Young dairy enthusiasts from coast to coast practiced their professional skills during the 2023 Virtual Interview Contest. The contest helps Junior Holstein members refine their resume writing and interview skills, giving them practical knowledge for future opportunities.
“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 Junior Holstein Association member Elsie Donlick. “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.”
Applicants submitted cover letters and resumes based on a mock interview scenario and were selected to move on to the second phase of the contest based on their combined cover letter and resume scores. During the second phase contestants were interviewed by a panel of three judges. Final scores were calculated based on each applicant’s cover letter, resume, and interview. Every participant receives constructive feedback from the judges to further enhance their interview aptitude.
Junior Division (ages 12-14 as of January 1)
1st place: Alison Gartman, Wisconsin
2nd place: Chloe Chapman, California
3rd place: Sophia Nielsen, Michigan
Intermediate Division (ages 15-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Madison Mowrer, Pennsylvania
2nd place: Elsie Donlick, New York
3rd place: Samuel Mell, Wisconsin
Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Dale Freier III, New York
2nd place: Clarissa Ulness, Wisconsin
3rd place: Kylie Konyn, Wisconsin
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.
For more information about the Virtual Interview Contest, or other Holstein Association USA youth programs, visit www.holstein usa.com/juniors/ or contact Kelli Dunklee at kdunklee@holstein.com
