Why this matters:
This question will help you gauge how your candidate’s skills and experience line up with your organization’s needs and processes. While ideal candidates will already be familiar with your organization’s software, don’t disqualify those who have little or no experience working with logistics software. If they have worked with analog processes in the past, they can likely adapt to digital technology.
What to listen for:
- Working knowledge of common logistics software
- Experience working with analog processes such as spreadsheets
- Willingness to learn new technologies and a good grasp of how technology can facilitate efficiency
Why this matters:
Inventory discrepancies can hurt operations, customer service quality, and bottom lines. Your logistics coordinator must be clear on their role in proper inventory management and be highly familiar with standard procedures for calculating inventory accuracy. The best candidates will be able to discuss common errors during the inventory check process and how they work to avoid them.
What to listen for:
- Understanding of the connection between accurate inventories and operational efficiency
- References to inventory management tools
- Mention of the importance of keeping clean and detailed records
Why this matters:
Logistics KPIs are some of the most effective tools for logistics coordinators to benchmark performance. This question will give you a better understanding of which aspects of the job your candidate will prioritize and how they ensure they’re performing up to your organization’s standards. Answers to this question should mention KPIs relevant to the position candidates will be filling and your organization’s business.
What to listen for:
- Details on how to use metrics to make adjustments in operations
- Habit of regularly reviewing KPIs
- References to software tools and other processes that help benchmark performance
Why this matters:
Timely outbound deliveries ensure great customer experiences, safeguard reputations, and maintain operational efficiency. You need a candidate with the management skills and logistics know-how to run a punctual and efficient shipping operation. The best candidates for this role will have experience managing a wide range of logistics processes and their administrative tasks.
What to listen for:
- Role that SOPs and data from KPIs play in ensuring timely outbound shipments
- Emphasis on maintaining good communication with carriers and clients
- Detailed and organized scheduling process for outbound shipments
Why this matters:
This question will help you learn more about your candidate’s familiarity with procedures for handling and documenting damaged freight. The best candidates will convey a positive and solutions-oriented attitude — plus a good understanding of the everyday issues they’ll be dealing with as your logistics coordinator.
What to listen for:
- Specific procedures for documenting damaged freight
- Habit of filing freight claims as soon as possible
- References to follow-up calls or messages to the carrier responsible for the damages
Why this matters:
Your logistics coordinator's attention to applicable laws and regulations will directly impact your organization’s operations and ensure you don’t encounter problems such as fines or failed deliveries. This question will allow you to test your candidate’s knowledge of key laws and regulations and how they weave compliance checks into their work routines.
What to listen for:
- Laws and regulations applicable to the position they are interviewing for
- Clear understanding of the importance of compliance for safe and uninterrupted operations
- Periodic checks for compliance
Why this matters:
As leaders, logistics coordinators are responsible for their team’s performance. You need a candidate who is committed to efficiency and on-time performance, and ensures their team meets these goals as well. This question will provide insight into the candidate’s management style and how they exercise authority.
What to listen for:
- Emphasis on identifying the root causes for the team’s slow performance
- Proactive management of their team and understanding of team dynamics
- Answers that convey respect for their fellow team members and their work
Why this matters:
A logistics coordinator’s job can get stressful quickly, with delays, disruptions, and other problems getting in the way of on-time performance. Your candidate should have the ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and get things done without compromising on safety or quality.
What to listen for:
- Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks when faced with heavy workloads
- Strategies for staying ahead during busy periods, such as forecasting and contingency planning
- Signs that your candidate thrives under pressure
Why this matters:
Great customer service is essential for succeeding in today’s ultra-competitive logistics industry. You need a logistics coordinator committed to delivering quality customer experiences and able to handle any issue with patience, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented mindset. The best candidates will prioritize presenting the customer with a solution in the moment or as soon as possible.
What to listen for:
- Ability to listen and make the customer feel heard
- Emphasis on remaining calm, apologizing, and assuming responsibility
- Instinct to follow up with the customer once the problem has been solved
Contact a sales consultant.