10 interview questions every buyer should know

Learn some common questions for buyer interviews and how to answer them effectively, using the STAR technique and other tips.

Whether you are a buyer or are interviewing one, you’ll need to know some common questions to get ready for. In buyer interviews, the business wants to learn more about you, your commitment, communication and negotiation styles, and your ability to manage relationships. It’s your chance to shine and show that you would be a good fit for the company!

Here are some of the most common interview questions for buyers.

1. What have been your biggest achievement in your procurement career?

Try to draw on recent accomplishments that are relevant to the job role you’re interviewing for. Interviewers want to know the specifics, and more importantly, the results, so make sure to highlight what you achieved and what it’s so significant to you. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about how the achievement helped the rest of your team or employers at the time, and don’t forget to talk about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This is your chance to shine and really sell yourself!

2. What do you like most and least about procurement?

This is your chance to be honest and helps to inform the interviewer that you’ll be right for the role. Make sure to focus your dislikes back to the job you’re interviewing for. For example, if in your current role you dislike the lack of opportunities and growth, link back to how the job role you’re applying for will bring more responsibility and development.

3. Give an example of a time when you have had a difficult experience with a stakeholder and how you resolved it

This question is all about your character and how you deal with challenging and difficult situations. It’s important to remember that there will be conflict at some stages, but the interviewer wants to know that you have the listening skills and understanding to work with stakeholders. Make sure to choose your example wisely and always end with a positive and how you resolve the situation.

Star technique:

• Situation: Describe the situation and when it took place.
• Task: Explain the task and what was the goal.
• Action: Provide details about the action you took.
• Results: Conclude with the results of your action

4. What tools and techniques would you use to implement a company-wide operational change driven by a procurement need to save money? And how would you get buy-in from stakeholders?

This is your chance to show off your soft-skills and stakeholder management. Effective communication is an important skills and interviewers want to know how you collaborate, communication decisions and importantly handle stakeholder differences.

5. What has been the hardest lesson you have learnt in procurement?

Reflect on your most recent challenges and weaknesses and explain what you have learned and how this has shaped your career so far. Importantly, how what you have learned can apply to the role you are interviewing for.

6. Give an example when your perseverance resulted in a win for you and your organisation?

The interviewer wants to know that improvement is a priority for you and that you are highly motivated, but comfortable with failure. Have you been involved in implementing new systems? Or suggested the team goes on a training course? Use the STAR technique if you get stuck and always focus on the results and how you got there.

7. Who has had the biggest influence of your career? And how have they helped shape you?

Focus on the skills past employers have taught you and the impact this has had on your career growth. Has your communication with stakeholders improved? Have you had one-on-one sessions with leadership? Has someone taught you how to manage your time more effectively? It’s important to highlight the effects this has had on your professionally, but don’t downplay your role and accomplishments.

8. What ongoing education are you undertaking?

Interviewers want to know that you are always seeking new opportunities to develop your career and enhance your knowledge through continuing professional development. As a member of CIPS, you’ll be able to develop your knowledge and expertise through events, training and resources. You’ll also be able to take the Ethical Procurement and Supply eLearning & Test for free, which demonstrates your commitment to ethical procurement and sustainable supply chains.

9. What would you like to be doing in two or three years? And what is your career goal in 10 years’ time?

The interviewer wants to know that your long-term career goals match the company, after all, it’s a better investment for them. Talk about your goals for your professional future, but don’t be afraid to say what you want. This is your chance to follow up your answer with a question, which showcases your excitement about the job.

10. What attracted you to apply for this role and to work this company?

The interviewer wants to check your understanding of the role and that you don’t see the role as a quick career stop. Do your research and talk about the reputation of the company, the history, culture and how you can see yourself progressing in the company. Focus on your experience but always relate it back to the job description.