Get a Job in Supply Chain.

We have been getting many questions about getting a job in supply chain. It is difficult to keep up with all the questions so made this page. Thought it would be good to share various ways people can get a job in supply chain as well as provide resources. Below are some hints, tips and advice on how to improve your job search.

Entry Level Supply Chain Person

If you are interviewing for an entry level job the interviewer most likely knows you don’t have much experience in supply chain or have no experience at all. I would argue that everyone has supply chain experience but just may not know it. For example if you have ever bought a used car and negotiated the price based on facts and data can use that as an example for purchasing. With my first job at a major logistics company I didn’t have supply chain experience. Or better put, I didn’t think I had supply chain experience. I worked in a grocery store during college. I unloaded trailers, worked night crew, stocked groceries and was also a cashier. I thought the only reason I got the interview was because of the college I went to. Turned out that they also liked I worked in a grocery store in various capacities because it helped me understand why their services were so important. I ended up getting an offer and taking the job. If you have worked at any job you can position it so there is supply chain experience. The graphic below is another example people seem to understand.

Experienced Supply Chain Professional

One of the mistakes experienced supply chain professionals make is not updating their knowledge before an interview. Since they have experience they think they are prepared for an interview. I can remember there was a candidate a long time ago with 35 years experience in the field. This person was able to talk about his past experience very well and but we weren’t sure if he matched up with the position we were interviewing for. The person brought in various examples of work he had done using spread sheets, pivot tables, and databases to be sure he could explain that he knew the latest tools and he was the right fit. The person ended up getting an offer. Every job interview can be different so all a person can do is prepare as much as possible and be ready.

Finding Job Opportunities

This is an area where I think most people could greatly improve. If you are going to college get involved with the career center. Some colleges have great career centers and others do not. If fellow classmates have job offers ask them how they landed their job. If you work for a company look at their career page and see what positions are open. If there isn’t a career page talk to your boss and see if there are any possible open positions. Reach out to people you know asking about possible opportunities. Utilize your current network to find opportunities. If you are a good worker it shouldn’t be difficult to use your existing network. Look for open positions on the various career and resume sites. Build up your resume. Update your profile on LinkedIn as well. If you have posted pictures on social media that might not look good to an employer delete them.

The area I see that people don’t utilize effectively is social media. Use LinkedIn, Facebook or any other social media site to collaborate with others about supply chain. Don’t go and immediately ask “Does anyone have a job opening for me?” Ask a simple question on social media such as: “I am looking for a job in supply chain and wondering what type of advice people could give me? I don’t have a great deal of supply chain experience so looking at entry level positions.” This post is asking for dialogue. Once a person gives advice say thank you and it is very much appreciated. Depending on how the discussion goes the people you are speaking with could become part of your network. If there are questions out there that you can answer then answer them. If you come across a post that is good make a simple comment “Thanks for sharing, I learned a lot.” Or you can get a bit more elaborate with your responses “Thanks for sharing, your post helped me better understand last mile logistics. Have any advice for someone seeing a position n logistics?” This link will take you to a variety of supply chain collaboration resources on social media. There many supply chain groups on LinkedIn and Facebook to join in on discussion. Find the groups you like and start participating.

Increase and Update Your Knowledge in the Area You Are Interviewing

Supply Chain is changing faster than ever. What might work at the current company you are at may be seen as old technology at another company. This is why it is important to update your skill set. This isn’t about get certification or taking supply chain classes. If you have time to get a certification that is great but that can be expensive and take quite a bit of time. There are many free resources on the internet to increase your knowledge in supply chain, logistics and the latest trends with automation. Use these resources. Here are a few to start out with containing a great deal of information:

Look up various top supply chain companies and see what they do different. What makes them a top company. For instance, Toyota is known as a top supply chain company because of the Toyota Production System and the lean principles behind it. Do research on continuous improvement because no matter what position you are interviewing for you can apply these methods. Here is various training on continuous improvement.

Prepare for the Interview

Here are an assortment of interview questions. Search on Google and find more.

Quotes and Advice to Help you Prepare

Some people really like quotes and others don’t. Quotes seem to be an easy way to say a lot without having to say much. Below are quotes that might help you prepare for your your interview or even use in your interview.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ~Benjamin Franklin. This is a great quote for those looking to further their career. If you do the work to get an interview, but you don’t prepare for the interview, why do all the work?

“There’s a better way to do it – find it.” ~Thomas Edison. This is a good quote to use when talking about improvement in an organization. There is always a better way to do something.

“First, we will be a customer-driven company. We’ve always said the customer is our boss and we’ll make decisions based on how we can serve them better.” ~Don McMillon, CEO Walmart. If a person is interviewing at Walmart would encourage them to do plenty of research about the company culture. A quick way to understand the company is to find quotes from their CEO. There are quotes by Sam Walton that say something very similar to what the current Walmart CEO says below.

This is what artificial said about the topic of getting a job in supply chain:

There are several steps you can take to increase your chances of getting a job in the supply chain field:

Get a degree: Many supply chain jobs require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as supply chain management, logistics, or business. Earning a degree can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed for a career in supply chain.
Gain experience: Many employers value candidates with relevant experience, so it can be helpful to gain experience through internships, co-op programs, or part-time jobs in the supply chain field.
Obtain relevant certifications: There are a variety of professional certifications that can help you stand out as a candidate and demonstrate your expertise in supply chain, such as the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation.
Network: Building relationships with professionals in the supply chain field can help you learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door. Consider joining industry organizations or attending conferences and networking events.
Tailor your resume and cover letter: When applying for supply chain jobs, it is important to highlight your relevant education, experience, and skills. Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you are applying for.

Overall, the key to getting a job in the supply chain field is to be proactive and make the most of your education, experience, and professional networks. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a fulfilling and rewarding career in supply chain.