By Kendra Van Order
There is an old saying that says, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Some argue that it’s true, while others argue that it’s not true. Regardless of which side of the debate you’re on, making quality impressions is something that takes time, thought, preparation and skill and can decide the outcome of a competitive scenario.
4-H teaches youth many life skills and lessons learned through 4-H programs can be applied to many real-world scenarios. One case in point is teaching youth that the impression made in showmanship is parallel to the impressions made in a job interview. For example, one wouldn’t show up for a job interview in dirty, ragged clothes and tennis shoes. Or, one wouldn’t show up late for a job interview or joke around right outside of the door. Any hiring manager would tell you to be clean and dressed for the job that you want, show up to the interview early, and be professional and focused from the moment you step into the building. Not to mention, it’s crucial to be courteous to any staff you meet before meeting with whomever is conducting your interview!
While these are all basic job interview strategies that most people know, what often sets certain candidates apart are the small but important things they do both before and during the interview. The same parallels can be used for dairy beef showmanship. Here are some basic tips for a successful impression for dairy beef showmanship