Top 5 Procurement Interview Questions & Answers In Kenya Today

Procurement Interview Questions & Answers

Attending a procurement interview soon? Here are the top procurement interview questions and answers that are going to help you ace your interview.

Wanjiku * has been applying for jobs in the procurement industry for about 2 years now with no success. However, she recently got called for an interview in Nakuru for the position of Procurement Officer.

Due to the fact that she has not attended any procurement interview before, she sent an email asking for advice on some of the top procurement interview questions and answers. She also wanted to know how to answer the questions she was likely to be asked.

Here is a list of Procurement interview Questions & answers

1. How to Answer Tell me about yourself in a Procurement interview

This can be a tricky question to answer especially if you do not know how to go about it. You will never miss this question no matter what interview you attend. Every serious HR will ask this question in an attempt to break the ice.

For example you could say “I am a 24 year old recent graduate with a degree in Procurement. I have been in the Procurement Industry for over one year now. Most recently I was an intern at company Y where I acted as an assistant to the Procurement Officer where I was tasked with matching purchase orders with invoices and forwarding them to accounts for payment processing.”

2. Procurement interview questions and answers: What would make you search for a new supplier?

Here it is important to give an example of a situation you have been in where you needed to change suppliers.

You can give the various reasons that could result in a change of suppliers such as, the standards not having been met, change of services in that they always delivered late, contract having lapsed or even the need for a different brand not provided by the supplier.

For example you can say, “In my last job we had to change suppliers because the cost of the goods did not match the quality we required and expected.”

3. How do you keep records of supplies?

According to Ms Melody Mwendwa, an Interview Preparation Coach, when answering this question it is important that you give examples of the type of records you have kept, whether it was through indexing or tagging assets and what has been the effect.

You should show how your process has helped increase efficiency in the department as well as reducing the risks.

You should be able to show that your methods had a positive impact on the work.

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4. Procurement interview questions and answers – How do you resolve disagreements with suppliers?

Here, the employer wants to know how good your problem solving skills are, you need to answer in a way that portrays this.

For starters you can give examples of ways to prevent conflict between you and the supplier before moving on to give ways you can resolve them if they do occur.

You can talk about how the terms of the contract need to be clear to both parties and as such a meeting to discuss them should take place. Talk about how before giving a contract to someone you have to ask for samples of the product, specifications and agree on payment terms.

You can show how good communication will help resolve any issues that might arise and that you have excellent communication skills

5. “What categories have you managed?”

Here is where you give examples of the different categories of supplies you have handled and how you were able to do so flawlessly.

For example you can talk about how in your position at Company Z that works in manufacturing, you were in charge of food supplies for the cafeteria, electronics, machinery and stationery. This will show that you are capable of handling a majority of categories.

It is important to stay truthful and portray confidence when answering the questions as this will go a long way in increasing your chances of getting the job. Remember to keep your answers short and comprehensive as well.

Do you have any question on Procurement interview questions and answers you would like to get clarified? Leave your question in the comment section.