As the Great Resignation continues to take hold of the U.S. as a result of the pandemic, the search for talented workers has never been fiercer. What does that mean for students who want or need a summer job? Students will likely be in the driver’s seat and have their choice of jobs come summer.
In a “60 Minutes” interview, LinkedIn chief economist Karin Kimbrough shared the hospitality industry has suffered the most from the Great Resignation, which stands
at around 9% of all currently open positions. Other great fields for summer jobs like retail and construction have 6% of jobs and 350,000 jobs open, respectively.
Though students may indeed have their pick of summer employment, employers will still want to see a demonstrated competency prior to hiring. Mock interviews provide an excellent opportunity for students to update their resumes, practice their interpersonal communication skills and prepare for employment. Employers also offer on-the-spot feedback, which can help students refine their interviewing skills.
This year’s junior Next Generation Scholars will complete their mock interviews by the end of March. Kent County held theirs in December and February along with Dorchester County, and Allegany, Caroline and Wicomico County interviews are scheduled for March 21, March 18 and March 24, respectively.
MBRT previously provided tips for in-person interviews as well as virtual interviews tips for remote jobs. Now, in our third year, we’re offering insights for students who may not have prior work experience. As a result, students should be prepared to answer the following types of questions:
- How you handled a challenge: If you haven’t worked before, think about your extracurricular or volunteer activities, or how you approached a challenge during a group project at school. Did you make a mistake? Have you missed a deadline? Employers will be looking for how you behave under pressure.
- What you might do in a future situation: Employers know their business best, so they’ll want to know how you might approach a situation that may occur while on the job. How would you handle a kitchen fire? Or, what would you do with an unruly customer? Pulling in examples from the past that used similar skills you’ll need for the job will show the employer you’ve done something like it before in school, sports or elsewhere.
- How you might fit with company culture: Because you’ve done your research, here you get to demonstrate what you know about the company and the position you hope to obtain. What interests you most about the opportunity? Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment? Even without prior work experience you can demonstrate a connection, such as maybe you’ve been a customer and now you want to work there.
- Why you’re the best candidate for the job: These types of questions can be the most straightforward yet hardest to answer because they force you to talk about yourself—your history, passions and character, such as strengths and weaknesses. Though your answers don’t require prior work experience, it’s important to be honest and positive to sell yourself on being the best match for the position.
Remember, students may have the upper hand in job-seeking opportunities and negotiating income, but employers make the final decision to hire. No prior work experience may be required, but confidence will be key to a successful interview.
If your organization would like to participate in future mock interviews with Next Generation Scholars, please contact your local coordinator.
