BRATTLEBORO, Vt., — Junior Holstein members are invited to take part in the Virtual Interview Contest. The competition offers a valuable opportunity for youth to hone their resume and cover letter writing skills while gaining feedback from professionals in the agricultural industry. This online format provides a convenient way for youth nationwide to participate and develop essential career skills.

“Participating in the Virtual Interview Contest provides the opportunity for practicing and evaluating real world scenarios which you will face in both collegiate and workforce interviews,” says 2023 contest participant Kylie Konyn.

Youth will first submit their resume and cover letters for a mock scenario, and up to 15 applicants from each division will be selected for a virtual interview with a panel of three judges. Every individual who participates will be given written feedback on their cover letter and resume. Those who reach the interview phase will receive additional feedback on their interview.

The Virtual Interview Contest is open to youth ages 12 to 21 as of January 1, 2024. Individuals must be a Junior member of Holstein Association USA to be eligible. Youth will be split into three categories based on age. Following are the mock scenarios for each age division.

Junior Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 12 to 14 as of January 1):

Youth are applying to the mock scenario to be sponsored for a free youth exchange trip with Holstein Canada. During the trip, the selected youth member would spend a week with a host family on a Canadian dairy farm.

Intermediate Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 15 to 17 as of January 1):

Youth are applying for the mock scenario of a job shadowing experience with World Dairy Expo. Youth would choose from the following areas for their job shadowing experience: WDE communications, trade show booth, or WDE veterinarian.

Senior Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 18 to 21 as of January 1):

Youth are applying for the mock scenario of pursuing their first job in their desired career path after completing their post-secondary education.

Cash prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place will be awarded in the junior and intermediate divisions. In the senior division, youth will be given cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place.

Entries for the Virtual Interview Contest are currently being accepted and interested youth should send a cover letter and resume corresponding to their appropriate age division to kdunlkee@holstein.com by October 1, 2024. Youth who make it to the virtual interview round will be notified in November with interviews to follow in December.

For more details on the content or how to apply, visit the Junior Holstein website or contact Kelli Dunklee at kdunklee@holstein.com or 802.451.4124.