Entering the logistics industry can be both exciting and challenging. This dynamic field offers numerous growth opportunities, but breaking into it at the entry-level requires preparation, persistence, and an understanding of key industry trends. Whether you're a recent graduate or looking for a career change, here are some essential tips to help you land your first logistics and supply chain job!

Get to Know the Industry

Before diving into the job search, take some time to familiarize yourself with the logistics and supply chain industry. Understand the key concepts, terminology, and the role of logistics in various businesses. This will give you a better understanding of the opportunities in the field and help during the application and interview process. While a college degree in the area is optional, it certainly helps you stand out as a top applicant. However, if you possess no relevant education or job experience, you need to learn as much as you can about the industry before diving in.

To familiarize yourself with the industry:

• Read industry news and publications like Logistics Management and Supply Chain Dive
• Follow industry leaders and companies on social media
• Learn the basics of logistics and key terminology

Look for common entry-level positions

The logistics industry has various entry-level positions, including roles in warehouse operations, transportation coordination, inventory management, and more. Be open to exploring different roles to gain initial experience and broaden your understanding of the industry. Here are a few common entry-level positions to consider:

• Logistics Analyst: A logistics analyst is responsible for analyzing and optimizing the processes involved in the movement, storage, and distribution of goods within logistics operators.
• Warehouse Associate: Warehouse associates handle receiving, storing, and shipping goods. They may also perform inventory management and ensure products are correctly packaged and labeled.
• Inventory Control Specialist: This role focuses on tracking inventory levels, ensuring accuracy in stock records, and preventing overstock or shortages.
• Shipping and Receiving Clerk: Shipping and receiving clerks are responsible for processing incoming and outgoing shipments in a company location.
• Customer Service Representative: Customer service representatives act as the liaison between the company and customers, providing updates on orders, answering questions, and resolving issues related to delivery and shipments.

Evaluate Your Skills

Before you launch your job search, take some time to self-evaluate your skill set and how it can help you transition into the industry. If you don’t have prior experience in logistics or supply chain, consider the soft skills you’ve gained from previous jobs or internships. Soft skills are core abilities that allow a person to communicate, problem-solve, and work efficiently. They are often referred to as “transferable” skills because they are generally applicable to all professions. Even if you don’t have all of the qualifications outlined in a job ad, there is still a good chance the company is looking for a candidate who can learn quickly and brings soft skills to the table when it comes to entry-level jobs. Soft skills will be valuable assets in your job search even if your previous experience is in retail, customer service, or any other field.

Commonly sought-after skills include:

• Analytical thinking: The ability to assess and optimize processes
• Problem-solving: Quickly identifying solutions when issues arise
• Communication: Coordinating effectively with team members, suppliers, and customers
• Time management: Managing tasks efficiently, especially in fast-paced environments
• Attention to detail: Ensuring accuracy in documentation and reporting

Once you have a good understanding of your skills, cross-check their compatibility with the descriptions and qualifications of various entry-level logistics jobs. This can help you narrow your search to positions that will serve as the best stepping stones into the industry. If you have some experience in logistics or relevant education, don’t hesitate to share them in your resume and interview later on!

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

A resume and cover letter should be concise, professional in tone, and tailored to the specific position you are applying to. When applying for entry-level logistics positions, tailor your resume and cover letter to spotlight your growth potential. If you can, highlight relevant education, certifications, technical skills, and any previous experience demonstrating your understanding of logistics and supply chain operations. Even if your work experience seems unrelated, emphasize any responsibilities or accomplishments that demonstrate your potential to succeed in any role that you’re in.

Be sure to also:

• Use keywords from the job description to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate specific results
• Focus on how you can add value to the company even in an entry-level role

Your cover letter is a great opportunity to briefly address any lack of industry experience on your resume and describe the value you can bring to the specific position and the company. Explain what has drawn you to a job in the industry and the aspects of the position that excite you, especially as an entry-level professional. Underscore your desire to learn and grow in the logistics space and how your soft skills have prepared you for the challenge. It’s not about expanding on what you are lacking but elaborating on your ability to adapt and thrive in any situation with the skills and experience that you already have.

As with jobs in any industry, it’s important to customize your resume and cover letter for each specific application. It’s key to ensure you are using the right position title and company name in your documents, proper spelling, and addressing the hiring manager by name if the information is available.

Prepare for Your Interview

Once you land an interview, preparation is crucial. Start by researching the company and taking notes on its history, objectives, operations, and leadership. Interviewers will likely ask questions to gauge your interest in the company, so knowing the specifics will boost your confidence and impress the interviewers. Your research into the industry will also be important during your interview. Be ready to discuss your knowledge of supply chain concepts, current industry news, and your familiarity with relevant technologies. In addition, write down any questions you may have for the interviewer ahead of time to bring with you.

Be prepared to answer why you are drawn to the position and the logistics industry. Job seekers without prior logistics experience should showcase their soft skills whenever they can in their interview responses. While your resume will list your soft skills for hiring managers, it’s important to demonstrate how you can apply them to the specific job and realistic scenarios. This is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression by showcasing your best transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities in a memorable way.

Stay Persistent

Your attitude and mindset have a huge impact on your job search. Getting your first job in logistics and supply chain may take time, especially if you're transitioning from another field. Stay persistent in your job search! If the search is stalling, try to expand your options and apply for other roles, including internships and seasonal work, in various sectors like warehousing, distribution, and transportation. Gaining initial experience in any part of the field can be a stepping stone to more advanced roles.

By developing industry knowledge, leveraging your soft skills, and preparing for interviews, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate in your job search. While the path to an entry-level position may have its challenges, persistence, a proactive approach, and a willingness to learn and adapt can set you on the right track toward a rewarding career in logistics.