How to Analyze a Supply Chain Job Description

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Have you ever confidently applied for a supply chain position, landed an interview and then got hit with a question that made you think, “I wish I had looked at that job description more closely”? We’ve all been there — but the key to future job interview success is learning how to better analyze a supply chain job description moving forward.

Supply chain job interview questions are, in theory, based on the specific job description and skill requirements put forth in the job posting. While the interviewer may ask more subjective questions to scope out the talent’s personality, work environment preferences and interpersonal skills, be prepared to focus most of your attention on convincing the interviewer of your fitness for the stated description of the role. Therefore, the better you’re able to understand the job description, the better you’ll be at navigating supply chain interview talking points on the spot.

While supply chain job interview questions can be unpredictable, here’s how to best arm yourself with the knowledge you need to ace that interview.

1. Make Sure You Understand What the Company Is Looking For

Once is not enough when it comes to reading over a supply chain job description. We’re all human, so we’re sure to miss at least a couple of important points on the first read-through. If you get that email or phone call inviting you for an interview, remember that the relevance of the job description doesn’t stop there. In fact, the job description can hold a wealth of knowledge about the position and the company — knowledge you can harness for your interview.

Companies look for talent that can perform the required duties of the job in question. When you analyze a supply chain job description, make notes of specific ways you can meet each of those requirements. That way, when any role-related question comes up during the interview, you’ll be prepared to demonstrate how your experience positions you to fulfill that role.

2. Formulate Supply Chain Interview Talking Points Based on the Job Description

When you understand exactly what the company is looking for in a particular job description, you can form talking points and use them as a springboard to answer a wide range of potential questions. That said, creating talking points requires a bit more analysis than most candidates realize.

We suggest formulating talking points based on each of the “hard” skills listed in the description — technical and quantifiable skills from which you can draw specific relevant examples. Make sure you’re able to give the interviewer a clear picture of how you can fulfill each job responsibility better than any other candidate.

3. Prepare Relevant Examples and Anecdotes That Prove Your Suitability for the Job

At the same time, make note of specific past successes that can illustrate your aptitude for relevant tasks. Interviewers are trying to gather as much information from talent as possible during a period that often won’t exceed one hour, so make sure you can condense adequate proof of your skill set and experience successfully performing the types of duties required for that particular job.

4. Come up With Questions Based on the Job Description

Finally, make sure you come up with at least a few questions for the interviewer, basing your questions on the job description. What questions does the job description already answer, and what information about the job or company does the description leave out?

Supply chain job description interview questions need to be succinct and thoughtful, so avoid asking questions that could have been answered through careful job description analysis.

Bonus Tip: Make sure you check out Optimum Supply Chain Recruiters for expert advice on landing a supply chain interview!

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