Today’s virtual world requires youth to master the craft of making a good impression in an online setting to achieve academic scholarships, jobs, and more. Holstein Association USA is holding a virtual interview contest to help junior members hone those resume and interview skills for today’s virtual world.
“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 be split into three categories based on age. Participants in each age group will be responsible for submitting a cover letter and resume applicable to a specific scenario. Interviews will be performed by a panel of three judges via Zoom with Holstein Foundation staff moderating the interview. Participants will receive feedback based on their interviews.
Finalists will be chosen to complete a virtual interview with prizes being awarded to the top three individuals in each age category. 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.
The deadline to enter with a completed cover letter and resume is October 1, 2022.
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Junior division entries
The junior division is open to youth ages 12 to 14 years old as of January 1. Youth will apply for a mock scenario – a chance to win a fall heifer Holstein calf from the World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion – Erbacres Snapple Shakira-ET. Interviews in this division will last no more than 15 minutes.
Intermediate division entries
The intermediate division is open to youth 15 to 17 years old. Contestants in this division will be applying for a mock internship on a Holstein farm in another country. Interviews in the intermediate division will last no more than 30 minutes.
Senior division entries
The senior division is open to youth ages 18 to 21 years old. Senior contestants will participate in a mock interview for their first job in their desired career path after completing their post-secondary education. Interviews in the senior division will last no more than 30 minutes.
“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!”
