The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

Launched in 2020, the Virtual Interview Contest provides Junior Holstein Association members the opportunity to sharpen their resume writing and interview skills. The virtual format of the contest allows Junior members from across the country to easily participate and practice interviewing in a realistic setting.

“Competing in the Virtual Interview Contest for several years has definitely helped me improve my interview skills,” says Junior Holstein Association member Rachel Craun. “I have used the feedback received from judges to prepare my resume and cover letter when applying for internships. Thanks to the skills gained from this contest, I have landed several awesome internship opportunities.”

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 also receives constructive feedback from the judges.

Junior Division (ages 12-14 as of January 1)

1st place: Chloe Chapman, California

2nd place: Brady McConnell, Wisconsin

3rd place: Josiah Freier, New York

Intermediate Division (ages 15-17 as of January 1)

1st place: Sydney Bullard, Maine

2nd place: Elsie Donlick, New York

3rd place: Sophia Geppert, Missouri

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)

1st place: Rachel Craun, Virginia

2nd place: Alexis Hoefs, Minnesota

3rd place: Mark Freier, New York

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.

"I really enjoyed participating in this year's Virtual Interview Contest,” says Junior Holstein member Josiah Freier. “I sharpened my communication skills while interacting and learning from great people in the dairy industry from across the country. I encourage all Junior Holstein members to take up this great opportunity as well."

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.