If an employer wants to interview you for a warehouse worker position, congratulations! You are well on your way to a fulfilling career in the logistics industry.
Getting the most benefit out of the interview process requires some thought and preparation. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an interview for a warehouse job.
Every warehouse is different. Some warehouses handle stock from a single retailer, and others handle stock from many sources in a particular industry. Some warehouses store and ship a range of different items for many industries.
Find out about the goods that the warehouse handles and think about what that might mean for employees. For example, a warehouse that serves the grocery industry might reserve significant space for cold storage. Working there might be a very different experience than working for a warehouse that supplies the construction industry.
When is the warehouse likely to be busiest? Will there be opportunities to interact with customers, or is that function handled at another office or site? Is this an employer who invests in technology, or do they operate old-school? The right answer will depend on what you want from your job. Thinking about these questions and perhaps asking them during your interview will put you in a good position to impress the employer with your interest in their operation.
If you are interviewing for a job working on the warehouse floor, you do not need to wear business attire to the interview. Instead, make sure you look neat and presentable in pressed slacks, a shirt with a collar, and closed-toe shoes. It is usually best to avoid jeans, t-shirts with logos, and sandals at interviews.
If you are interviewing for an entry-level management position, you might dress more formally. Business casual is usually appropriate when interviewing for these jobs.
If you have any relevant certifications, such as a forklift operator license, any APICS certificates, or advanced training in any warehouse operating software, bring proof of those credentials. Be prepared to discuss why you sought the certifications and what you learned from the certification process.
Warehouse employers are looking for people committed to the industry and who want to grow their skills. If you are a relatively inexperienced warehouse worker, letting the employer know you are interested in pursuing certification and training opportunities could give you a leg up on the competition.
Warehouses can pose dangers to employees if they do not strictly follow safety procedures and protocols. It is expensive for employers when workers get injured and must take time off work or file workers’ compensation claims. Employers try to hire workers who take safety seriously.
If you are applying for an entry-level job, be attentive and respectful when the interviewer talks about safety issues. It is appropriate to ask questions about the kind of training you will receive and the safety procedures at the warehouse.
If you are applying as an experienced warehouse worker, the interviewer might ask you if you have been in, or observed, an accident in your workplace. Answer honestly. If you were involved in a workplace accident in the past, be prepared to explain how it happened and what you learned to ensure it does not happen again.
Even warehouses that have not yet fully embraced automation are adopting modern technology in some areas of their operations. Letting the interviewer know that you are comfortable with digital documents, using handheld electronic devices, and learning new software could be an advantage when the employer makes their hiring decision.
If you are an experienced warehouse worker and get anxious preparing for interviews, seeking extra money through gig work might be something to consider.
HapiGig is a platform that helps warehouses find people with the right experience for part-time or flex jobs. Workers apply with HapiGig, and once they have completed the vetting process, HapiEmployers can browse the HapiWorker’s profile and reach out if they have the qualifications the employer is seeking. It is a process that saves time and relieves stress for both parties. Reach out through the HapiGig website if you are interested in warehouse gig work.