For team leaders, supervisors, and professionals transitioning into supply chain, logistics, and commercial operations roles
Confidence, clarity, and the right kind of preparation – here’s how to make every conversation count.
Whether this is your first step into supply chain, or your first real interview in a while, preparation makes all the difference. You might already have some early leadership experience. You might be switching from another industry. But if you’re aiming for a step up, or into something new, the rules of engagement can shift.
This guide will help you prepare for the kinds of interviews we see across supply chain, logistics, procurement, and operational support roles – and show you how to present your experience with clarity and confidence.
At early-mid career level, employers aren’t just hiring your skills - they’re hiring your potential. They're asking:
That means your preparation needs to show:
They’re not looking for polished, rehearsed answers. They’re looking for:
Most of all, they’re trying to work out:
“Will this person make my job easier, not harder?”
Your job is to show them: yes, you will
Preparation doesn’t have to take hours - but it does need to be focused. Start with these steps:
1. Research the Company & Role
You don’t need to memorise their history - just understand:
Where to look:
2. Questions You’re Likely to Be Asked
Expect a mix of questions about your experience, your behaviour, and your thinking. Try preparing two examples for each type:
Example 1 - Experience-based
“Tell me about a time you managed a team through a busy period.”
Example 2 - Behaviour-based
“Give me an example of when you solved a problem under pressure.”
Other common questions:
These are not trick questions - they’re looking for how you think, communicate, and reflect.
3. Use the STAR Technique
This is a simple way to structure your answers and avoid rambling.
Example:
*“In my last role, we had a major backlog in outbound orders (S). I was asked to review the shift rota to improve flow (T). I adjusted shift start times to better match picking volumes and cross-trained team members (A). Within two weeks, we reduced backlog by 35% and improved order accuracy by 12% (R).”
4. Know Your Own CV
You don’t need to memorise it - but you should know what’s on there and be ready to speak about anything. If it’s on the page, it’s fair game for a question.
Let’s keep it real: here are the mistakes we hear of too often - and how you can avoid them.
Talking too much - or too little
Fix it:
Practice out loud. Use STAR. Keep your answers clear and focused. It’s okay to pause before replying.
Underselling experience because it’s “not relevant”
Fix it:
Focus on transferable skills - team leadership, hitting KPIs, process improvement - even if it wasn’t in a supply chain setting.
Asking no questions at the end
Fix it:
Always ask one –two questions (see next section). It shows you’re engaged - and helps you work out if the job’s right for you.
These formats are now common for first-stage interviews, especially for interim or permanent roles across multiple sites or regions.
The right questions can help you stand out - and get a better feel for the role.
Try asking:
Avoid asking about salary or holidays unless they bring it up - focus on contribution, not compensation.
Interviews aren’t just about impressing – they’re about connecting.
You don’t need perfect answers. You need honest, relevant ones. The kind that show you’re self-aware, prepared, and ready to contribute.
Approach it like a conversation, not a test.
Be clear. Be curious. Be yourself – but focused.
You’ve got this.
