Job Readiness
Job Readiness 4-H Roundup 2025
4-H members gain the life skills needed to be contributing members to our communities. One skill we strive to develop in 4-H’ers is Job Readiness. Job readiness is a set of skills and behaviors needed for any job you may be interested in. These are often referred to as soft skills, and include things like communication, problem solving, teamwork, work ethic, and time management. The 4-H Job Readiness Contest gives 4-H members the opportunity to practice these skills in the format of applying for a job.
Contest Details
In the Job Readiness Contest, you will apply for a job in the fictional business of Clover Industries. While the job is fictional, it is expected that you use your real-life credentials when filling out the application and creating your resume and cover letter. Judges will evaluate their cover letter, resume, and application prior to Round Up. During Round Up, all contestants will participate in an interview with a panel of judges.
The intermediate division is for youth 7th-8th grade (most recent grade completed). The Senior division is for youth 9th-12th grade (most recent grade completed).
- Pre-Round Up Requirements
Participants must complete the application and upload their cover letter and resume by Monday, July 7. These items must be completed on jot form. Job Readiness Form-Jot Form
The submitted resume, cover letter and application will be evaluated by the judges. Youth selected for an interview will be contacted via phone Monday, July 21 to set up their interview for Thursday, July 24 during Round Up. If you are unable to answer at that time, a message will be left, and a return phone call will be expected.
- Round Up Contest
Those selected to interview will take part in a 15-minute interview during 4-H Round Up on Thursday, July 24. After the interview, participants should write a follow-up email and send it to sara.randolph@okstate.edu. The purpose of the follow-up email is to reinforce your interest in the job, as well as thank the interviewers for their time and consideration.
Intermediate division participants may choose to apply for Snow Cone Stand Worker or Ranch Hand.
Senior division participants may choose to apply for Lawn Crew, Boutique Stylist, Snow Cone Stand Wroker, or Ranch Hand.
- Participant Checklist
Select Job Readiness Contest for Thursday activity on Round Up registration.
Go to the Job Readiness Form-Jot Form and
- Fill out registration information and job application
- Upload cover letter
- Upload resume
For Interview:
- Be prepared to take phone call on Monday, July 21 to the phone number listed on your application. The call is likely to come from (704)451-1382. A message will be left if you are unavailable to answer at that time.
- Send follow up letter to sara.randolph@okstate.edu immediately following your interview.
- Contest Resources
Contest Job Descriptions
- Lawn Crew
Senior Division Only
We're looking for reliable and dependable people for an actively growing lawn care business. We service 100+ yards a month and need a reliable crew to keep our lawns looking their best.
Basic Job Requirements:
- Ability to safely operate lawn equipment
- Attention to detail
- Experience is not necessary, but you must be willing to learn on the job.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Mowing using one of our zero turns
- Weed-eating, edging, and keeping outskirts of lawns cleaned up
- Keeping trash picked up
- Making sure flower beds are being kept up with and clean
- Keeping grass clippings and other debris picked up from the job site
- Keeping leaves seasonally picked up
Pay: $13.00/hour
- Boutique Stylist
Senior Division Only
Clover Closet is currently looking for a stylist to join our team. Clover Closet is a boutique featuring the latest in fashion and home goods
Basic Job Requirements:
- Upbeat personality, willing to provide excellent customer service
- Proficient in social media
- Willingness to be feature in social media pictures and live videos (under 18 must provide permission from guardian)
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Create a comfortable and welcome environment for all customers
- Use retail point of sale tools and system
- Work with team to create social media contest
- Assist with keeping inventory stocked and tidy
- Assist customers find items and/or sizes
Pay: $10.00/hour
- Snow Cone Stand Worker
For Intermediate and Senior Divisions
Green Snow operates daily, from mid-March to Labor Day. We create fun snow cone concoctions in our community that is frequented by tourists.
Basic Job Requirements:
- Safely operate snow cone equipment
- Work in a fast-pace environment while keeping a positive attitude
- Job will require frequent standing, leaning, and ability to lift 20 pounds up to shoulder height.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Following recipes and properly measuring ingredients
- Handle money properly and provide accurate change to customers
- Provide positive customer service experience
- Keep in mind food and equipment safety standards
Pay: $9.50/hour
- Ranch Hand
For Intermediate and Senior Divisions
At Clover Ranches we are 5th generation cattle ranchers who continue to be a leader in raising top quality Quarter Horses and registered and commercial cattle.
Basic Job Requirements:
- This is a physically demanding job, must be able to lift 50 pounds
- Work in various weather conditions
- Cattle and/or horse experience preferred
- Solid communication skills
- Adaptable—thrives in a constantly changing work environment
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Work with cattle in our cow-calf operation to include daily care, watering, minerals and practicing stress-free handling.
- Work with sorting of cattle as necessary to tag, vaccinate, etc
- Repair and maintenance of farm or ranch structures, such as buildings, fences, etc
- Equipment and maintenance knowledge is a plus
Pay: $12.00/hour