International Logistics Manager Interview Preparation Guide

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?

The problem with this question is that you're being asked about your shortcomings, when your instinct, in an interview situation, is to keep your flaws as well hidden as possible. What you need to do is to frame your answer to as to give it a positive spin.

Strengths and weaknesses can be different sides of the same coin, so another way to approach this question is to think about how you overcome the potential downside of your greatest strength. For example, if you're a natural teamworker, is it difficult for you to cope with conflict or assume leadership abilities? How do you cope with this?

If an interviewer asks you to describe a situation in which you showed initiative, avoid giving an example of an idea you had but never put into action. It's much better to talk about a time when you not only came up with a solution to a problem but also acted on it. Then you can explain the effect your decision had when you put it into practice.

The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. Be clear about why you are interested in the job and the value you can bring to their organization.

I've applied to companies where I know I can get excited about what the company does. Your company is one of my top choices. This job is really attractive to me because it combines my interest and experience in logistics and security with work in a more global business environment.

Do your research and know your bottom line. Research the industry standard for the positions you are applying for in your geographic area. Whenever possible, try to defer the salary question on the first interview so that you don't under or over sell yourself. If pressured, be prepared to give the employer a salary range.

I'm sure that your company offers a fair, competitive salary for someone with my education / training, skills and experience. I am also willing to negotiate for the right position.

This is a good question for a lot of prospective employers to ask you at the start of the interview, as it allows them to weigh up your motivations. Obviously this question requires you to understand the job advert/spec inside and out, so have a good think about why you wanted to apply. There are lots of different reasons you could use; it could be that it was the company in particular or a specific aspect of the job description that you were interested in. That said; try not to use the salary as a reason, it just looks like you're only in it for the money, which is never a good sign for a prospective employer.

Employers are asking this question to find out how much research you've done and whether you've got a full understanding of the company and the role. If you have got no clue about the company's purchase and logistics department, then tell them you do your research and find out what sort of improvement is needed.

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

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.

You are particularly likely to be asked about your motivation in a strengths-based interview, which focuses on what you enjoy doing and what you do well. Your answer should draw on an example from your extracurricular activities, work experience or studies that suggests you would be strongly motivated by the job you are applying for.