3 Procurement Interview Fails you Should Never Repeat
With the Great Resignation still largely in full swing, and most developed countries nearing full employment, it’s absolutely a candidate’s market out there in procurement. Some procurement recruiters would go as far as to say that most talented procurement professionals could have any job they wanted.
And while the allure of a new job with higher pay or more career opportunities may sound tempting, there is often one thing standing in between us and that job: the interview process.
Despite our innate talents with negotiation, interviews aren’t usually a favourite experience for many procurement professionals. Fortunately, there’s lots of advice on how to nail them, but less on what not to do (which is equally important).
So, if you’ve got an interview coming up, here’s what not to do:
- Don’t criticise your suppliers
There’s no doubt that the last few years have thrown monumental challenges at all procurement and supply chain professionals, and that there have been many issues with suppliers as a result (many of which are out of their hands).
When interviewing for a new procurement role, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to avoid discussing these challenges, but when you do, ensure that you frame them positively.
For example, instead of discussing all of the issues that you’ve had with suppliers, ensure that you emphasise how you effectively managed supplier relationships, and also the benefits that those positive relationships then garnered for your organisation.
It’s important to do this for two reasons. Firstly, you simply never know whether or not that organisation works with a certain supplier, and secondly, because effectively managing suppliers is going to be a skill your new employer will definitely be looking for.
- Don’t claim to hate procurement technology
When it comes to procurement’s digital transformation, some organisations are very advanced with what technologies they now use, and some are still playing catch up.
But regardless of where your new potential employer may sit on the spectrum, technology is part and parcel of procurement life nowadays. And it’s increasingly important that you are savvy with it.
Since the pandemic, the future of procurement is digital, with employers everywhere looking for these five technical skills across almost every procurement role.
- Don’t forget to do your homework
When it comes to changing jobs, there could be many reasons motivating you: perhaps you want more pay, perhaps you have a toxic boss, or maybe you think your colleagues secretly hate you. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t actually matter that much to your new employer.
What they will want to know is why you want to work with them.
For this reason, it’s important that you do your homework before your interview. This can include asking questions about the priorities of their procurement team (for example, are they particularly focused on sustainable procurement? Are they looking to bring in more Indigenous suppliers? Etc.).
It should also include researching the culture and values of that organisation and, hopefully, ensuring that they align with your own.
Doing your homework is essential, as your new potential manager will be looking for not just a skills alignment, but a cultural fit as well.
Hear from the experts
Even with the tips above, we understand that interviewing can be a daunting process – that’s why we reached out to some leading industry experts to get their advice.
Lisa Finney, Senior Partner at Proco Global – who has over 16 years headhunting experience across Europe and Asia and currently specialises in senior appointments within supply chain, procurement, and manufacturing shares that:
“Like other functions across the value chain, procurement is evolving, so the structure that exists within an organisation today, can and is likely to change.
“Particularly at senior level, procurement professionals will have a view on the ‘optimal’ ways of working based on years of experience, but it’s critical to be open-minded and communicate your willingness to adapt in an interview.
“It’s risky business for a company to hire a Procurement professional who cannot cope with change and/or can only work in a certain structure.
“In addition, it’s important to demonstrate to an interviewer that you are externally connected and aware of macro-economic events. Stay on top of industry trends, attend procurement and supply chain webinars, and read the news.
“We don’t know what we don’t know, and if you are only internally focused, you miss opportunities.”
How did you go with your last procurement interview? Are there any particular pitfalls you think others should avoid? Let us know in the comments below.
