Logistics work has become an incredibly lucrative and in-demand profession. According to recent figures, there is a growing labor shortage in the logistics industry caused by a mass exodus of workers leaving the field. In other words, there has never been a higher demand for logistics talent. The upswing in ecommerce and warehousing activity is unlikely to go away, so for many, a career in logistics is looking more and more attractive by the day.
Even if you don’t have any directly related experience and are interested in breaking into the field, there are a handful of interpersonal skills that can greatly increase your chances of success. More employers than ever are faced with hiring candidates who have little to no experience – but that doesn’t mean that they are not cut out for the job.
Here are some of the top skills that can help you land a logistics position.
Critical Thinking
Many logistics positions require the ability to problem-solve on the fly. While taking and following instruction is a big portion of virtually any job, employers will always be looking for candidates that can demonstrate creative and critical approaches to problems or issues that arise.
Having the ability to evaluate possible outcomes to a problem and make decisions quickly and confidently is a quality that will come into play from entry-level to management positions. In a job interview scenario, candidates will likely be asked to relay how they might have approached a difficult decision in the past or how they would act in a hypothetical situation on the job.
Attention to Detail
Avoidable mistakes are among the costliest aspects of the logistics industry. From shipping errors to communication mix-ups, mistakes of all kinds can end up costing the logistics supply chain in time, energy and of course, money. And in today’s increasingly competitive logistics industry, there is even less room for error.
For this reason, logistics employees need to have a keen attention to detail to cut back on the likelihood of these entirely preventable mistakes. In addition to being able to see the big picture, being aware of all of the seemingly small factors that contribute to that big picture is critical.
Adaptability
Logistics is an industry that is prone to constant change. Disruptions, schedule changes, weather and just about every complication under the sun has the potential to thwart even the most scrupulous of plans. Being adaptable and making the most of situations when they go awry is one of the most valued skills that is needed in this industry.
Logistics and supply chain employers will always be on the hunt for talent that can roll with the punches in an evolving industry. Mike Wilson, CEO of logistics company Consolidated Chassis Management (CCM), says adaptability is the key to a successful supply chain: “an agile, resilient and adaptable approach to doing business is especially important when an industry is going through an evolution…companies must figure out how they can help employees adapt to rapidly changing conditions so that they can continue to add value to the enterprise.”
Organization and Communication
It’s a desirable skill to be organized at practically every workplace. However, in the logistics world, there are several moving parts, and everyone that works within a supply chain is expected to be able to uphold the intricate organization of those parts. In addition, being able to communicate effectively to all the different levels of a logistics structure, from entry-level warehouse workers to upper management, is one of the most crucial interpersonal skills that all employees need.
Showing that you would be able to integrate into an existing communication process, or offering suggestions on how to make those processes more efficient, is a great way to stand out to your new potential employer, even for temporary placements.
Are you looking to dive into a career in logistics? Select Staff can help make that dream a reality. Contact us today to learn more.