If you’re looking for a job in supply chain management, it’s important to know how to land your dream job. The field of supply chain management has grown rapidly over the past decade and is expected to continue growing at an annual rate of 8% through 2022.
The use of digital technologies in the industry means there are more opportunities than ever before for professionals who are interested in pursuing a career as a supply chain manager.
In this post, we’ll outline some tips on how to land your dream job as a supply chain manager based on our years of experience working with candidates and hiring managers alike.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Gain insights into the supply chain management industry |
| Understand the key responsibilities of a supply chain manager |
| Learn essential skills and qualifications for a successful career in supply chain management |
| Discover strategies to stand out and land your dream job as a supply chain manager |
| Explore career advancement opportunities in the field of supply chain management |
Know Your Market Value
You’re a supply chain manager, which means that you tend to be in high demand. But before you start looking for work, it’s important to know what your skill set is worth and how much market value it holds.
This can help you take an objective look at the job offers that come your way and find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
Here are some factors to consider when determining your market value:
Skillset – What kind of skills do you bring? What are some common things that people in this field need? Do they require any certifications or special training? Are there any additional skillsets pertaining specifically to this company or industry?
Location – Where do people who have similar backgrounds as yours tend to live? If there isn’t a big enough marketplace nearby (or if there’s too much competition), consider relocating somewhere where those opportunities exist more readily.
Experience level – How long have people been doing this kind of work? What kind of education does someone need before entering this career path?
Can most people get started right away without any prior experience or schooling needed first or would they need years’ worth of knowledge beforehand?”
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Update Your Resume And Linkedin Profile
Update your resume. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, accurate and professional. Include accomplishments, awards, and accolades. Make sure it’s easy to read and understand so that hiring managers can quickly get a sense of who you are as a professional.
Include information about what motivates you in the workplace (your career goals) as well as where you see yourself in five years.
Your resume should be easy for hiring managers to find online when they search for candidates with specific skillsets or job titles at their companies so make sure your contact info is listed clearly on both sites!
Build Your Network
Networking is a great way to find jobs and get help with your job search. You should also consider networking as an opportunity to make connections with people who can provide information about job opportunities before they’re even posted.
The best way to build a strong professional network is by joining groups whose members are interested in the same things you are, such as industry groups or LinkedIn communities for supply chain managers.
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Start Planning Before You Start Looking
When you’re ready to begin your job search, start planning before you start looking. You may have a very good idea of the companies that interest you and the role that interests you, but that’s not enough.
Take time to research both before you even begin applying for jobs. If a company is going to hire someone like me someone who doesn’t have experience in supply chain management.
They need to know exactly what I bring to the table and how those skills could help them achieve their goals.
If I only ever list off my accomplishments without explaining how they align with their needs, then I’m missing out on an opportunity to shine during interviews. So if possible, try doing this before applying or interviewing:
- Write down all of your strengths (a list of things like “good communicator,” “hard worker,” etc.)
- Write down all of your weaknesses (a list of things like “procrastinator,” “don’t always follow through,” etc.)
- List ways in which these two lists intersect (for example, if one strength is being organized and one weakness is failing at following through on projects)
Once this process has been completed once or twice by yourself for practice purposes only, then feel free to start sharing it with potential employers during interviews so they can see how well-prepared for the job market you are!
Expand Your Local Knowledge And International Experience
A good way to do this is to start by getting acquainted with the industry, company, and its products and services.
This can be done by reading trade journals, magazines, or newspapers that cover the industry you want to work in. Another way is by attending seminars, conferences and exhibitions put up by companies that offer services related to your desired field of interest.
Another good option would be networking with people who already work in industries you find interesting or are looking forward to working in someday.
It might also help if you have friends who can introduce you to some of their colleagues at other companies so they can give recommendations on where they think it might be best for someone like yourself at this stage in life”
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Gauge The Temperature Of The Job Market
To get a better sense of the job market, including what skills are in demand, you’ll want to research the following:
How many available positions there are for supply chain managers?
If there are more jobs than candidates, this will indicate that it’s not just a matter of having enough experience and that your chances of landing a great job could be stronger than you thought.
But if there aren’t enough supply chain management jobs available to meet your skill set, you may have to consider switching industries or finding work overseas.
You should also look at salary trends and expectations for different positions within your region or industry. This will help you figure out if it’s worth it to switch careers or take some time off before trying again as an SCM professional.
Prepare For The Interview Process
Make sure you’re prepared for the interview process. You’ll be expected to know what you’re talking about, and these tips will help:
Prepare for the interview. If it’s a phone call or in-person interview, practice answering questions out loud until the answers come easily to you.
Make sure that whatever questions are asked of you come from your research on the company and industry as well as from deep thought about who they are as a person. This can be tricky without knowing anyone at their company personally but still possible with some effort.
Prepare for the interview questions asked by hiring managers and HR reps during phone screens, interviews, and job offers;
If there is an opportunity to ask questions at any point during this process (and there should always be), prepare them ahead of time so they don’t sound unprepared when asked!
