Logistics Manager Job Interview Tips

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The logistics manager job interview, is a professional level interview, based on a very wide range of tasks. In most

cases the interviews will need to cover the entire range of functions of the position.

You can see a good representative mix of logistics manager jobs on Fleethelper, a major US transport jobs site.

These job ads can also give a good indication of packages, duties, and ranges of options in the logistics field.

Logistics Manager Job Interview TipsThis is a very competitive professional field, so you’ll need to give yourself time to prepare thoroughly, working

section by section of the job description.

These sections include:

Supply chain entity coordination Staff management, evaluation, and hiring processes Financial management Business management Scheduling Operational management of deliveries and receiving goods Warehouse operations and systems

It’s also strongly advised to research the employer, and ensure you can show a good working knowledge of the

business and operational issues to interviewers.

Logistics Manager Job Interview QuestionsPlease note: Interviews may have to be done in stages, covering specific sections of the job responsibilities.

This is a broad based set of sample questions.

This position requires familiarity with a fully automated warehouse, including an integrated accounts database. Can you tell us about your experience working with these systems?

This question requires a full answer detailing particular systems you’ve worked with in the past. The interviewers

evaluate this experience in relation to the job requirements.

How do you motivate staff?

Motivation is a key management requirement, and your answer should stress strong values like positive

reinforcement for performance, training in higher duties, and other incentives.

Give us an example of client relationship management in a problem scenario in which the client has a legitimate reason for complaint.

Customer relationships are a key point in logistics manager jobs. This is also a problem solving question, requiring

you to illustrate the situation, define the customer relationship issues, and how you solved the problem.

How do you promote Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace?

OHS is critically important in all areas of supply chain work. You need to cite a working example of full OHS

awareness programs, including training where required.

On what basis would you fire a staff member?

The only lawful bases for dismissal are well defined into types:

Misconduct Performance Theft or fraud (A real problem in supply chains) Drug or alcohol abuse

Important: Please note that you must also refer to employer guidelines and staff policies for these issues.

 Give us an example of a performance management method which provides staff options for additional work.

Some forms of performance management encourage increased participation by staff, involving training programs,

extra duties on a career track basis, and other incentives. Your answer needs to outline clear standards in this

approach.

What do you bring to our business, in terms of values?

This is an open ended question, and you can use it very effectively as a statement of your abilities. You will need to

address each area of the logistics manager job’s responsibilities, showing strong values and experience in each area.

 

Logistics is a relatively new field, but…it’s not a new concept. The supply and movement of resources from one point of origin to another has been around as long as man. People need goods and commodities found in other places. However, logistics as a business concept evolved in the mid-1900s, largely due to the fact that the infrastructures of businesses had become so large, transporting things was no long as simple as throwing it on a truck or boat and sending it off. With the developments of the 21st century labor movement, it became much more necessary to have coordinated efforts for moving goods and making the supply chain more efficient. As a result, the need for qualified logisticians increased in order to manage supply chains.

Now, you can earn a degree in logistics to better prepare you for jobs in this ever-growing field. And better yet, jobs are expected to grow “26 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations,” according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is incredibly important to note due to the economic downturn at the end of the decade because it doesn’t seem to have inhibited the growth in the logistics field.

If you’re a recent graduate of a logistics degree program and thinking about the interview process, it’s important to know how to prepare for an interview in the logistics field. We’ve compiled a few helpful tips to calm your nerves and to ensure you make the right first impression, which can prove incredibly useful. Reading through these should provide some much needed perspective before going in.

Interview Questions – What to Expect?

Do you have the five universal skills to be successful in a logistics-related position? When it comes to getting a job, it’s important to be able to at least somewhat expect what types of questions will be thrown at you.  Employers look for candidates with a variety of skills, but you can almost depend on them to be looking for those who possess the following traits:

o People skillso Analytical skillso Communication skillso Computer skillso Flexibility

Do you have work experience? If you’re a recent grad, this might be tough one, but not impossible. An internship provides you with the experience employers want, perhaps more importantly, you’ll have an opportunity to network with other logisticians, perhaps securing a job after you graduate. It’s important though to balance internships with work because generally work experience is more highly sought after.

Do you know what behavioral interview questions are, and can you answer them? Behavioral interview questions are widely used by employers to gauge a candidate’s leadership skills. For example, an employer might ask the following: “Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.” Working in logistics requires tremendous versatility and a can-do attitude, so be prepared to answer a few tough questions.

Are you prepared to answer the standard interview questions? Employers will also ask the most common interview questions such as:

o Why did you apply to this company?o What types of jobs are you currently seeking?o Can you handle stress? What are your strategies for managing it?o Where did you expect to be career-wise in five or ten years?o Why should we hire you?

Possible Job Titles

To better help you in your search for the perfect career, below is a list of job titles that may interest you:

Analyst Consultant Customer Service Manager International Logistics Manager Inventory Control Manager Logistics Engineer Logistics Manager Logistics Services Salesperson Logistics Software Manager Materials Manager Production Manager Purchasing Manager Supply Chain Manager

Systems Support Manager (MIS) Transportation Manager Vendor Managed Inventory Coordinator Warehouse Operations Manager