Like with any other career path, getting your supply chain career off the ground is no easy task. Whether you are fresh out of school and looking for an entry-level position, or whether you are looking for career growth in the industry, it means going through the process of searching and applying for jobs.

The supply chain industry offers a variety of competitive career options, so, to help you land your dream job, have a look at these job-hunting tips from supply chain recruiters:

1. Structure your CV to be accomplishment-based

In an article on Supplychainopz, Bronwen Hann from Argentus Supply Chain Recruiting says that the important thing you should do to land your dream supply chain job is ensure that you have an accomplishment-based CV.

She explains that an accomplishment-based CV is one that contains quantifiable information about your accomplishments. She goes on to give the following example: “if your Supply Chain work has reduced inventory turns or resulted in savings, you want to make sure your resume spells that out loud and clear.” [Source]

2. Always include a cover letter and keep it short

A cover letter is an important part of the application process. It gives the employer a glimpse of your personality, shows your attention to detail and gives an idea of your work ethic – something that is not always clearly conveyed in your CV.

Supply Chain Consulting Search lists 30 tips for job hunters, and explains that failing to include a cover letter when applying for a job – especially if one is requested in the job advert – could give the impression that you are lazy, are doing mass mailings, or are unprofessional. They suggest you keep your cover letter short – no more than 7 sentences.

Enhance and develop soft skills

Andrea Stroud from APQC strongly suggests that supply chain professionals looking to land their dream jobs in the industry develop soft skills. Based on an APQC study involving more than 167 organisations from over 40 industries, leadership skills and soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork are important for supply chain professionals.

Andrea also says:

“As a growing number of organizations look for new supply chain professionals to fill retirement gaps and meet the demands of a complex, global economy, APQC recommends that professionals work to enhance their skill sets, especially the softer ones, through education, training, and mentoring.”[Source]

Use the “Job Description Profile”

Dana Manciagli, a global career expert, suggests that applicants use a job description profile. To create this job description profile, insert a two-column table with about 8 rows on the page, in which you list the key job specifications of the job you are applying for in the first column. In the second column, match your skills and qualifications to these specifications.[Source]

Dana says that with this technique, “[y]ou are dissecting their job description AND pulling the most relevant skills from your background. As a result, you are more relevant and much more likely to get called from an interview. Stitch this new, nice-looking document in as page one of your resume and submit this new, customized set of ‘credentials’ whenever you are asked for a resume. This work will also prepare you for the interview so you get the job.”[Source]

And once your application has been successful, and you’ve been invited to an interview:

Prepare to ace your supply chain job interview with a these tips to give you that extra confidence boost.

Finding the supply chain job you want requires you to find ways to stand out from the rest. It all starts with how you present yourself and the skills you have in your CV and in your cover letter.

Remember to incorporate the job description profile and to always keep your cover letter powerful but short. Take the time to invest in yourself by learning and developing soft skills. When recruiters look at your CV, they should be able to see your accomplishments right away.

Are you keen to develop your supply chain management skills further?