Manifest

Term from Courier Services industry explained for recruiters

A Manifest is an important document that lists all items being transported in a shipment or delivery. Think of it as a detailed packing list that shows everything on board a vehicle, ship, or aircraft. In courier services, it helps track packages, ensures nothing gets lost, and is used for customs clearance when shipping internationally. When someone mentions "manifest" in their resume, they're usually talking about their experience with managing shipping documentation and cargo tracking. Similar terms you might see are "shipping manifest," "cargo manifest," or "delivery manifest."

Examples in Resumes

Managed daily Manifest processing for over 200 packages

Created and maintained electronic Manifests for international shipments

Supervised Shipping Manifest preparation for cross-border deliveries

Typical job title: "Manifest Clerks"

Also try searching for:

Shipping Clerk Logistics Coordinator Documentation Specialist Manifest Controller Cargo Documentation Agent Export Documentation Specialist Shipping Documentation Coordinator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a discrepancy between the manifest and actual shipment contents?

Expected Answer: The candidate should explain the process of reconciliation, documentation correction procedures, communication with relevant parties, and implementing preventive measures for future accuracy.

Q: Describe your experience with implementing or improving manifest management systems.

Expected Answer: Look for answers showing experience in selecting or improving electronic manifest systems, training staff, and creating efficient workflows for manifest processing.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What information must be included in an international shipping manifest?

Expected Answer: Should mention key elements like shipper/consignee details, package counts, descriptions, weights, values, and customs requirements for different countries.

Q: How do you ensure manifest accuracy in a fast-paced environment?

Expected Answer: Should discuss double-checking procedures, verification systems, and quality control measures used to maintain accuracy while meeting deadlines.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a manifest and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that a manifest is a detailed list of shipment contents used for tracking, customs clearance, and accountability purposes.

Q: What are the basic steps in preparing a manifest?

Expected Answer: Should describe gathering shipping information, verifying package details, entering data accurately, and following company procedures for documentation.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic manifest preparation
  • Data entry accuracy
  • Understanding shipping terminology
  • Document filing and organization

Mid (2-5 years)

  • International shipping documentation
  • Electronic manifest systems
  • Problem-solving shipping discrepancies
  • Customs documentation requirements

Senior (5+ years)

  • Team supervision
  • Process improvement
  • Complex international shipments
  • Training and system implementation

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic shipping documentation
  • Poor attention to detail
  • Lack of experience with electronic manifest systems
  • No understanding of customs requirements