Order selectors play a crucial role in warehouse operations. Some of their main jobs are to carefully choose, pack, and get orders ready to be sent to customers.
As an order selector you need to have strong attention to detail, great organizational skills and the ability to work efficiently even during high-pressure situations. That’s why interviews for order selector roles will focus on assessing these competencies along with your overall fit.
To help you ace your next order selector interview here are some of the most common questions you can expect along with tips on how to give winning answers
Describe Your Work Ethic
Interviewers often ask order picker candidates to describe their work ethic. They want to know your values, what drives you, and how you do your job by asking this question.
Good responses include:
- Highlighting qualities like dedication, positivity, integrity and teamwork
- Providing examples of times you went above-and-beyond expectations
- Emphasizing your commitment to safety, accuracy and efficiency
For instance: “My strong work ethic is based on hard work, positivity, and honesty.” For example, when we got a lot of orders over the holidays, I volunteered for extra shifts to help meet the needs. My team knows they can rely on me to regularly go above-and-beyond expectations. “.
How Do You Ensure Accuracy When Picking Complex Orders?
Accuracy is paramount for order selectors. Interviewers will want to know your strategies for minimizing errors, especially when dealing with large, complex orders.
In your response, highlight methods like:
- Double and triple checking order lists
- Focusing on one task at a time
- Leveraging technology like barcode scanners
- Asking clarifying questions when unsure
For example: “To ensure accuracy with complex orders, I start by reviewing all details carefully before beginning the pick. I’ll also leverage technology like a handheld barcode scanner to verify each item. When needed, I’ll ask questions to clarify any uncertainties. Taking it one step at a time is key.”
How Do You Feel About Working Nights or Weekends?
Warehouse operations often require off-hour shifts to meet customer demands. With this question, interviewers want to make sure you’re comfortable with schedule flexibility.
In your response:
- Express your willingness to work variable shifts like nights and weekends
- Share any related experience you may already have
- Emphasize prioritizing the team and company needs
For example: “I understand that order fulfillment is a 24/7 operation. I’m fully comfortable working nights, weekends and varied shifts as needed to meet demands. In past roles, I’ve frequently worked overnight and weekend shifts without any issues. I prioritize delivering for the team and customers.”
What Warehouse Technologies Are You Familiar With?
Order selectors regularly use specialized equipment like barcode scanners, RFID readers, pick-to-light systems and forklifts. Familiarity with these technologies is a plus.
When answering, highlight experience with:
- Handheld barcode scanners
- Radio frequency identification (RFID)
- Warehouse management systems
- Inventory software programs
- Equipment like forklifts, order pickers or pallet jacks
For example: “I have experience using handheld barcode scanners, RFID and forklifts in previous warehouse roles. I’m also familiar with warehouse management systems like RedPrairie and comfortable learning new inventory software platforms. My tech skills help me adapt easily.”
How Do You Handle Last-Minute Changes to Orders?
Order changes and updates are common in fast-paced distribution centers. Interviewers want to know how you deal with these curveballs while still maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
In your answer, emphasize:
- Staying focused when priorities shift suddenly
- Rechecking order details to avoid errors
- Asking clarifying questions to fully understand changes
- Quickly adjusting while not rushing and sacrificing precision
For example: “When orders change last-minute, I stay focused and avoid panic. I’ll review the updated details closely and ask any clarifying questions needed. I’ve learned to be adaptable and meticulous despite sudden changes to prevent mistakes.”
How Do You Prioritize When You Have Multiple Orders?
Juggling multiple order picking tasks is standard for selectors. Share how you stay organized when faced with this scenario.
Highlight strategies like:
- Prioritizing by shipment date and time sensitivity
- Grouping orders by warehouse zone or product type
- Creating efficient pick paths to minimize travel time
- Leveraging checklists and notes to stay on track
For example: “When managing multiple orders, I’ll first group them by shipment deadline and location in the warehouse. This allows me to create an optimal pick path to maximize efficiency. Checklists help me stay organized and I continuously re-prioritize if any new urgent orders come in.”
How Do You Handle Physical Demands Like Heavy Lifting?
Order picking involves considerable physical activity like walking, bending, lifting and carrying. Interviewers want to know you can handle these demands safely and effectively.
Emphasize:
- Your ability to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly
- Proper lifting techniques you utilize
- Stamina developed through regular exercise/activity
- Taking breaks as needed while still delivering
For example: “I’m able to regularly lift up to 50 lbs utilizing proper lifting methods – bending my knees, keeping my back straight and holding loads close to my body. I also prioritize staying active outside work which builds my stamina for the physical parts of the role.”
How Do You Handle Delivering Bad News to Customers?
