Purchasing Agent Resume Samples, Tips, and Templates

The role of a purchasing agent is to interact with vendors to acquire whatever raw materials and equipment that an organization or establishment might need. Purchasing Agents might order tools, supplies, machine components, or any number of other relevant goods or services. The Agent is responsible for both acquiring high-quality goods while still remaining within budgetary restrictions, keeping complete records of purchases, overseeing transportation of those orders, and other duties related to product acquisition.

In addition to the above-stated essential skills, there are other related traits that often are useful. For example, effective Purchasing Agents often have developed analytical skills, abilities to communicate effectively both written and verbally, and a comfort in handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Time management skills are also valuable, as is an ability to work both within teams and independently, without supervision.

When applying and interviewing for a Purchasing Agent, a well-crafted resume will help set you apart.

Tips for Purchasing Agent Resumes

Good Negotiating Skills

In addition to ensuring that a business has what it needs in goods and services, a Purchasing Agent also must make sure that he does so within a stated budget. To do so, strong negotiation skills are a definite plus, as a Purchasing Agent’s performance is often measured by how well he negotiates ideal rates. For manufacturers and trade resellers especially, the ability to get goods at a low cost is critical to maintaining profit and a viable business model.

A Keen Eye for Quality

But price isn’t the only crucial element of a successful vendor agreement. An effective Purchasing Agent must also have the ability to discern quality products from those that aren’t, regardless of the price offered. Quality products for resale improve the company’s image, while quality products for company usage enable coworkers to do their jobs well. A Purchasing Agent must be able to balance quality with cost and must monitor shipments to make sure their suppliers are maintaining quality standards.

Relational Skills

Though Purchasing Agents often use technology like computers to place orders, the actual purchasing process is still generally accomplished between a buyer’s representative and a seller’s representative. In other words, the difference between an average Purchasing Agent and an excellent one is their ability to establish communication and rapport between their company and those providing needed goods and services. The better the communication and rapport, the better the purchasing contracts will be.

Purchasing Agent Resume Samples

The following resume samples and templates for Purchasing Agents can help you get a better idea of what your resume can look like.

Purchasing Agents should always read the specific job description and requirements, and they should make sure that their resume matches them.

Additional Purchasing Agent Resume Tips

• Be Computer Literate – The duties of a Purchasing Agent in any large company will often be performed on some sort of computer software. In addition to Microsoft Office, be familiar with the programs most often used in the business—such as Fishbowl Inventory or Sage X3.
• Grace Under Pressure – Since Purchasing Agents ensure that a company or organization has access to all goods and services it might require, they are the first point-of-contact for anyone requiring these, often at all hours of the day. A Purchasing Agent will need to juggle both the requirements of their own job and the abrupt demands of supervisors and colleagues, while still remaining calm and collected.

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