3 Things To Expect At Your Next Warehouse Interview

Warehouse workers play a critical role in ensuring that things in an industrial facility are running smoothly. They are often tasked to help oversee product shipments, unload supplies, organize inventory, store merchandise and prepare items for delivery. Workers that are promoted to management roles oversee these operations, making sure that staff members are productive and implementing strategies for efficiency.

Basically, warehouse workers take care of a lot of the little things most people take for granted. If you’re applying for this role and aren’t quite sure what to expect, this guide should be of help to you.

1. Demands of the Job

Warehouse employees face a number of physically demanding tasks, which is why you shouldn’t be surprised to get asked if you have any physical limitations that could impede your ability perform your duties. After all, you’ll be expected to lift goods and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and handle a variety of heavy machinery.

You won’t need a level of fitness equal to that of an athlete, but you do need to be in decent shape if you want to be considered for the role.

2. Attention to Detail

 A keen attention to detail is a major plus for anyone applying to be a warehouse employee.

You can expect to be asked the following:

• “Do you have a system for tracking shipments and merchandise to prevent loss or theft?”
• “What methods do you employ to prevent damage when loading and unloading goods?”

While your answers will depend on your skills and experience, you want to be as detailed as possible, giving a laundry list of techniques you would typically use to protect and track goods. Possible answers to emphasize include experience using an inventory management system (IMS) and knowing how to apply protective materials on goods (e.g. padding and bubble wrap).

3. Strong Communication Skills

 Communication may seem like a soft skill, but it’s absolutely critical when running an efficient warehouse facility. Warehouse workers are required to talk with suppliers, moving companies, transportation companies, managers, dispatchers, and co-workers on an almost daily basis. So, being able to communicate and listen can be a valuable skill.

You can expect to be asked things like:

• “What are your strongest communication skills?”
• “Can you provide examples of scenarios in the past where you had to communicate in a warehouse environment?”
• “What is one instance where an event or situation proved to be a communication challenge, and how did you deal with it?”

For more job search tips in the warehouse niche and other industries, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with the staffing services specialists The Reserves Network. Contact us today to get started!