The Relationship Between Student Anxiety in Speaking English and Accepting Job Vacancies

Abstract

English proficiency is crucial in the globalization era, particularly for Indonesian students aiming to enter the workforce. As an international language, English can broaden horizons, reduce communication barriers, and accelerate information exchange. Although Indonesia is still at a relatively low level of English proficiency, it is essential to enhance English skills, especially speaking ability, which is highly needed in the job market. This research is a descriptive quantitative study. Data collection techniques included questionnaires and document studies. The sample consisted of 102 respondents, selected using Slovin's formula. Variables were measured using a Likert scale and analyzed with SPSS 25 software. The study concluded that there is a positive correlation between anxiety and the variable Accepting Job Vacancies. The findings indicate that higher anxiety levels are associated with higher levels of Accepting Job Vacancies among the 2020 cohort of English Literature students at Universitas Sumatera Utara. This was demonstrated through the hypothesis testing using Pearson Correlation, which yielded a value of 0.745, greater than the critical value (r-table) of 0.163. Additionally, the study found a strong relationship between anxiety and Accepting Job Vacancies, as evidenced by a Pearson correlation value of 0.751. Based on the interpretation table, a value within the range of 0.61–0.80 indicates a strong and significant relationship.