5 Purchasing Agent Interview Questions and Answers

Purchasing agents will typically need to be familiar with the company's point-of-sales (POS) system, where they can create and maintain purchase orders. Depending on the needs of the company, they may also have to create stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers or codes, update the inventory and handle the computer aspects of the receiving paperwork. What to look for in an answer:

• Level of experience
• Demonstration of computer literacy
• Versatility within the retail environment

Your potential purchasing agent should be familiar with the goods that are sold by the company, but the ideal candidate might have gotten their start in an entirely different field. For example, if your company sells beer and brewing products and they have worked as a server/bartender in the past, they might have enough relevant experience to make them the right person for the job. What to look for in an answer:

• Work history and background
• Demonstration of a range of skills
• Ability to think outside the box

In this position, it's important to maintain a friendly yet professional demeanor when meeting with vendors. While the salesperson will generally bend over backwards to sell their products at first, the client won't return if the purchasing agent is surly, difficult to work with or otherwise unresponsive. The ability to be receptive and responsive during business conversations is a must. What to look for in an answer:

• A positive, upbeat attitude
• Familiarity with this aspect of the business
• The ability to carry the conversational ball without monopolizing

A purchasing agent will usually need to have this flexibility as they might have to attend conventions or other meetings in remote locations, depending on what products and services your company offers. While you might be able to bridge the gap by sending a different employee from time to time, it's best if the purchasing agent remains familiar with all the products in stock. What to look for in an answer:

• Willingness to adapt to the company's needs
• Flexibility, in case they ever need to cover shifts
• Understanding for what's required for the position

A good candidate should become familiar with the product list in a hurry, but it helps if the candidate already has advance knowledge of the industry. The purchasing agent for a marine supply store, for example, might have previously worked on a fishing boat or perhaps at a shipyard. If their relevant experience took place in the same ballpark location as your business, that's even better. What to look for in an answer:

• Familiarity with the industry
• Willingness to work a variety of jobs
• Enthusiasm for the product list