Junior Holstein Association Members Encouraged to Build Career Skills Through Virtual Interview Contest

Strong communication and interviewing skills give young people a valuable advantage as they prepare for future educational and career opportunities. Junior members ages 12 to 21 can build these skills through Holstein Association USA’s Virtual Interview Contest, an opportunity designed to help youth strengthen their resumes, cover letter writing, and interviewing abilities while receiving feedback from agricultural industry professionals. Entries are due October 15.

The contest gives participants the chance to experience a realistic interview process from start to finish. Youth first submit a resume and cover letter based on a mock interview scenario specific to their age division. Up to 15 participants from each division will then be selected for a virtual interview with a panel of three judges.

All participants will receive written feedback on their resume and cover letter. Those selected for the interview portion will also receive feedback on their interview performance, providing an opportunity to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

“The Virtual Interview Contest helped me gain skills that I will be able to use not only throughout the rest of my Junior Holstein career, but the rest of my life. I obtained great knowledge from this contest, and I think it’s great for Juniors when it comes to building their confidence,” said 2025 contest participant Brady McConnell.

The contest is open to Junior Holstein Association members ages 12 to 21 as of January 1, 2026. Participants will compete in three age divisions, each featuring a unique mock interview scenario that reflects real-world educational, agricultural, and career opportunities appropriate for their age.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three participants in each division. First, second, and third-place winners in the junior and intermediate divisions will receive $250, $100 and $50, respectively. In the senior division, winners will receive $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place.

Applications for the 2026 Virtual Interview Contest are now being accepted. Interested youth should submit a resume and cover letter corresponding with their age division by October 15, 2026. Contest details and submission forms are available at www.juniorholstein.com/virtual-interview. Participants selected for the virtual interview round will be notified in November, with interviews taking place in December.

The Virtual Interview Contest provides Junior Holstein members with an opportunity to gain practical career experience, receive guidance from industry professionals, and build confidence as they prepare for their next steps.

For more information about the Virtual Interview Contest, visit the Junior Holstein website or contact Kelli Dunklee atkdunklee@holstein.com or 802.451.4124.