The Holstein Association USA Virtual Interview Contest gives youth the opportunity to enhance their resume writing, cover letter development, and interview skills in a supportive, real-world setting. Feedback from dairy industry professionals gives Junior Holstein members actionable ways to grow. All Junior Holstein members ages 12 to 21 are encouraged to participate in the online contest.
“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 contest participant Elsie Donlick of New York. “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.”
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. Those who reach the interview phase will receive additional feedback on their interview.
Junior Holstein members will be split into three categories based on age. 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 due by October 1, 2025. Following are the mock scenarios for each age division.
Junior Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 12 to 14 as of January 1):
Youth are applying to be sponsored for an award trip to World Dairy Expo. Through their resume and cover letter, youth should indicate why they would be the best candidate to receive this sponsorship.
Intermediate Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 15 to 17 as of January 1):
Youth are applying for an internship experience on a Holstein farm in another country. In their resume and cover letter, youth should explain why they are the best candidate to be selected for this opportunity.
Senior Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 18 to 21 as of January 1):
Youth are applying for the career of their dreams! Youth should list the position and/or the company they are applying for in their cover letter and resume.
Interested youth should submit their cover letter and resume corresponding to their appropriate age division to the online form found at www.juniorholstein.com/virtual-interview. 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 kdunklee@holstein.com 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 www.holsteinusa.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
