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:
- People skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- 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:
- Why did you apply to this company?
- What types of jobs are you currently seeking?
- Can you handle stress? What are your strategies for managing it?
- Where did you expect to be career-wise in five or ten years?
- 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