QUESTIONS ASKED DURING AN INTERVIEW OF A SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER

INITIAL INTERVIEW
Q: General introductions/Tell us about yourself? Ans: Introduction Q:What do you feel is the best education for this career? Ans: An MBA in supply chain or masters in Supply chain management, with addition of PMP certification. Q:What parts of your education do you see as relevant to this position? Ans: My specialization in supply chain and a course I took of project management Q:What relevant experience do you have? Ans: I have done 5 years of service in relevant field with 2 companies, 2 and 3 years. Q: Are you planning to continue your studies any further? Ans: If I am able to make time I would certainly pursue an Mphil in supply chain Q: What are your strengths as an individual? Ans: Im goal oriented, I a self-starter and self-motivated, im hardworking and very flexible. Q: What are your weaknesses as an individual? Ans: I am a perfectionist so sometimes that presents as a problem for me as I dont get content from subpar work. Q: I believe you are well acquainted with the term supply chain but tell us about the supply chain used in our firm? Ans: Your firm uses a vertically integrated supply chain that is reactive as your firm deals with FMCGs

Q: Would you change anything in this organization, especially supply chain related? Ans: I dont believe in change but in improvement, I would help the firms supply chain by expanding the supplier database Q: What is the main difference between Value chain and supply chain? Ans: Value chain is a part of Supply chain which ensures customer is getting their due value of the product Q: What is the main difference between procurement and buying? Ans: Procurement is the acquisition of goods and/or services at the best possible total cost of ownership, in the right quantity and quality, at the right time, in the right place and from the right source for the direct benefit whereas purchase simply means to obtain by paying money or its equivalent; to buy for a price; as, to purchase land, or a house Q: How optimistic are you about clearing this interview? Ans: I believe I gave it my justified effort and hope that was enough to distinguish myself from others

SECOND INTERVIEW WITH PANEL

Q:What are your expectation from this job? Ans: I expect to provide my services and experience in handling and managing the supply chain of this organization and in turn of compensation and opportunity to further grow my skills and knowledge in the relative field Q: Tell us about your previous employment? Ans: I was working with a well renowned chemicals trading firm Name for past 3 years Q: What was the reason for leaving? Ans: There was no problem per say but the reason I left the firm was that I foresaw no room for advancement and improvement career wise Q: How well do you fair criticism? Ans: I take welcome notice of the criticism and try to improve accordingly, criticism helps in growing

Q: How do you see your job relating to the overall goals? Ans: My job has a direct linkage with the overall goals as I would be in charge of smooth operation of the supply chain which is crucial in accomplishing the goals of the firm.

Q: Tell us about a time when you successfully handled a situation? Ans: In Nov 2011 my previous employer faced a problem with negotiating with a supplier and I resolved the situation by landing a short term contract with competing suppliers hence reducing the cost and improving our lead ime

Q: What would be your ideal working environment? Ans: That would be an environment without communication gaps and filled with positive people with positive energy and attitude Q: Any suggestion you made in previous employment to improve the work? Ans: In my previous employment I suggested and implemented a supplier network extension to overcome demand fluctuations Q: What kind of personality do you work best with and why? A: I work well with organized and task oriented personalities as those type of people rarely get in the way of others and they create a better form of synergy. Q: How effectively do you worked under pressure? Ans: Supply chain mangers usually work under duress and I have accustomed myself to such environment and learned how to manage and handle pressure to my advantage. Q:Describe a recent unpopular decision you made? Ans: In my first firm I was employed I gave an suggestion that increased the output of their supply chain by 23% by implementing an automated assembly which unfortunately laid off 17% of the work force Q: What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized? Ans: I keep myself organized by the help of a PDA to remind me of all my appointments and obligations, a diary to plan for a week in advance and making a to-do list every night

Q:What are your expectations regarding promotions and salary? A: Salary should not be any lower to the industry benchmark and I dont expect promotion on my seniority rather my performance and aptitude Q:How long would you stay with our company? Ans: As long as I see my chances for improvement and advancement bright. Q:What are you looking for in terms of career development? Ans: I expect the firm to help me with improving my skills as well as knowledge by sponsoring any activities or training that are need or are industry benchmark.