Junior Holstein Members to Refine Professional Skills During Virtual Interview Contest - Cowsmo

Junior Holstein Members to Refine Professional Skills During Virtual Interview Contest

holstein-usa-logoJunior Holstein members are invited to participate in Holstein Association USA’s Virtual Interview Contest. The contest provides an opportunity for youth to hone their resume writing and interview skills and receive feedback from agricultural industry professionals.

“This contest is extremely valuable to participants because it offers the opportunity to get real experience interviewing with businessmen and women in the agriculture industry,” says Jon Chapman, 2021 Virtual Interview Contest participant from California. “The preparation, process of interviewing, and subsequent feedback has given me more confidence in my professional communication skills.”

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 and those that reach the interview phase will receive written feedback on their interview, too.

The Virtual Interview Contest is open to youth ages 12 to 21 as of January 1, 2022. 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 – chance to win a fall heifer Holstein calf from the 2021 World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion – Erbacres Snapple Shakira-ET. In the intermediate division (ages 15 to 17) contestant’s mock scenario is an internship on a Holstein farm in another country. 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.

“Through the interview I gained confidence and the ability to be myself, sharing stories and examples of why I would be a great candidate for a job position,” says Joseph Real of Vermont, 2021 contest participant. “Having this wonderful experience will allow me to flourish in future interviews and be able to connect and network with industry professionals. I would highly recommend all youth take this valuable opportunity to challenge and set themselves up for future success!”

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 [email protected] by October 1, 2022. 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 [email protected] or 802.451.4124.

Holstein Association USA, Inc., provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, consulting services, and Holstein semen.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, VT., represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States. To learn more about Registered Holsteins® and the other exciting programs offered by the Holstein Association, visit Holstein USA, and follow us on InstagramFacebook, and Twitter.

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