SUPPLY CHAIN Interview Questions And TOP SCORING ANSWERS!

Introduction

Hello! My name is Richard McMahon from PassMyInterview.com. In this tutorial, I will teach you how to excel in a supply chain interview. This guide will be beneficial regardless of whether you are preparing for a position as a supply chain manager, supply chain specialist, or even a graduate scheme in supply chain. Please make sure to watch the entire tutorial as it will significantly improve your preparation.

Key Skills and Attributes for Supply Chain Interviews

Relationship Building: Ability to build positive and long-lasting relationships with key suppliers, manufacturers, and logistic companies.
Thorough Understanding of Supply Chain Process: Knowledge of the supply chain process and its importance in organizational operations.
Determined Attitude: Demonstrating a determined, positive, and resolute attitude towards your duties.
Impact Awareness: Understanding how the supply chain affects an organization both positively and negatively.
Accuracy and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to solve issues accurately and efficiently, even under pressure.

Key Supply Chain Interview Questions and Answers

Q1: Tell me about yourself and why we should hire you in this supply chain position.

Answer: "I have worked in supply chain for a number of years and feel that my experiences have prepared me to be a perfect match for your company. I am conscientious, determined, resilient, and professional in my approach to supply chain duties. Without someone performing their duties to a high standard in this position, your organization cannot function effectively. You should hire me because of my experience, skills, and passion, making me the best candidate for this job."

Q2: What is the supply chain?

Answer: "In simple terms, the supply chain is a system involving organizations, people, resources, activities, and information in the process of moving a product or service from the supplier to the customer. It usually involves an entire network of different entities working towards serving the same consumer. For example, a vendor supplies raw materials, a producer turns them into a product, a warehouse stores the product, a distribution center delivers it to a retailer, who then delivers it to the consumer."

Q3: Why have you chosen to work for our company in this supply chain position?

Answer: "I have applied to work for your company for three specific reasons. Firstly, you are a leader in this industry and I know I'll be supported to carry out my duties to the highest standards. Secondly, you have lots of positive employee reviews on Glassdoor, making you attractive as an employer. Finally, based on your latest news section on your website, you have exciting and ambitious plans for the future, and I would love to be a part of that as you clearly see your workforce as vital to your success."

Q4: Tell me one thing you like the most about supply chain and one thing you dislike.

Answer: "The thing I like the most about working in supply chain is the opportunity to work with different companies, people, and organizations to build long-term positive relationships. The one thing I dislike is dealing with suppliers, manufacturers, or distributors who don't share the same drive or standards, as this can impact our own operations. However, I see these situations as challenges where I can utilize my interpersonal skills to get things resolved quickly to maintain an active supply chain."

Q5: Describe a time when you disagreed with your manager or supervisor.

Answer: "During a previous role, a manufacturer who had always been reliable started to show signs of unreliability. I suggested to my manager that we look for an alternative supplier to ensure the supply chain was not affected. My manager disagreed and decided to continue with the current supplier, giving them a chance to resolve the issues. While I respected his decision, I also explored other manufacturers in my spare time just in case. My manager was right in the end, but I believe I handled the situation well and would always speak up if I see potential risks to the supply chain."

For more in-depth answers and a full set of 22 supply chain interview questions and answers, please visit PassMyInterview.com.

Keywords

Supply Chain
Relationship Building
Thorough Understanding
Determined Attitude
Impact Awareness
Accuracy
Problem Solving
Interview Questions
Job Preparation

FAQ

Q: What is the most important skill for supply chain professionals? A: Building positive and long-lasting relationships with key suppliers, manufacturers, and logistic companies.

Q: How do I demonstrate my understanding of the supply chain process during an interview? A: Explain that the supply chain involves the systematic movement of products or services from suppliers to customers, involving various entities such as vendors, producers, warehouses, distribution centers, and retailers.

Q: How should I answer if asked why I want to work for a specific company? A: Identify three specific reasons why the company is attractive to you, such as industry leadership, positive employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor, and exciting future plans.

Q: What should I highlight as a dislike about the supply chain role without sounding negative? A: Mention dealing with unreliable suppliers or partners, but emphasize your problem-solving and interpersonal skills in handling such challenges.

Q: How should I handle a question about past disagreements with supervisors? A: Provide a specific example, show respect for your supervisor's decision, explain your proactive steps, and emphasize how the situation was resolved positively.