I think it’s important that you make an effort to find out how your department fills their positions. Some positions may require applications, but jobs like research assistants and summer internships often come about as natural outgrowths of discussions students start after class and during office hours. They share common interests with the faculty. If a student isn’t interested in their research or just wants a position because they think it will look good on their resume, it doesn’t help the faculty. It was difficult this summer because the spring semester was cut short, so the regular application channels might have temporarily changed for the summer. But you won’t know if you don’t ask.
Jobs aren’t given out based on grades. Interest matters. Some faculty like hiring students who aren’t the best in the class because they’re willing to listen and learn. They want students who are interested in the work they’re doing. If you’re not interested in what they’re doing enough to talk to them, why should they hire you?