Whether electronics, fashion or even groceries – for years, more and more customers have preferred to buy their goods over the internet. This trend has intensified since the start of the Corona pandemic, the hygiene regulations that have come into force as a result, and the closing of store locations. Online retailing can therefore be seen as the winner of this crisis situation, which is so difficult for many industries – but not alone.

After all, it is only with logistics and transport companies that the many products bought online find their way to the buyers' homes. Thus, it can be stated: Logistics is also experiencing a boom thanks to Corona. This makes it an attractive industry for many job seekers.

In this article, we explain what job opportunities the logistics industry offers, what skills are necessary and how you can best apply for a suitable job in logistics.

Content overview: What you should know about finding a job in logistics

What subsectors does logistics consist of?
What kind of jobs does logistics offer?
What skills are important in logistics?
How do I apply for a job in logistics?
Where can I find jobs in logistics?

What subsectors does logistics consist of?

The logistics industry offers numerous jobs for career starters as well as for experienced professionals and career changers. To gain an understanding of how broad the job opportunities in logistics are, it is helpful to learn about its subsectors. The following four areas make up logistics:

Procurement logistics
Production logistics
Distribution logistics
Disposal logistics

The four sub-areas do not stand alone, but form a chain. For logistics specialists, this begins with the procurement of high-quality raw materials and their timely delivery to the production facilities where the goods are manufactured, for example. In the subsequent distribution logistics, logisticians take care of storing the finished products and shipping them to customers in a timely manner to keep storage costs as low as possible. Finally, disposal logisticians are responsible for the disposing of waste and leftovers generated during processes.

What kind of jobs does logistics offer?

Whether with or without training, whether as a career starter or long-time expert – due to the wide range of fields of activity, there is always a high demand for both skilled and unskilled workers in logistics. In the following, we give you three examples of typical professions in logistics.

Trained freight forwarding and logistics services clerks can be considered "architects of transportation" and often work in freight forwarding companies, warehousing companies, or cargo transportation companies (by truck, plane, ship, or train). There they organize the three main processes of logistics: shipping, transshipment (change of means of transport) and storage of goods.

Trained warehouse and logistics specialists, as the name suggests, work mainly in the warehouse, where they first coordinate the receipt and proper storage of goods. Then you take care of the picking and delivery of the goods. In addition, you will carry out regular quality controls and stocktaking. The area of activity of the warehouse and logistics specialist thus includes storage, packaging, quality assurance and transport organization.

The forklift driver also works in the logistics center. Although this is not an apprenticeship, a forklift license is required to operate the forklift. Forklift truck drivers are responsible for the fast and safe transport of goods within the warehouse, should be characterized by a precise and skillful way of working and should also keep calm and maintain an overview in stressful situations.

Tip: You can find many other fields of activity and numerous job offers in logistics – e.g. as a truck driver or warehouse helper – in our job market and on our pages for skilled workers or industrial and warehouse employees.

What skills are important in logistics?

As you can see, training is not always necessary to work in logistics. However, initial work experience in the desired areas of activity is always an advantage – although not always a prerequisite. In addition, applicants should have various skills that are of key importance to employers in logistics. These include:

Reliability
Ability to work in a team
High motivation
Willingness to learn
Initiative
Skilled craftsmanship
Ability to work under pressure

In particular, the qualities of reliability and teamwork can be found in many job advertisements in logistics. However, IT skills, possession of a forklift and car driver's license, and willingness to work shifts are also frequent requirements. In addition, knowledge of English may also be necessary or advantageous if the employer operates internationally.

How do I apply for a job in logistics?

Would you like to apply for a job in logistics? Then – as in most other professions – you first need a letter of application and a complete resume. You put both together in the form of an application folder, which you hand in to your potential employer.

The cover letter is the first impression you make on your employer, convincing him or her that you are the right choice for the job. In your résumé, you list your professional experience, the training you have completed, and the knowledge and additional qualifications you have that match the advertised position.

But there is another way: In some cases, a classic application with cover letter and resume is not necessary. At the DEKRA Arbeit Group, for example, we sometimes offer fast and uncomplicated online applications in which you only need to enter your contact details and a few additional pieces of information in a contact field.

Tip: Have you already received an invitation to an interview? Then read our 10 tips for a successful job interview here.

Where can I find jobs in logistics?

In addition to the usual job search engines on the web, personnel service providers such as the DEKRA Arbeit Group are particularly helpful if you are looking for jobs in logistics. The big advantage here: You are not left to your own devices, but receive competent support from experienced employees who will help you with all important questions on your way to a new job – be it with the application, the interview or the employment contract.

In addition, we offer you a job market with numerous interesting vacancies that are aimed at all levels of qualification. Once you have found a suitable position, you can conveniently apply to your preferred employer online in just one minute.

Should you then be hired by the DEKRA Arbeit Group, you will benefit from numerous advantages. These include, for example:

Attractive remuneration according to the collective agreement incl. vacation pay and Christmas bonus
Competent support during the entire employment relationship
Flexibility in terms of deployment options
Opportunities for further training at DEKRA

Are you interested in a job in the logistics industry, which is booming despite Corona and offers a wide range of job opportunities? With an employer who offers you good pay, appreciation and further training opportunities? Then contact us now via our website or directly at one of our offices near you. We look forward to hearing from you!

Logistik-Boom trotz Corona: Wie Sie jetzt den passenden Job in der Logistik finden