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10 Supply Chain Skills to Include on Your Resume

Posted by [email protected] on Jul. 20, 2021  /  Subscribe 0

You've made the decision, and now it's time to get your game on. Step One: Organize the resume. But what should you lead with, and what information should be included in the body of the document? If you're applying for supply chain and logistics jobs, you've got to demonstrate that you have the background and skills employers want and need. But what exactly are those skills, and what's the best way to present them? This article will provide a brief outline of the supply chain skills that employers are seeking right now. 

The Bottom Line for Getting to the Top

The logistics interview questions can cover a lot of landscape. Being prepared to start a career in the supply chain and logistics industry will come down to background, education, and potential. Immediately, it's essential to have a basic set of skills included in your supply chain and logistics resume. 

What Are the Five Basic Supply Chain Activities?

There are five basic supply chain activities that your interviewer will most likely cover. Those activities include:

1. Planning - Scheduling what needs to be acquired to meet production and marketing requirements is essential.
2. Sourcing - Knowing where to go to get what is needed is critical.
3. Making - Production environments are highly fluid situations that require constant monitoring to maintain proper material flow.
4. Delivering - Transportation inbound and outbound is a science unto itself, requiring packing, shipping, and documenting knowledge.
5. Supporting - Once all is said and done, the most important step is customer support, ensuring client satisfaction and enabling repeat business.

What Skills Do You Need to Work in Logistics?

Whether you're a logistics industry newbie or a grizzled supply chain veteran, you know one thing for sure—technology rules! The days of purchase orders and fax machines have been replaced with digital data-driven information systems that can source materials and products without a single piece of paper changing hands. Everything is data-driven and happening in real-time across the entire planet every single day, so there's plenty of demand for competent, responsible professionals across all manner of industries. 

Here are some of the main qualities today's supply chain professionals should include in their resume:

1. Analysis - Understanding what is happening and making good decisions in the logistics industry means you've got a handle on the incoming data.
2. Communication - Internal and external communications are vital to supply chain management, so the ability to communicate effectively is important.
3. Teamwork - There is no "I" in team, and the same is true in day-to-day supply chain functions, so being a Lone Ranger won't work.
4. Logistics - Everything from order processing to transportation, documentation, and inventory management is included in logistics processes.
5. Finance - Cash flow, budgets, credit lines, and other fiscal concerns are wrapped around this important aspect of supply chain operations.
6. Software - With the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and many other additions to applications in use, knowing the landscape of currently available software for supply chain functions will be important.
7. Negotiating - The cost of materials can be just as significant as any other aspect of properly acquiring, distributing, and marketing products, so being able to effectively negotiate will benefit you greatly.
8. Problem-Solving - When things go wrong, which can happen more often than you want or expect, the ability to cut through the chaos and get onto the solution track is precious.
9. Customer Service - This is a two-way street as the significance of developing quality relationships with everyone from vendors to consumers is critical.
10. Learning - The ability to adapt, adopt, and develop innovative solutions requires constantly upgrading and updating your education if you want to get to the top.

Is Supply Chain a Technical Skill?

The depth, breadth, and height of skills needed to achieve success in logistics management are immeasurable. Different environments demand both general skills and detailed abilities tailored to the specific environment. Knowing in advance what skills you need can be difficult, especially for the uninitiated. Organizing your skills onto a resume and then communicating those skills in an interview is critical. The question is, who can help accomplish this all-important task? 

Thankfully, there are schools and organizations that can help with education, training, updating, and networking in logistics and supply chain management. There are no requirements or pre-qualifications required to enter the logistics and supply chain management industry, just a keen desire to do more and become a vital part of a team focused on achieving important goals.

Supply Chain and Logistics Career Outlook

When you enter the universe of supply chain and logistics management, the sky's the limit. Advanced educational opportunities create the opportunity to move up and expand your supply chain skills to elevate your position and responsibilities. Professionals know the key to advancement is having the basic skills, advanced training, and knowledge that accommodates both corporate and personal growth. 

When you make a supply chain system function more efficiently at a lower cost with better results and greater support, the rewards will be many and will come often. Careers are made in the supply chain and logistics industries every day, but you've got to know how to get in the front door if you're going to share in the prize.

Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way

Developing leadership skills is an important component toward achieving success in supply chain management. Many companies and organizations look toward problem-solvers and agile logistics managers who can transform a bad situation into a good outcome. The training and education gained in the logistics industry are easily transferred into management and executive-level decision-making positions. 

Recent worldwide events have altered traditional supply chain processes and methods, forcing a more focused approach to materials acquisition, use, and distribution. Logistics leaders who can grasp the challenges and convert them into economic opportunities will be in high demand. 

Develop Supply Chain Skills with ASCM Houston

Problem-solving skills, communication skills, and adaptability are among the most important traits for supply chain professionals but don’t worry if these skills weren’t born into you. The Association for Supply Chain Management Houston Chapter provides classes and opportunities for professionals in the supply chain and logistics industry and those looking to start a career in logistics and supply chain management. 

Join our chapter’s 800+ members to gain access to certification classes, professional development meetings, plant tours, and more helpful resources to develop your supply chain skills and have confidence in your interview.

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