Why this matters:
Receiving clerks have the important responsibility of ensuring all incoming deliveries match their purchase orders. Ideally, the candidate will know to first unbox any packages and compare the delivery to the order. Once the candidate has confirmed that all items are present, they can start adding the new inventory to the company’s database.
What to listen for:
- Familiarity with standard workflows for receiving inventory
- Instinct to check packages for any water damage or breakage
- Thorough process for confirming that all delivered items match their purchase orders
Why this matters:
Most warehouses, showrooms, and stores employ software for managing inventory. The software often tracks incoming deliveries and real-time merchandise levels to show managers which items need to be restocked. Keeping these databases updated and accurate is an essential part of a receiving clerk’s job.
What to listen for:
- Ability to adopt new software and technologies quickly
- Understanding of the importance of correctly tracking inventory
- Experience with the inventory software your organization uses is a plus
Why this matters:
Unloading deliveries and lifting heavy merchandise all day can be taxing. If the candidate doesn’t perform these tasks carefully, they can get seriously injured. Warehouse equipment also poses occupational hazards. The ideal candidate will have a clear understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe in the workplace.
What to listen for:
- Proper lifting techniques, like bending at the knees and keeping the upper body straight
- Familiarity with operating procedures for warehouse equipment, including forklifts and dollies
- Indications that the candidate prioritizes their own safety and that of their coworkers
Why this matters:
While receiving the wrong shipment can be frustrating, delivery mistakes are inevitable. Receiving clerks should be able to respond to incorrect deliveries calmly and quickly. Depending on the workplace, it may be best to accept the shipment or have the driver take it back to the distribution center. Either way, what matters is that the candidate can use sound reasoning to choose a course of action.
What to listen for:
- Ability to stay calm and polite under pressure
- Collaborative approach to problem-solving, such as working with the delivery driver to pinpoint the error
- Good judgment in deciding upon the appropriate next steps
Why this matters:
A receiving clerk rarely works alone. Whether processing shipments with fellow receiving clerks or working alongside colleagues in other roles, they often find themselves solving problems as a team. An ideal candidate will be forgiving, helpful, and constructive when a colleague makes a mistake.
What to listen for:
- Ability to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal
- Efforts to help fix the mistake and train the coworker on proper protocol
- Desire to assist others and foster a supportive work environment
Why this matters:
Receiving clerks are bound to encounter a delivery error at some point, from a missing item to a delayed arrival. The best candidates won’t simply accept the mistake and move on. Instead, they’ll make a wholehearted effort to resolve the issue themselves before escalating it to a supervisor for further investigation.
What to listen for:
- Steps taken to resolve the issue, like speaking with the truck driver or contacting the vendor
- Sense of initiative and desire to amend the mistake
- Willingness to ask for help and escalate the issue to management if necessary
Why this matters:
For receiving clerks, organizational skills are key. Without them, merchandise can go missing, efficiency can suffer, and costly errors can pile up. All receiving clerks should have a knack for refining processes and managing projects in a way that keeps the workplace running smoothly and their team on track for success.
What to listen for:
- Intuitive drive to organize, including using space effectively and labeling boxes
- Instinct to document the system for future reference
- Method for informing colleagues of their organizational system
Why this matters:
Responsible for maintaining up-to-date inventory databases, receiving clerks need a sharp attention to detail. The ideal candidate will have strategies for ensuring all shipment records are organized and accurate. Standout candidates will also understand the importance of accurate data in future purchasing decisions.
What to listen for:
- Meticulousness and detail-oriented approach
- Basic numeracy and computer skills for maintaining spreadsheets and databases
- Indications that the candidate double-checks their work for accuracy
Why this matters:
The best receiving clerks bring positivity, enthusiasm, and a sense of pride to work each day. A positive attitude can rub off on coworkers, contributing to a strong work culture and high employee retention. The candidate’s answer will reveal what they value in a team environment and provide insight into whether they’re a good match for your organization.
What to listen for:
- Supportive and collaborative approach to work
- Interest in forming strong, trusting relationships with colleagues
- Positive, can-do attitude and eagerness to learn
Contact a sales consultant.