8 Job Interview Questions for a Supply Planner

8 Commonly Asked Job Interview Questions in a Supply Planner Job Interview.

A supply planner’s role is to work with customers, suppliers and partners to transfer required goods from the suppliers to the customer. Key duties include planning delivery times often from global companies, taking and monitoring inventories, negotiating with suppliers and customers and overseeing the whole supply chain process

During the supply chain job interview you need to give examples to identify that you possess these key skills and experiences. The following supply planner job interveiw questions and example answers can be used to help you prepare for your next interview.

The key to passing job interviews in preparation and practice, this sounds obvious but is often overlooked, with the average interviewee spending around only 60 minutes preparing for their job interview.

This article will help you to prepare and to pass your next supply planner job interview in 2 separate ways.

1. You will learn the 8 most commonly asked interview questions for a supply planner position.

2. You will be given an explanation of the type of answer the interviewer is looking for ( a guide to what the employer wants you to discuss )

Job Interview Questions for a Supply Planner.

Job Interview Question 1:

“Please tell me about your experience in the supply chain industry”

To answer this opening job interview question, start with a general opening statement which should include yoru duration in the industry, your highest relevant qualification and your specialism

Next, summarise your supply planner experience and have a focus on the key skills required for this position;

Your expertise (niche)
Your values
Your key skills (as discussed above)

Finish by explaining why you enjoy working as a supply planner.

Job Interview Question 2:

“How do you ensure you have enough stock in readiness for potential customers?”

You will be asked several situation interview questions. Start answering this question by explaining how you have experience completing this duty “this is a common situation that I deal with on a regular basis…”

Next, follow this up with an example

“..in my current role in X, we know that X product will always be in demand. In preparation for this I…(add what you currently do to maintain a regular stock balance)

Job Interview Question 3:

“Give an example of supporting a customer who had a last-minute request”

When asked a ‘customer support’ interview question, the organisation you are applying for a position with deem customer satisfaction as important.

For situation interview questions you can use the storytelling technique:

Start by stating the customer’s demand and why they required X.

Next, explain what you did (not the company) to support the client; negotiated with suppliers, communicated actions with the customer, resolved the issue

Finally, give a positive outcome – how you solved the issue and how the customer increase orders due to your ability to solve issues.

Job Interview Question 4:

“Give an example of negotiating with a supplier”

Start by setting the scene. Why did you need to negotiate? Was this a new or current supplier?

Next describe a 3 step negotiation process that you used (3 steps makes it simple for the interviewer to follow your process ) “I use a 3 step model, first I X, Then Y and finally Z..”

An example of this is: step A – I discussed previous collaboration, Step B – made an offer for the supplier, stating that if we got the goods at the stated price I would start to use the supplier as an approved supplier increasing orders and Step 3 – confirmed details; order number, delivery date.

End by giving a positive outcome from your negotiation skills.

Job Interview Question 5:

“Have you ever had to problem solve?”

This question is commonly asked in a supply planner interview, as this skill is highly desirable.

Open by stating how you have had to problem solve on a regular basis, as this highlights a level of competencies.

Follow this with a real-life example – make this relevant to the organisation you are applying to.

State problem, the actions you took and the outcome.

Job Interview Question 6:

“How do you keep an accurate inventory?”

You will have a well-embedded process for this task in your current supply planner position.

Don’t just state that everything is recorded on a PC, the employer here is looking for how you ensure accuracy.

Many organisations have shut down weeks or monthly stock takes. You need to explain how you search for errors, the quality check process, and how you resolve problems and project demand.

Job Interview Question 7:

“Do you know anything about this organisation?”

Often one of the first questions you will be asked during a supply planner job interview.

Employers want employees who will stay with the company – your answer will show the employer that you know the company’s history showing that you have applied for the position because you want to work for their organisation.

It also shows the employer that you think ahead and can conduct research. Answer this question with:

The length the organisation has been operating for.
How the company started
What services the company offers
Where they are going (have they won any new contracts

All this information is normally found on the internet; on the company home page or about us page.

Job Interview Question 8:

“Do you have any questions for me?”

Good interview questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.

Interview Preparation Resources

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