So you are a graduate in supply chain management and intend to pursue a career in logistics. After sending the job application, you manage to get an interview call from the logistics service provider for the job you always wanted. To succeed in this interview, you need to learn how to prepare for everything and tackle down interviewer’s questions with best answers.
As a part of supply chain management, logistics is actually not a new concept. Logistics has existed ever since human beings invented trade and goods exchange. Generally, it’s a field that covers several business areas such as distribution, transportation, and warehousing.
Despite high growth prospects and job opportunities in this ever-growing field, not many talent understand enough about logistics to be interested in pursuing a career in the industry. With limited talent pool of candidates, the industry seems to be grappling with competition and technological advancement. Logistics job interviewers generally tend to be more direct and open in their process of hiring new employees.
Basically, logistics interview does not differ much from other job interviews. The focus of the job interview is to find the best talent with passion for a career in logistics, perhaps a degree to support basic understanding of supply chain management and those who can quickly think on their feet and are good decision-makers. If you are a recent graduate applying for a logistics job, then listed below are three crucial steps to help you prepare for the interview:
Before the interview
Upon invitation for a job interview from a logistics firm, you should conduct thorough research about the company, your job profile and basic company information. Do not be among the candidates who fail to qualify for further rounds of interview because of lack of company knowledge. You need to learn about the company background, its owner, vision and goals, and company’s position in the business.
The more you know about the background, the more you will be prepared to answer tricky questions. Read and check again the job description, requirements, and experience to ensure that you have matched qualities as expected of the candidate.
You need to learn about possible questions from the interviewer and prepare answers for that. For instance, ask yourself why you are interested in the offered job role and how do you find your abilities can contribute to the company.
On the interview day
Come on time. Whatever the reason is, there is no excuse for arriving late at a job interview. Make sure that you come at least 15 minutes before the interview, so you can mentally prepare yourself. Pay extra attention to your attire. Create good first impression by wearing proper and decent clothes that make you look presentable and convincing to be their new hire.
Purchasing professional attires such as suits and ties could be a wise investment to aid your job hunting efforts. When answering questions, control your tone and intonation. Do not go too slow or too fast, take your time to explain everything steadily.
In addition, you need to be aware of your body language. Poor body language such as slouching and toying with your fingers could send negative signals to the interviewer. So, sit straight and make direct eye contact with the interviewer, this shows confidence.
After the interview
As you leave the interview building, tell yourself that you have performed your best. You might need to give some time to think about previous interview and find on the qualities or skills you lack. If you think you have made some mistakes, do not panic. Since everything that lies ahead us is beyond your control, all you need to do is be patient and wait for the best result. Take time to evaluate your mistakes and improve yourself for a better interview next time.
This article was first published here.