BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — All Junior Holstein members ages 12 to 21 are encouraged to participate in the Holstein Association USA Virtual Interview Contest. It gives youths the opportunity to enhance their resume writing, cover letter development, and interview skills in a supportive, real-world setting. What’s more, feedback from dairy industry professionals gives Junior Holstein members actionable ways to grow.
Entries for the contest are currently being accepted and are due by October 1.
“The Virtual Interview Contest has been a valuable experience for me for several years as I have been able to improve my resume and cover writing skills as well as my interviewing skills,” says contest participant Elsie Donlick of New York. “From participating in this contest, I now feel more confident in how my resume looks and how to answer interview questions. I enjoy participating in this contest because it helps me grow my professional career skills.”
Holstein Juniors 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.
Junior Holstein members will be split into three categories based on age. 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.
Following are the mock scenarios for each age division.
• Junior division (ages 12-14 as of Jan. 1)
You are applying to be sponsored for an award trip to World Dairy Expo. Through your resume and cover letter, you should indicate why you would be the best candidate to receive this sponsorship.
• Intermediates (ages 15-17 as of Jan. 1)
You are applying for an internship experience on a Holstein farm in another country. In their resume and cover letter, you should explain why you are the best candidate to be selected for this opportunity.
• Senior division (ages 18-21 as of Jan. 1)
You are applying for the career of your dreams! You should list the position and/or the company you are applying for in your cover letter and resume.
Interested youths should submit their cover letter and resume corresponding to their appropriate age division to the online form found at www.juniorholstein.com/virtual-interview. Youths 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.