Despite best efforts, sometimes orders get delayed or inventory comes up short. Interviewers want to know how you handle conveying these setbacks to customers.
In your response, highlight:
- Remaining calm and polite in difficult conversations
- Apologizing sincerely for the situation
- Providing explanations without blaming others
- Focusing on solutions where possible
For example: “I understand situations like backorders or damaged goods can’t be avoided. When conveying these setbacks to customers, I apologize sincerely and remain courteous. I provide clear explanations of the issue while owning my part. My goal is resolving problems quickly, even when delivering bad news.”
How Do You Build Relationships with Colleagues?
Teamwork is vital for order pickers. Interviewers want to understand your approach to developing strong relationships with co-workers.
In your response, emphasize:
- Being friendly and helpful to all colleagues
- Volunteering to assist with others’ tasks when possible
- Proactively communicating to avoid surprises or confusion
- Making co-workers feel appreciated and valued
For example: “I believe starting each day with a friendly attitude goes a long way. I also try to help coworkers whenever I can, even if it’s not directly my responsibility. Things like covering a shift or assisting with a large order can build goodwill. My goal is to create a positive team environment.”
How Do You Stay Motivated in a Repetitive Role?
Order selecting involves consistently performing similar actions. Interviewers want to know how you maintain high levels of motivation even when the work is repetitive.
In your response, discuss:
- Reminding yourself that accuracy matters even in repetitive tasks
- Finding opportunities to improve processes over time
- Setting goals related to efficiency or quality benchmarks
- Focusing on being part of the larger mission
For example: “I remind myself that even repetitive tasks require care and focus. I see opportunities to improve how I do things over time through small adjustments. Having performance goals around quality metrics also keeps me engaged. Most importantly, I focus on the larger mission of delivery for customers.”
Discuss a Time You Failed to Meet Expectations
Don’t be surprised if you get asked about a time you made a mistake or missed expectations. Interviewers want to see how accountable you are.
When responding, focus on:
- Being transparent and taking ownership
- Explaining the circumstances without blaming others
- Outlining the lessons you learned
- Emphasizing how it made you a better selector
For example: “Early in my last role, I missed a shipment deadline due to underestimating the size of an order. I took full accountability with my manager and learned important lessons about time allocation. While difficult, the experience ultimately made me better at planning and managing my time when picking orders.”
Do You Have Any Questions for Me?
Always have thoughtful questions prepared to ask about the company, culture, training and more. This reinforces your interest in the role.
Some options:
- How would you describe the culture on the warehouse floor?
- What metrics are used to evaluate order selector performance?
- Are there opportunities for advancement or growth within the company?
- What type of training is provided to new order selectors?
Preparing responses to these common questions will help you stand out and land the order selector job you want! Be sure to highlight your organization, attention to detail, efficiency and teamwork throughout the interview.
Soft skills interview questions
- How do you decide what to do first when you have a lot of orders to pick up and not much time?
- If you had trouble talking to a team member or your boss, describe the situation. What steps did you take to resolve the issue?.
- In what way do you handle a customer who got the wrong order?
- Could you describe a time when you paid close attention to details at a previous job?
- Remember a time when you had to work together with coworkers to get something done. What problems did you have to solve, and how did you do it?
- How long have you been using order pickers? Can you describe how to safely use one in a busy warehouse?
- Are you familiar with using a handheld scanner to pick up orders? If so, could you give me an example of how you make sure the scans are correct?
- Have you ever had technical problems with an order picker? If so, how did you figure out what was wrong and fix it?
- Have you ever worked in a warehouse with automated order picking systems? If so, how did you get used to them and make sure your work was correct?
- Can you think of a time when you had to pick up orders that included fragile or dangerous items? How did you make sure you handled them properly and followed safety rules?
Selector Interview Questions
FAQ
Is order selecting a hard job?
How do I prepare for an order management interview?
What to expect in a selection interview?
What should you look for in an order picker?
What to look for in an answer: “Accuracy is an important part of being an order picker. There was no specific protocol in my previous position, so I created my own to make sure my work was correct.
What does an order picker do?
Even though the work of an order picker is often solitary, the role interacts with coworkers, supervisors, and sometimes even customers. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate’s communication and interpersonal skills in the workplace when dealing with others. What to look for in an answer:
How do I become an order picker?
If you’re pursuing a position as an order picker, it’s essential to demonstrate your ability to work efficiently under pressure, maintain high levels of accuracy, and adhere to safety protocols.
What skills do order pickers need?
The ability to stay composed, focused, and efficient under stress is a key skill for order pickers, as productivity and accuracy are essential in ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining smooth operations.