Prepare To Address Issues At Work During An Interview Even If You Had Nothing To Do With Them
You may be asked if you can handle issues at work, even if they are not your fault. You should always be honest and forthright during an interview.
If you had nothing to do with the issue, which is likely in many cases, simply say so: “I understand that there was a problem. I am sorry that it happened under my watch and I hope the company can resolve it quickly.”
If you were partly responsible for the issue (or if it was entirely your fault), then explain what happened as honestly as possible without making excuses: “There were internal communication breakdowns due to staff turnover last year which led to this unfortunate situation.”
Regardless of whether or not you had any part in creating the issue at hand, never criticize your current employer or its policies during a job interview.
This rule applies even when other candidates are trying to trash-talk their employers if given the chance, always give credit where credit is due!
Read Over The Job Description Carefully
As you read over the job description, make sure you understand what each of the requirements is. You will want to make sure that not only do you have those skills and experiences, but also, if possible, that they are an area of interest for you.
If a company is looking for someone who has experience with SAP, but it’s not something that interests or excites you enough to consider it a requirement for this role, then don’t put it on your resume unless asked specifically by an interviewer.
This is also where companies might ask about leadership roles within clubs or organizations at school or other places outside work experience (if applicable).
If there’s anything related to leadership in your resume even if it’s just one example it’ll help show them how well-rounded their employees will be once hired.
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Do Your Homework And Research Before Interviewing
The first step to landing your dream job is doing a little homework. You want to know everything possible about the company, the position, and the interviewer. Here’s a list of things you should research:
- The company – What do they do? Who are their competitors? How long have they been in business? What are their plans for growth or change?
- The interviewer – What are their interests outside of work? Do they have any hobbies or activities that would help you connect with them on a personal level during your interview (e.g., skiing)?
- The industry – Is there anything going on right now that might affect this industry and how it operates (i.e., environmental regulations, changing technology)?
- Other job opportunities within supply chain management may be available at other companies within this same industry as well as other industries altogether (i.e., mining companies).
Make sure you understand what makes these positions different from one another so when asked why did you choose X over Y, it sounds like an informed decision rather than just choosing between two jobs because of location preference alone.
Procurement is a vital component of a well-functioning supply chain. If you’re passionate about procurement and want to pursue a career as a procurement specialist, our comprehensive guide on landing your dream job as a procurement specialist is a must-read. Gain valuable knowledge, discover career opportunities, and enhance your expertise in procurement.
Conclusion
You’ve done the research, and now you know exactly what kinds of supply chain managers are needed. You have a great resume that highlights your strengths and experience in the field.
The next step is making sure your cover letter reflects these qualities perfectly and that can be tricky! Let’s take a look at some common mistakes people make when writing their cover letters so you don’t end up losing out on opportunities just because your cover letter wasn’t perfect…
Further Reading
10 Ways to Land That Dream Job in the Supply Chain & Logistics Industry: Explore this comprehensive article that provides valuable insights and practical tips on how to secure your dream job in the supply chain and logistics industry.
How to Get Hired as a Supply Chain Manager: Discover effective strategies and insider advice for getting hired as a supply chain manager. This resource offers valuable information to help you stand out in the competitive job market.
6 Sure-Fire Ways to Become a Head of Supply Chain: Interested in advancing your career to become a head of supply chain? This article presents six proven methods to achieve your career goals and ascend to a leadership position in the field.
Now, let’s move on to the FAQs section:
FAQs
How can I enhance my skills in supply chain management?
To enhance your skills in supply chain management, consider pursuing certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM). Additionally, attending industry conferences and workshops, networking with professionals in the field, and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can help you stay competitive.
What are the key responsibilities of a supply chain manager?
A supply chain manager is responsible for overseeing the entire supply chain process, including procurement, production, logistics, and distribution. They manage supplier relationships, optimize inventory levels, ensure timely delivery of goods, and implement strategies to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
How important is technology in supply chain management?
Technology plays a crucial role in modern supply chain management. It enables automation, real-time tracking, data analytics, and integration across various functions. Implementing supply chain management software, leveraging advanced analytics tools, and utilizing emerging technologies like blockchain can significantly improve supply chain visibility, efficiency, and decision-making.
What are the key skills required to succeed as a supply chain manager?
Successful supply chain managers possess a range of skills, including strong communication and negotiation abilities, analytical and problem-solving skills, project management expertise, and a deep understanding of logistics and operations. They also need leadership skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and effectively manage stakeholders.
How can I stay updated with the latest trends in supply chain management?
To stay updated with the latest trends in supply chain management, you can subscribe to industry publications and newsletters, join professional associations and networking groups, follow influential thought leaders and experts on social media, and attend industry conferences and webinars. Continuous learning and networking will help you stay informed and adapt to the evolving landscape of supply chain management.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.