If they want to be competitive, even though the job market is still tight, candidates for procurement roles need to make sure that they bring their best game to the interview.

Employers are looking for certain qualities in candidates

What is the employer searching for? It’s possible that the employer is looking for a specific skill set. You can also read between the lines if you have done research about the company to understand where it is heading.

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Then, read the job description in detail, compare it to your experience, and practice explaining how you can bridge the gap. For advice from a procurement recruitment agency, visit https://talentdrive.co.uk/

Showcase your hard skills

Hard skills are expected, but employers will want to see proof that you’ve mastered your craft, such as contract negotiation, analytics and cost optimisation.

Never make a statement without an example. During your interview, emphasise your:

• Analytical Skills: Showcase your ability to analyse data and identify patterns. Demonstrate your experience with market research, cost-benefit analysis, and budget management.
• Demonstrate negotiation skills: Showcase your ability to negotiate and secure favourable contracts. Give examples of successful negotiation and how you were able to achieve mutually beneficial results for your business and suppliers.
• SRM: Tell them about your experiences with supplier relation management. SRM can be used to add value to an existing supplier relationship.

Demonstrate essential soft skills:

Soft skills are your chance to stand out. Employers assess soft skills through the answers you give and your examples. They also look at your performance during an interview – how well you communicate, persuade, solve problems, and adapt.

Be prepared to describe how you used soft skills to manage stakeholder relationships, navigate complex relationships and communicate effectively in the past.

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Focus on:

• Communication skills: Demonstrate the ability to communicate concisely and clearly, both orally and in written form. Discuss situations where you successfully communicated complex information to stakeholders or resolved conflict.
• Collaboration, and relationship building: Stress your ability to collaborate with multi-functional teams as well as building strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers in other departments.
• Problem-solving and adaptability: Showcase your creative problem-solving skills and ability to adapt and change with changing conditions. Mention situations in which you have successfully overcome unexpected challenges.

Exhibit ESG awareness

You can stand out from the crowd by demonstrating your knowledge and interest in ESG (environmental, social and governance).

Here’s how:

• Research ESG Initiatives: Understand your organisation’s ESG initiative and show how you can support it using your knowledge of sustainable purchasing practices and ethical sourcing.
• Showcase your ESG mentality: Discuss how you have implemented ESG initiatives such as reducing the carbon footprint, promoting ethical supply chain practices, or promoting social responsibility.