-person: May 27, 2023
Eligibility: All 4-H members (age 9 to 18); no qualification is needed.
- Results will be shared during the Awards Ceremony.
- Evaluation forms will be emailed by the contest coordinator.
- Certificates and pins will be mailed to UCCE 4-H county offices.
Questions? Please contact 4hsfd@ucanr.edu.
Competition Coordinator: Stephanie Barrett, slbarrett@ucanr.edu
Evaluators
Teams of two to three evaluators will conduct a 5-10 minute interview with the youth participating in the Interview Contest. Evaluators take the perspective that they are an educator and are reviewing interviews to offer insights on what youth are doing well and where they need improvement.
Eligibility: 4-H volunteer leaders, 4-H staff, 4-H members (older than 16 years of age and not giving a presentation), and people from other organizations with experience in interviewing or hiring.
Responsibilities:
- Attend the Interview Contest Evaluator Orientation
- Become familiar with the 4-H Interview Contest Manual and evaluation rubrics.
- Evaluate interviews during your chosen time slot/s.
- Complete the evaluation rubric and provide written positive and constructive feedback to help each interviewee improve.
How to Participate in the Interview Contest
Step 1: Choose a job.
Choose one of the three jobs listed in your age category. Please download the full job descriptions - 2023 Job Descriptions
- Junior Category (9-10 years old)
- Intermediate Category (11-13 years old)
- Senior Category (14-19 years old)
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: Upload your resume and cover letter. when you register
Step 5: Sign up for your interview time.
Once registration has closed, you will receive an email with the contest details. If you choose to participate in the virtual contest, you will be emailed 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 (in-person or virtually depending on how you choose to participate).
Dress appropriately for the interview - Appropriate dress includes 4-H uniform or attire appropriate for a job interview as outlined in the Interview Contest Manual.
Supporting Documents:
- California 4-H Interview Contest Manual
- Interview Contest Evaluation Rubric
- Interview Contest Evaluation Guidelines
Virtual Interview Contest Technology
If you choose to participate virtually, once registration for the contest is closed, you will receive an email with confirmation for your time block with a https://zoom.us/ virtual meeting platform link. We encourage you to log in 15-minutes before your scheduled time block to ensure your webcam, mic, and speakers are working. You must have your video and mic on during your presentation.
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: You may want to sign-up for a free Zoom account to practice at home!
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Check Your Tech |
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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.
