Supply and logistics is an exciting and fast-paced industry where every day is different.
There are a range of roles available at a number of different levels, from warehouse workers to supply technicians and more – and there’s also plenty of opportunity for hard-working individuals to progress their career.
So, if you’re interested in a career in supply and logistics and have an interview coming up, read on for our supply and logistics top interview tips, from popular interview questions you should prepare answers for to how to handle your nerves on the day.
Before the interview
You’ve probably heard the saying 'failure to prepare is preparing to fail' – and this is especially true when it comes to job interviews! If you’re getting ready for a supply and logistics interview, it’s really important to be as prepared as possible. Here’s how:
1. Do your research
If you’re going to impress at your interview, research is essential. Start things off by researching the supply and logistics industry as a whole, and you’ll also need to research the company, their competitors and any recent news coverage.
Make sure you check their social media channels and have a good look through their website too! One of the most common supply chain management interview questions is “why do you want to work for us?”, and if you’re going to answer the question fluidly, you need to have done your research!
2. Prepare some answers
This leads onto our next point: by practicing ahead of your interview, you can make sure you answer interview questions properly.
Of course, you can’t be sure of the exact questions you will be asked in your supply and logistics interview, but some examples of supply chain management interview questions you should prepare to answer include:
- Tell us about your experience in the supply chain industry
- Why did you choose a career in supply and logistics?
- Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
- What qualifications/experience do you have that make you right for this role?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- Describe a scenario where you had to use problem-solving skills?
- Why are you leaving your current role?
By preparing your answers to these types of questions in advance, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for supply and logistics and show the interviewer why you are the best person for the job.
3. Prepare some questions
Remember, your supply and logistics interview is an opportunity for you to find out about the company too. So, make sure you prepare some questions of your own to emphasise your interest in the role. Potential questions you could consider asking include:
- What training and development opportunities are there?
- How can I expect my career to develop in this role?
- What can I do to further prepare myself for a role in your company?
However, it goes without saying that if your questions have already been answered during the interview, don’t ask them – it will look as if you haven’t been paying attention!
On the day
Research complete, it’s now time for the interview itself! Here’s how to handle things on the day to make sure your interview goes well:
1. Steer the conversation
A job interview is a chance for you to sell yourself and prove that you are the right person for the job – so it’s vital that you big up your skills!
Try to steer the interview in the direction you would like it to go in so that you can talk about your specific skills and why you are right for the job.
For example, make sure you highlight your interpersonal skills because teamwork is essential in the industry, and in the supply and logistics industry you should be able to work to tight deadlines and have impeccable problem-solving skills.
The ability to analyse a situation and think on your feet is really important in supply and logistics, no matter how big the problem.
2. Be enthusiastic
Whether your interview is face to face, on the telephone or via video chat, you need to be interested, excited, and show them how eager you are. Eye contact is important – make sure you show the interviewer that you are focused and engaged.
Turn off your phone to limit any distractions, turn up on time and make sure you dress the part. After all, first impressions count!
3. Control your nerves
It’s natural to be nervous at a job interview. In fact, being nervous can sometimes be a good thing as it shows you care. But it’s important to take a deep breath, try to stay calm and control your nerves.
As we mentioned above, coping under pressure is an essential skill in supply and logistics, so your interviewer will no doubt be looking at how you cope under pressure!
If you’re still feeling nervous about how to answer interview questions, we’d recommend the STAR technique:
Situation – set the context for your answer
Task – what was required of you in this situation
Activity – what you actually did
Result – how the situation played out
4. Be yourself
As much as a job interview is your time to shine and show your potential employers your worth, one of the most important supply and logistics top interview tips we can give you is to just be yourself! If you go in with confidence and a clear head having done your research, then you can’t go far wrong.
After the interview
So, once the interview is over, what do you do next? Well, whilst you are waiting to hear, ensure you keep applying for other jobs too, so you don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Not only will this give you a safety net in case your interview was unsuccessful, but should you be invited for another interview, you will be able to demonstrate that you are in demand.
Additionally, even if you don’t get the job, you should always ask for feedback. No one likes criticism, but constructive criticism can be really helpful if you are going to improve your interview skills in the future so you can make sure you nail your next attempt.
Supply and logistics opportunities at M&E
Hopefully you’ve found these supply and logistics top interview tips helpful!
At M&E Global, we run a variety of complex supply and logistics operations and have been helping to develop site-based infrastructure in international locations for nearly 20 years.
During this time, we have repeatedly demonstrated how our skills, methods and ethos are perfectly suited to establishing, regenerating and supporting national, industrial and expeditionary infrastructure.
As such, we are always on the lookout for highly skilled workers who can manage increasingly complex supply chain systems and logistics planning and delivering effective supply and logistics solutions for complex operations around the world.
Find out more about supply and logistics at M&E here and how we can help you to kick-start your career!
