BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — Holstein Association USA is pleased to offer the second Virtual Interview Contest for Junior Holstein members. This program is designed to prepare youth for real world opportunities, giving them the chance to sharpen their resume writing and interview skills. The top three winners in each age division will be awarded cash prizes.
“Making a good first impression is more important than ever in the virtual world we live in today. This second-year contest will help youth members earn honors, scholarships, and career opportunities by enhancing their resume and interview skills,” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Youth Specialist.
“The contest was amazing and was one of my first true interviews,” said 2020 Virtual Interview Contest participant Jenna Larson of Florida. “The judges asked very thorough and realistic questions, which provoked a lot of thought towards my answers. I received good critiques that were very applicable and useful. I feel as though this contest has better prepared me for interviews in the future and is amongst the more realistic competitions that can be hosted virtually.”
The Virtual Interview Contest is open to youth ages 12 to 21 as of January 1, 2021. Individuals must be a Junior member of Holstein Association USA to be eligible.
Youth will be split into three categories based on age. Individuals in the junior division (ages 12 to 14 as of January 1) will apply for a mock scenario award trip to World Dairy Expo. In the intermediate division (ages 15 to 17) youth will be applying for a mock educational scholarship. Finally, youth in the senior division (ages 18 to 21) will be applying for their first job in their desired career path after completing a post-secondary education.
All applicants will be judged on their combined cover letter and resume score. Up to 15 applicants from each age 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 and those that reach the interview phase will receive written feedback on their interview, too.
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.
“This contest was a great opportunity to practice making the most of the virtual interview environment. The meaningful feedback I received helped me hone my professional skills before beginning my search for a post-graduation position,” says Sarah Lehner of Ohio, who received first place in the senior division in 2020.
Entries are currently being accepted and interested youth should send a cover letter and resume corresponding to their appropriate age division to kdunklee@holstein.com by September 1, 2021. Youth who make it to the virtual interview round will be notified in September with interviews to follow in October.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity please visit the Junior Holstein website.
–Holstein Association USA, Inc.
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