21 Authentic Procurement Interview Questions and Answers Guide

Since writing a blog on Supply Chain Management interview questions, I received lots of requests from people seeking to interview Buyer or Commodity Managers within the Procurement Function. Typically, such jobs are more suited for experienced managers in the field, but as newcomers or fresh buyers, these procurement interview questions are essential to start out on the right foot. If you are preparing for next interview in procurement function, knowing answers of some of these questions will help you prepare better.

I hope, almost everyone would agree, that having a list of wide-ranging procurement interview questions would greatly aid in preparing better. Of the extensive number and types of questions that can be asked, I will cover 21 Questions and Answers that I regard to be the most commonly asked.

So,‘The 21 Procurement Interview Questions and Answers Guide’ can aid both supply chain graduates as well as experienced procurement professionals. In addition to these, you are guaranteed to be asked a lot of generic job interview questions too – so check out this Blog for some tips on how to tackle these. So, wonder no more! Moreover, as a hiring manager, you can use the list below of Procurement Interview Questions if you are planning to recruit buyers and / or commodity managers in the procurement function.

Why should I read this blog? Well, my advice to anyone looking to get the best out of every procurement interview is to read this blog and understand the concepts behind each question and the proper application into the answers offers an insight into the following:

• Predictable Procurement Interview Questions.
• Knowledge-based Procurement Interview Questions and Answers Guide
• Helpful tips for avoiding common mistakes.
• Personalized Procurement Interview Questions for Professionals, Graduates, as well as other Experienced Managers.

So,let’s get started with this blog for some tips on how to successfully tackle them.

Procurement Interview Questions and Answers Guide:

Q1: As an in procurement, what would you say is the difference between strategic sourcing and Purchase.

For a detailed answer please read my frequently read and quoted blog STRATEGIC SOURCING VS. PURCHASING – 7 KEY DIFFERENCES The short answer of this question is as follows:

One of the key difference of Strategic Sourcing in contrast to conventional purchasing is that it extends beyond purchasing and focuses on converging and sustaining the buyer-supplier-relationships (Skj?tt-Larsen & Schary, 2001).

The objective is to leverage them, exploit their capabilities, integrate and complement the core competencies of the various partners in the supply chain (interdependence) so as to provide value and cost efficiencies and uniqueness for the customer.

Q2: How would you define incoterm using some leading examples?

Amongst the Procurement Interview Questions, this is one question every professional needs to nail. You can learn more by reading LIFETIME BASICS OF FOREIGN TRADE MANAGEMENT – 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

This blog has everything you need to know about trade management.

Q3: What approach and definition do you apply to purchasing?

As a basic concept deltabid has written a very good article on procurement management.

Understanding the concept of buying and the processes involved while buying any product or service is essential. With this Procurement Interview Questions, you should be able to know the difference between procurement and purchase with the provided response. Part of your response should include how suppliers are compared and awarded, specifications, which internal customers are involved, etc. With this, you also get to know if internal stakeholder’s negotiations are allowed. 

Continue reading the full article here.