What are the best ways to demonstrate your logistics experience in an interview?

1 Know the job requirements

Before you go to the interview, make sure you understand the specific logistics tasks and responsibilities that the job entails. Review the job description and research the company's products, services, markets, and supply chain. Identify the key skills and competencies that the employer is looking for, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and attention to detail. Think of examples from your previous or current work experience that show how you applied these skills and achieved positive results in logistics operations.

2 Use the STAR method

When answering behavioral questions about your logistics experience, you should use the STAR method to structure your response. This method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result and helps you to provide a clear and concise story that demonstrates your skills and achievements. For instance, when the interviewer asks you how you handled a logistics challenge, you can use the STAR method as follows: Describe the context and background of the challenge you faced, explain what your goal or objective was in that situation, describe the specific steps you took to overcome the challenge and achieve your goal, and highlight the outcome and impact of your actions, using quantifiable metrics if possible.

3 Showcase your technical knowledge

In addition to your behavioral skills, you also need to demonstrate your technical knowledge of logistics concepts, tools, and best practices. You may be asked to explain how you use software, systems, or methods to plan, monitor, and optimize logistics processes. For example, you may be asked to describe how you use enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, warehouse management systems (WMS), or transportation management systems (TMS) to manage inventory, orders, shipments, and deliveries. You may also be asked to describe how you apply logistics frameworks, such as lean, agile, or reverse logistics, to improve efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.

4 Ask relevant questions

To demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the job, ask relevant questions about the company's logistics operations and challenges. This will show your curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn. Examples of questions you can ask include: what are the main objectives and priorities for the company; which potential risks do they face; how do they measure and evaluate performance; how do they foster collaboration and communication; and how do they stay up to date with trends and innovations. Preparing for an interview can be difficult, but by following these tips, you can showcase your operational planning skills and prove that you are a valuable asset for the company's logistics success.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?