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When it comes to the field of logistics, hiring managers need to make decisions based on more than just the standard HR metrics. They need to investigate and understand how logistics professionals do their job on a day-to-day basis. Taking a “Big Picture” approach to logistics means a better chance that each hiring decision will add the most possible value to your organization.

Use these tips to boost the success of your hiring process for logistics employees.

Get out there

Getting outside your office and engaging with logistics workers has two big positive effects. First, it allows you to learn about the daily duties and overall culture of the logistics department, which will allow you to make better-informed hiring decisions. Second, being a regular visitor will allow you to connect with employees. This increases the chance that they’ll respect your hiring decisions and it makes handling personnel issues in the department a little bit easier.

Know the lingo, know the numbers

When you do step into the logistics department, make sure it’s to do more than just drink coffee and shoot the breeze. Your hiring decisions will be much more informed if you actually learn what’s going on in the department on a regular basis.

Additionally, it will be easier to propose new initiatives if you know the gritty details necessary to determine a return on investment. Hiring managers should know logistics expenses, average shipping volumes, typical shipment damage and in-transit times – among other things.

Understand the technology

Hiring managers should also know the different technologies used by logistics professionals. These tools are used to track shipments, compare rates, analyze data and automate repetitive tasks. When hiring managers know which software solutions their logistics department uses and why, it allows them to find the most qualified candidates.

Think strategy

Good hiring managers align their decisions with the company’s goals. New logistics hires can then be told how their role supports the company’s values and culture. HR personnel should then follow up on employee performance to see how their decisions panned out and use that analysis to inform future strategic decisions.

If your company doesn’t have a clearly defined vision of hiring decisions, don’t be afraid to come up with your own. Talk to people at all levels of the company to see how ambitious your vision can be. After putting together a vision or strategy, it is crucial to get some final input and backing from upper management.

Be Adaptable

Doing a good job is easy when the expected happens, but the best professionals are able to adapt to unexpected situations. Ironically, the best way to handle unexpected situations is to prepare for them and put together contingency plans.

Being adaptable also means staying on top of the latest developments, both in the field of human resources and in logistics. Don’t just stay current by browsing the internet. Networking with other professionals also allows you to keep abreast of the latest news.

At Cornerstone, we work with hiring personnel to connect them with the best-fit logistics talent. If your company is looking to fill a logistics position or expand its logistics staff, feel free to contact us through our website regarding a permanent placement or temp-to-hire solution.


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