As a leading supply chain recruiting firm, it is common for our candidates to go through different interview processes with various companies, then report back to us about their interview experiences. Having a firm grasp of the job description and hiring process will give you a jump start on other candidates!
One tactic to keep in mind while preparing for your interview is the SOAR method of interviewing:
- Situation
- Opportunity
- Actions
- Results
Supply chain employers often want quantifiable results of your past experience. Behavioral questions can help glean this type of information from candidates.
Remember that in a Pandemic world, video interviews are likely to be among the first screens. So, be sure to consult some video interview practice and tips for preparation! (while you’re at it, prepare for some first round phone interview questions.)
Below are some of the most common first round interview questions and our insights on how to best answer them. Hopefully this helps streamline the entirety of your interview process.
Tell me about yourself.
The person interviewing you doesn’t want to know what you did last weekend, your favorite hobbies, or what hospital you were born in. They are looking for a quick snapshot of who you are, how you would fit into their culture, and what qualifies you for the position. Provide what makes you, you, and how your background aligns with the position and company.
This is a good opportunity to highlight why you’re interested in pursuing employment with the company and provide an overview of your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. You also should consider showcasing a key accomplishment, especially if you have one that aligns with the position you’re vying for. Your job search can be greatly enhanced by finding ways to share your leadership skills especially if applied to your current company.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
The interviewer wants to see that you have put some thought into your future and are seeking a career versus a job or paycheck. If it’s your first job, talk about how you’d like your career to progress, or if you’re interviewing for a more senior position, talk about what you can do to move the company forward. The worst thing you can do is say that you’re just looking for any job that comes along or that you haven’t put much thought into your career.
While it’s okay if you’re not quite sure where you want to be with your career in exactly 5 years, at least put some thought into this and ideally pen to paper, so you’re well prepared to provide an answer, even if it involves referencing 2 or 3 different career paths you’re open to exploring.
NOTE: You may be interviewed by people outside of the company. Don’t be shy about having interview questions for recruiters! You may also be asked to field a few recruiting screening questions.
What is your greatest weakness?
This is a universal question that many interviewers ask during an initial interview. The best practice is to minimize your weakness and emphasize your strengths. Don’t highlight a weakness that is essential to the job itself or use clichés like “I’m a perfectionist.”
You’ll also want to emphasize how you overcame this weakness and be specific about your actions for improvement. Everyone has weaknesses and makes mistakes as well. Employers know this and are way more concerned with what you’ve done to overcome weaknesses and the things you do to improve your skills, knowledge, and abilities.
For more insight, check out these 10 common interview mistakes to avoid!
