If you're a graduate looking to get into buying and need to get a feel for the kind of questions employers might ask at interview, then make sure you research these graduate buying interview questions below. These questions and answers are taken from real graduate interviews, and compiled to give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare your answers.

Example Buying Interview Questions:

What impact might electronic commerce have on the purchasing process?

This question is a test of industry knowledge, and demonstrate the importance of thorough research prior to the interview. The best way to structure your answer would be to describe the purchasing process first, then discuss electronic commerce and finally to make points on how the purchasing process has changed and how it might continue to evolve in the future.

Tell me what the steps are of the purchasing process? Or  What are ways that materials may be purchased?

This is again a test of industry knowledge. You will provide the best answers to these questions if you ensure that you prepare thoroughly. If you get a testing question that you are unsure about it is important to still construct an answer, take your time and think about the question logically. If you are unsure about an aspect of a question, perhaps a technical aspect, ask the interview to explain and then use that information to formulate an answer.  If you are unsure do not sit and think for 3 minutes before answering – part of the test is your ability to think on your feet and communicate well under pressure.

Describe for me a situation where you were required to gather a large amount of data, to analyse it objectively and to make a decision or a recommendation based on the results.

Unless you have had a lengthy work placement it is unlikely that you will be able to use an example other than from your degree, but this is still relevant as long as you tailor your answer carefully to the question.  Focus on an extended project from your degree (or work placement if applicable) and go into detail as to how you dealt with data to formulate your recommendations. This is a good opportunity to highlight a successful project so expand your answer to include positive feedback you received. A huge part of your role in buying or purchasing will be making decisions on what and how much to buy depending on data collated of previous sales.