Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: MRP • Master Production Schedule • SRM

PO

Term from Supply Chain Management industry explained for recruiters

PO, which stands for Purchase Order, is a formal document that businesses use to buy products or services from suppliers. Think of it as an official shopping list that one company sends to another. It clearly states what is being bought, how much it costs, when it should be delivered, and other important details. This document is crucial because it serves as a legal agreement between buyer and seller, helps track spending, and is essential for accounting purposes. When you see "PO" in resumes or job descriptions, it usually refers to creating, managing, or processing these purchase orders as part of procurement or purchasing roles.

Examples in Resumes

Managed over 500 POs monthly, ensuring timely delivery of materials

Implemented new Purchase Order tracking system reducing processing time by 30%

Coordinated with suppliers to resolve PO discrepancies and maintain accurate records

Typical job title: "Purchasing Coordinators"

Also try searching for:

Procurement Specialist Purchasing Agent Buyer Supply Chain Coordinator Procurement Officer Purchase Order Administrator Materials Planner

Where to Find Purchasing Coordinators

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a new PO system across multiple departments?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show experience in managing change, understanding of approval workflows, and ability to train staff. They should mention stakeholder communication, system testing, and creating clear procedures.

Q: How do you handle supplier relationship management in relation to POs?

Expected Answer: Strong answers should cover negotiation skills, maintaining good vendor relationships, resolving disputes, and understanding of contract terms and compliance issues.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What steps do you take to verify and approve a Purchase Order?

Expected Answer: Should describe checking budget availability, verifying pricing against contracts, ensuring proper approvals, and confirming delivery terms and supplier information.

Q: How do you handle rush orders while maintaining proper PO procedures?

Expected Answer: Should explain balancing urgent needs with proper documentation, knowing when to expedite approvals, and maintaining compliance while being flexible.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What basic information should be included in a Purchase Order?

Expected Answer: Should list essential elements like PO number, supplier details, item descriptions, quantities, prices, delivery date, and payment terms.

Q: How do you match a PO with an invoice and receiving document?

Expected Answer: Should explain the 3-way matching process of comparing PO details with received goods and invoice, including checking quantities, prices, and terms.