Virtual Interview Contest Winners Recognized by Holstein Association USA

Designed to help Junior Holstein Association members sharpen their resume writing and interview skills, the Virtual Interview Contest has been held annually since 2020. The online format of the contest allows Junior members from across the country to easily participate and practice interviewing in a realistic setting.

“Participating in the Virtual Interview Contest has helped me grow my interview skills in a safe environment,” says Junior Holstein member Sophia Geppert. “By interviewing for something I am passionate about, I have learned how to have fun and be myself in a professional manner.”

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. Additionally, every participant receives constructive feedback from the judges.

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

Intermediate Division (ages 15-17 as of January 1)
1st place:  Alison Gartman, Wisconsin
2nd place: Sophia Geppert, Missouri
3rd place: Cayden Bursiek, Ohio

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Sophie Griswold, Pennsylvania
2nd place: Salem Sifford, Virginia
3rd place: Jon Chapman, California

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 find that competing in this contest is extremely valuable. It has allowed me to become more confident and comfortable during the interview process,” says Junior Holstein member Salem Sifford. “I would strongly encourage fellow Junior members to take advantage of this opportunity.”

For more information about the Virtual Interview Contest, or other Holstein Association USA youth programs, visit www.juniorholstein.com or contact Kelli Dunklee at kdunklee@holstein.com.

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.